Yhemolee
{{Short description|Nigerian singer, actor, and social media personality}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Yhemolee
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| other_names = Olowo Eko
YL
| birth_name = Idowu Adeyemi
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1993|04|04}}
| birth_place = Lagos State, Nigeria.
| nationality = Nigerian
| education = Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University.
| occupation = Actor
Model
Influencer
Musician
| years_active = 2018–present
| known_for =
| notable_works = Gangs of Lagos
Hotel Labamba
| title =
| spouse = Oyin Tayo
| children = 1
| awards = City People Entertainment Awards
Trendupp Awards
| website =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instruments = {{flatlist|
- Vocals
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
|
}}
}}
Idowu Adeyemi (born 4 April 1993), known professionally as Yhemolee is a Nigerian singer, actor, and social media personality.{{Cite web |title=From Sunset to Sunrise: The Nightlife Industry and YhemoLee's Diverse Influence – THISDAY Style |url=https://www.thisdaystyle.ng/from-sunset-to-sunrise-the-nightlife-industry-and-yhemolees-diverse-influence/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |language=en-US}} He gained recognition following the commercial release of his single "Mon Cheri " featuring Chinko Ekun and Asake in 2020.{{Cite web |last=ETUKUDO |first=Itoro |title=My greatest achievement in 2022 is Asake, Yhemolee reveals |url=https://www.icirnigeria.org/my-greatest-achievement-in-2022-is-asake-yhemolee-reveals/ |website=icirnigeria}}
In 2020, Yhemolee won Best Collabo of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards and was nominated for Popular Song of the Year and Street Music of the Year. He received his second award at the 2024 Trendupp Awards for the Force Of Online Sensation.{{Cite web |date=13 July 2024 |title=Tunde Onakoya, Kiekie, Yhemolee, Others, Emerge Winners At Trendupp Awards 2024 – Independent Newspaper Nigeria |url=https://independent.ng/tunde-onakoya-kiekie-yhemolee-others-emerge-winners-at-trendupp-awards-2024/#google_vignette |access-date=21 September 2024 |language=en-GB}}
Outside of music, he played the character Muri Toronto in Gangs of Lagos (2023) and later appeared in Traffic (2020). His other acting credits include roles in IjeBaby Chopping Center (2022), Reach (2020), and Hotel Labamba (2023). In 2024, he starred in Alakada: Bad and Boujee, produced by FilmOne Studios. Yhemolee is also active as a host.
Early life and education
Idowu 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.{{Cite web |last=Erezi |first=Dennis |date=20 March 2024 |title=The journey from street to stardom: Actor Yhemolee |url=https://guardian.ng/news/the-journey-from-street-to-stardom-actor-yhemolee/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Wangethi |first=Isaac |date=11 September 2023 |title=Yhemolee's biography: age, real name, siblings, net worth |url=https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1553106-yhemolees-biography-age-real-siblings-net-worth/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Itodo |first=Sunny Green |date=29 June 2023 |title=My parents' divorce almost ruined my life - Singer Yhemolee |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/06/29/my-parents-divorce-almost-ruined-my-life-singer-yhemolee/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}
Career
Yhemolee began his career as a musician, releasing several songswhich blends elements of Afrobeats with contemporary sounds. He gained wider recognition after collaborating with Chinko Ekun and Asake on the 2020 single "Mon Cheri ".{{Cite web |title=Yhemolee Makes Huge Statement With New Single, Mon Cheri' – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/09/30/yhemolee-makes-huge-statement-with-new-single-mon-cheri/#google_vignette |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Grace |first=Ihesiulo |title=Yhemolee Hints On New Music Collaboration |date=20 March 2022 |url=https://dailytimesng.com/yhemolee-hints-on-new-music-collaboration/}} At the 2020 City People Entertainment Awards, organized by City People Magazine, Yhemolee won the award for Best Collabo of the Year for his song Mon Cheri.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |date=7 December 2020 |title=Winners Emerge At 2020 City People Music Awards [Full List] |url=https://www.citypeopleonline.com/winners-emerge-at-2020-city-people-music-awards-full-list/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=City People Magazine |language=en-US}} He also received nominations for The Force of Online Sensation and won a Trendupp Award in 2024 in that category.{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=Winners at the Recently Concluded Trendupp Awards 2024 |url=https://thelagosweekender.com/winners-at-the-recently-concluded-trendupp-awards-2024/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=thelagosweekender.com |language=en-GB}}
Yhemolee has been credited with introducing Nigerian singer Asake to rapper Olamide.{{Cite web |last=Bodunde |first=Deborah |date=25 June 2023 |title=Yhemolee: How my recommendation got Asake signed to Olamide's label |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/yhemolee-how-my-recommendation-got-asake-signed-to-olamides-label/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=TheCable Lifestyle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Onikoyi |first=Ayo |date=3 September 2023 |title=People behind Asake's success |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/09/people-behind-asakes-success/ |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=vanguardngr}} This introduction played a role in Asake's career progression, leading to his signing with Olamide’s YBNL record label, which contributed to his rise in the Nigerian music industry, in an interview with Chude Jideonwo.{{Cite web |last=Muaz |first=Hassan |date=2 July 2023 |title=I cried when I surprised Asake at his concert in London, Yhemolee shares on #WithChude {{!}} |url=https://theeagleonline.com.ng/i-cried-when-i-surprised-asake-at-his-concert-in-london-yhemolee-shares-on-withchude/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=The Eagle Online |language=en-GB}}
