By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Ayebo, popularly known as “Yemi My Lover,” has expressed disappointment after his name was prominently featured in a song by superstar artiste, Olamide, without him receiving any form of compensation or response from him for that.
In a recent interview shared widely on social media, Ayebo revealed that hearing his name in the hit song “Yemi My Lover” thrilled him initially. The mention, he said, led him to wonder whether he would receive any payment or acknowledgment for lending name recognition to the track.
Ayebo shared how Fuji music legend Pasuma intervened in the situation, reaching out to Olamide on his behalf. Pasuma asked if the singer had compensated the actor for using his name. Despite a brief phone connection facilitated by Pasuma, Olamide did not follow through:
“When Olamide used my name in his song Yemi My Lover, I was so happy but he didn’t compensate me. Pasuma gave me Olamide’s number & I called him for over six months but he never picked up, so I just let it go…”
Yemi further explained that, even after numerous attempts via calls and texts over a six-month period, he received no response from Olamide.
“I called Olamide for more than six months, he didn’t pick my calls, I messaged him and he didn’t reply,” he added.
Although he hasn’t received any monetary benefit or official recognition, Ayebo noted that the public use of his name by Olamide, Davido, and various skit creators has helped rekindle interest in his brand. He described this as an uplifting effect on his public profile.
The exchange has sparked debate online, with many fans questioning whether artists should compensate individuals whose names they use in their works, particularly celebrities and content creators.
As at the time of filing this report, Olamide has not publicly addressed Ayebo’s claims. With public attention increasing, the matter may prompt a broader conversation on rights, recognition, and remuneration when personal names are incorporated into popular songs.
