Idowu Adeyemi (born 4 April 1993), popularly known by his stage name Yhemolee is a Nigerian singer, actor ,and social media personality.[1] He gained recognition through his roles in the entertainment industry, He often worked with Asake and collaborated with artists like Chinko Ekun.[2]
Yhemolee | |
---|---|
Born | Idowu Adeyemi 4 April 1993 Lagos State, Nigeria. |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Other names | Olowo Eko YL |
Education | Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University. |
Occupation(s) | Actor Model Influencer Musician |
Years active | 2018–present |
Notable work | Gangs of Lagos Hotel Labamba |
Spouse | Oyin Tayo |
Awards | City People Entertainment Awards Trendupp Awards |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments |
|
He also appeared in the production Gang of Lagos, portraying the character Muri Toronto.
Early life and education
editIdowu Adeyemi was born on 4 April 1993 in Lagos State, Nigeria. He pursued higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. During his time at the university, he was actively involved in various entertainment activities.[3][4] According to an interview with Chude Jideonwo in 2023, Yhemolee shared that, as a result of his father's job his parents had to divorce, and he took on the responsibility of caring for his sister during his upbringing.[5]
Career
editYhemolee initially started as a musician, releasing several songs. His music, which blends elements of Afrobeats with modern sounds, quickly garnered a following, especially among young listeners. Idowu gained further exposure following his collaboration with Chinko Ekun and Asake on the 2020 single "Mon Cheri ".[6][7] At the City People Entertainment Awards in 2020 organized by City People Magazine, Yhemolee won the Best Collabo of the Year for his song Mon Cheri.[8] He also received nominations for The Force of Online Sensation – for which he won a Trendupp Award in 2024.[9] Yhemolee has also been credited with introducing Nigerian singer Asake to rapper Olamide.[10][11] This introduction was pivotal in launching Asake's successful career in the Nigerian music industry. Olamide later signed him to his YBNL record label, helping Asake rise to stardom In an interview with Chude Jideonwo.[12]
Yhemolee's acting career also took off with roles in Nollywood films.[13] His performances have been praised for his versatility, he has been featured in several Nollywood films including Traffic (2020), Reach (2020), Hotel Labamba (2023),[14][15] and IjeBaby Chopping Center (2022).[16] Idowu gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Muri Toronto, in Gang of Lagos.[17][18]
Social media influence and controversies
editIn October 2024, Yhemolee signed an endorsement deal with Fashion brand – Luxury by Shizz, a Nigeria-based fashion brand.[19] In June 2022, he became an official brand ambassador for the sports-betting brand bet9ja.[20][21]
Controversies
editYhemolee allegedly collided with Nigerian singer Sani Wasiu, aka Lil Frosh[22] On 27 November 2023, he was accused of assault by the singer in a series of statements on Lil Frosh's social media.[23][24] The posts featured pictures. On 28 November 2023, Yhemolee filed a ₦200 million defamation suit against singer Lil Frosh. [25][26]
Yhemolee became involved in a feud with fellow Nigerians, social media critic Verydarkman, and comedian Carter Efe. The situation escalated as they took to social media to exchange insults and express their grievances. The conflict began when Verydarkman commented on Yhemolee's public breakup with his girlfriend, which was accompanied by allegations of infidelity.[27][28][29]
In February 2024, Yhemolee faced accusations of cyberbullying footballer Alex Iwobi after the Super Eagles' loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final.[30] The controversy began when sports journalist Pooja claimed that Yhemolee posted a video criticizing Iwobi's lifestyle, suggesting it was not in line with that of a serious football player. Shortly after this post, Iwobi deleted all his Instagram photos,[31] which led to speculation that the video contributed to his decision. Yhemolee defended himself, stating that Pooja had twisted the narrative. He claimed that he merely reposted content created by someone else and denied any intent to harm Iwobi.[32]
Personal life
editOn 6 September 2024, Yhemolee married his long-term partner, Oyin Tayo (Thayour B), in Victoria Island, Lagos.[33][34] The event was attended by guests including Timi Dakolo, Zlatan, Rahaman Jago, Poco Lee, and Soso Soberekon.[35][36] Adeyemi announced on Instagram that he is expecting his first child with his wife.[37]
Discography
editSongs
editEp's
edit- Olowo Eko
Filmography
editTelevision
editYear | Title | Role | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2022– | IjeBaby Chopping Center | CK | |
2023– | Sibe | Costumers | [38] |
Film
editYear | Title | Role | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Gold Statue | Recurring role | |
2020 | Traffic | Yhemolee | |
Reach | Ebuka | ||
2023 | Gangs of Lagos | Muri Toronto | |
Hotel Labamba | Scodi |
Awards and nominations
editYear | Event | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best Collaboration | Mon Cheri ft. (Asake, Chinko Ekun, and Ashidapo) | Won | [8][39] |
Popular Song of the Year | Himself for Mon Cheri | Nominated | |||
Comedy Act of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |||
Street Music of the Year | Himself for Mon Cheri | Nominated | |||
2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Nigerian Film | Gang Of Lagos | Nominated | |
2024 | Trendupp Awards | The Force Of Online Sensation | Himself | Won | [40][41][9] |
References
edit- ^ "From Sunset to Sunrise: The Nightlife Industry and YhemoLee's Diverse Influence – THISDAY Style". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ ETUKUDO, Itoro. "My greatest achievement in 2022 is Asake, Yhemolee reveals". icirnigeria.
