From grace to grass? Yemi My Lover’s rise, fall, and plea for renewal

In the early 1990s, Yemi Ayebo emerged from obscurity to capture national attention with his self-produced romantic fantasy Yemi My Lover. He not only wrote and starred in the film but also financed it from a modest homegrown budget of around ₦50,000–₦60,000—a labour of passion that solidified his place in Yoruba cinema’s pantheon. The film resonated deeply, tapping into folklore with a storyline centred on a man in love with a mystical water-spirit—earning cult status and a title that would define his career.

From Breakthrough to Backlash

Though the film’s popularity soared, the financial returns did not. With no effective anti-piracy enforcement and limited promotional infrastructure during the analogue era, Yemi faced a devastating reality: up to 90% of the film’s earnings were siphoned off by pirates, while he barely made enough to recoup his expenses. His attempt to oversee distribution himself sparked backlash from movie marketers, who retaliated by flooding the market with unauthorised screenings and DVD boots.

Despite the initial success, Yemi never saw profit. He revealed that, from what little he earned, he managed to buy a camera, rent basic office space, hire a small crew, and acquire a car—but he still rents his home and lacks long-term financial security.

Enduring Hardship and Betrayal

Yemi’s troubles went beyond piracy. In 1996, he was falsely accused and beaten by military personnel in his Lagos office, allegedly nearly executed based on misinformation, and forced to pay nearly ₦500,000 to extricate himself—an incident he still categorises as a career setback. These cumulative blows chipped away at his morale and bank account, even as Yemi continued producing more films—over 17 in total—but each was similarly pirated, deepening his debt and depleting his resolve.

Silent in the Silence of Success

Despite creating a cultural touchstone whose influence extends to modern artistes—rapper Olamide even honoured him with a track titled “Yemi Lover”—Yemi was never publicly acknowledged by the singer, nor did gospel star Tope Alabi, his former protégé, respond to him when he reached out  He noted that after the feature song dropped, he received no call, no message, no acknowledgment—a disillusionment that compounded his sense of isolation .

Now: A Desperate Plea for Support

Yemi’s current circumstances have led to a public cry for help: “I’m broke right now… I need more connections to get back on my feet”.

He is frank about his status—owning little more than a car, some camera gear and a rented office—with no home or savings. In interviews, he describes himself as “broke,” victims of a system that favours connections over creativity.

This past May, Yemi’s impassioned on-screen plea went viral, prompting public sympathy and a chorus of online support. Fans offered practical suggestions—like starting a YouTube channel—and rallied for prominent figures to aid him .

A Pioneer Forgotten – And Why It Matters

Yemi My Lover’s story reveals the dark underbelly of cultural innovation in Nigeria: that creators who shape genres and ignite imagination are too often forgotten, financially abandoned and excluded from the rewards of their own labour. His journey poses a stark question: what becomes of those who build industries, only to be consumed by them?

His tale underscores urgent needs within Nollywood and beyond:

• Effective anti-piracy legislation and enforcement, with heavier penalties for infringers
• Sustainable models of creator support, including royalties, copyright protections and revenue-sharing agreements.
• A cultural shift toward honouring and investing in forebears, not just succeeding entertainers.

Where Next for Yemi?

At 60 or so, Yemi is not asking for pity, but for recognition and a lifeline. He envisions a return to filmmaking, but limited by resources, access and opportunity. His legacy still draws admiration—as one fan tweeted: “I don’t mind to support in my own little way; he made love easy for me as a kid…”

In the past, Yemi My Lover transformed hearts. Today, in his moment of need, it’s time the industry, his peers and his fans lend their hearts and hands.