- ^ Erezi, Dennis (20 March 2024). "The journey from street to stardom: Actor Yhemolee". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Wangethi, Isaac (11 September 2023). "Yhemolee's biography: age, real name, siblings, net worth". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (29 June 2023). "My parents' divorce almost ruined my life - Singer Yhemolee". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ "Yhemolee Makes Huge Statement With New Single, Mon Cheri' – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ Grace, Ihesiulo (20 March 2022). "Yhemolee Hints On New Music Collaboration".
- ^ a b Reporter (7 December 2020). "Winners Emerge At 2020 City People Music Awards [Full List]". City People Magazine. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Winners at the Recently Concluded Trendupp Awards 2024". thelagosweekender.com. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Bodunde, Deborah (25 June 2023). "Yhemolee: How my recommendation got Asake signed to Olamide's label". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Onikoyi, Ayo (3 September 2023). "People behind Asake's success". vanguardngr. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ Muaz, Hassan (2 July 2023). "I cried when I surprised Asake at his concert in London, Yhemolee shares on #WithChude |". The Eagle Online. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Abiodun, Alao (10 August 2023). "Yhemolee makes his mark with notable roles in Nollywood". thenationonlineng.net. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ Munachi, Chioma (14 March 2024). "We Ranked Prime Video's Most Recent Releases From "I'll Watch This Again" to Time Waster". Zikoko!. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Onu, Stephen (24 February 2024). "MOVIE REVIEW: Biodun Stephen's murder mystery movie, 'Hotel Labamba' suffers many lapses". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ "Idowu 'Yemolee' Adeyemi - Nollywire". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Njoku, Benjamin (18 May 2024). "He's multitalented: Fans applaud Yhemole for his role in 'Gang Of Lagos'". Vanguard (Nigeria). Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Remley, Hilary (4 April 2023). "'Gangs of Lagos' Trailer Brings Violence and Destiny to Gritty Nigerian Thriller". Collider. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Nwafor (2 June 2022). "Fashion brand - Luxury by Shizzi unveils Yhemolee as brand Ambassador". Vanguard News. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ Asaju, Idris. "Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja". dailysports.
- ^ "Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja". Twitter.
- ^ Edeme, Victoria (30 November 2023). "(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Edeme, Victoria (30 November 2023). "(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ Oluwayemi, Victoria. "Singer Lil Frosh accuses actor Yhemolee of slapping him (Photo)". pmnewsnigeria.
- ^ Fatoye, Bisola (30 November 2023). "Actor Yhemolee slams N200m suit on Lil Frosh - Daily Trust". Dailytrust. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Odunmorayo, oke (28 November 2023). "Nigerian Singer Lil Frosh Accuses Actor Yhemolee of Assault". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Daramola, Ibukunoluwa (15 November 2023). "Yhemo Lee's ex-girlfriend denies allegations that she cheated on him". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Ifeoluwa (15 November 2023). "YhemoLee's girlfriend reacts to reports of their alleged breakup, infidelity". ENTERTAINMENT — WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Peaceman, Pandora (18 November 2023). "VeryDarkMan Mocks Yhemolee, Carter Efe Amid Girlfriend's Infidelity - New Telegraph". newtelegraphng.com. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Igwe, Chidi (13 February 2024). ""I don't think it's that deep tbh" – Yhemolee Reacts As Falz Cheers Alex Iwobi". TV360 Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Inyang, Ifreke (12 February 2024). "AFCON 2023: Iwobi deletes all pictures on Instagram after Ivory Coast defeat". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
- ^ Owolawi, Taiwo (13 February 2024). ""Do better": Pooja accuses Yhemo Lee of cyberbullying Alex Iwobi, he reacts". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Clifford, Elizabeth (3 September 2024). "Burna Boy praises Nigerian weddings after Yhemolee's grand ceremony". NotjustOk. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Fasan, Yewande. "Yhemolee considers farming business after receiving cow gifts ahead of wedding".
- ^ Owoeye, Olukorede (30 August 2024). "Yhemo Lee's wedding to be aired live on DSTV - Nigerian Entertainment Today". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Brown, Tosin (1 September 2024). "Timi Dakolo, Whitelion, others attend Yhemolee's wedding in Lagos | Western Post". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ ADEKUNLE, MUSA (15 September 2024). "Yhemolee, wife expecting first baby weeks after wedding". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Tv, Bn (9 July 2023). "Shaffy Bello, Yhemolee & Lilian Afegbai star in New Episode of "Sibe"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
- ^ Reporter (30 November 2020). "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Tunde Onakoya, Kiekie, Yhemolee, Others, Emerge Winners At Trendupp Awards 2024 – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 13 July 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
- ^ "Trenduppawwards". www.trenduppawards.com. Retrieved 22 September 2024.