In addition to his music career, Yhemolee has also appeared in Nollywood films.{{Cite web |last=Abiodun |first=Alao |date=10 August 2023 |title=Yhemolee makes his mark with notable roles in Nollywood |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/yhemolee-makes-his-mark-with-notable-roles-in-nollywood/ |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=thenationonlineng.net}} including Traffic (2020), Reach (2020), Hotel Labamba (2023), Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024){{Cite web |last=YNaija |date=2024-12-17 |title=Toyin Abraham And The Cast Of “Alakada: Bad & Boujee” Were All Smiles At The Film Premiere » YNaija |url=https://ynaija.com/toyin-abraham-and-the-cast-of-alakada-bad-boujee-were-all-smiles-at-the-film-premiere/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=YNaija |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Munachi |first=Chioma |date=14 March 2024 |title=We Ranked Prime Video's Most Recent Releases From "I'll Watch This Again" to Time Waster |url=https://www.zikoko.com/pop/we-ranked-prime-videos-most-recent-releases-from-ill-watch-this-again-to-time-waster/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Zikoko! |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Onu |first=Stephen |date=24 February 2024 |title=MOVIE REVIEW: Biodun Stephen's murder mystery movie, 'Hotel Labamba' suffers many lapses |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/671386-movie-review-biodun-stephens-murder-mystery-movie-hotel-labamba-suffers-many-lapses.html?tztc=1 |access-date=21 September 2024 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}} and IjeBaby Chopping Center (2022).{{Cite web |title=Idowu 'Yemolee' Adeyemi - Nollywire |url=https://nollywire.com/names/idowu-yemolee-adeyemi/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |language=en-GB}} He gained wider recognition for his role as Muri Toronto in Gang of Lagos.{{Cite web |last=Njoku |first=Benjamin |date=18 May 2024 |title=He's multitalented: Fans applaud Yhemole for his role in 'Gang Of Lagos' |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/05/hes-multitalented-fans-applaud-yhemole-for-his-role-in-gang-of-lagos/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=Vanguard (Nigeria)}}{{Cite web |last=Remley |first=Hilary |date=4 April 2023 |title='Gangs of Lagos' Trailer Brings Violence and Destiny to Gritty Nigerian Thriller |url=https://collider.com/gangs-of-lagos-trailer/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Collider |language=en}}
Social media influence and controversies
In October 2024, Yhemolee signed an endorsement deal with Fashion brand – Luxury by Shizz, a Nigeria-based fashion brand.{{Cite web |last=Nwafor |date=2 June 2022 |title=Fashion brand - Luxury by Shizzi unveils Yhemolee as brand Ambassador |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/fashion-brand-luxury-by-shizzi-unveils-yhemolee-as-brand-ambassador/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}} In June 2022, he became an official brand ambassador for the sports-betting brand bet9ja.{{Cite web |last=Asaju |first=Idris |title=Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja. |url=https://dailysports.net/en-ng/bookmakers/bet9ja/#:~:text=Bet9ja%20Social%20Engagements,-Bet9ja%20has%20a&text=In%20June%202023%2C%20the%20Amapro,Ikpeba%2C%20Pocolee%2C%20and%20Yhemolee. |website=dailysports}}{{Cite web |title=Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja |url=https://x.com/PoojaMedia/status/1687836102248271872 |website=Twitter}}
= Controversies =
Yhemolee allegedly collided with Nigerian singer Sani Wasiu, aka Lil Frosh{{Cite web |last=Edeme |first=Victoria |date=30 November 2023 |title=(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m |url=https://punchng.com/pictorial-alleged-bullying-singer-lil-frosh-counters-yhemolees-claim-demands-n500m/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}} On 27 November 2023, he was accused of assault by the singer in a series of statements on Lil Frosh's social media.{{Cite web |last=Edeme |first=Victoria |date=30 November 2023 |title=(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m |url=https://punchng.com/pictorial-alleged-bullying-singer-lil-frosh-counters-yhemolees-claim-demands-n500m/ |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Oluwayemi |first=Victoria |date= |title=Singer Lil Frosh accuses actor Yhemolee of slapping him (Photo) |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2023/11/27/singer-lil-frosh-accuses-actor-yhemolee-of-slapping-him/ |website=pmnewsnigeria}} The posts featured pictures. On 28 November 2023, Yhemolee filed a ₦200 million defamation suit against singer Lil Frosh.{{Cite web |last=Fatoye |first=Bisola |date=30 November 2023 |title=Actor Yhemolee slams N200m suit on Lil Frosh - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/actor-yhemolee-slams-n200m-suit-on-lil-frosh/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=Dailytrust |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Odunmorayo |first=oke |date=28 November 2023 |title=Nigerian Singer Lil Frosh Accuses Actor Yhemolee of Assault |url=https://guardian.ng/life/nigerian-singer-lil-frosh-accuses-actor-yhemolee-of-assault/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Daramola |first=Ibukunoluwa |date=15 November 2023 |title=Yhemo Lee's ex-girlfriend denies allegations that she cheated on him |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/yhemo-lees-ex-girlfriend-denies-allegations-that-she-cheated-on-him/4kt2t7l |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ifeoluwa |date=15 November 2023 |title=YhemoLee's girlfriend reacts to reports of their alleged breakup, infidelity |url=https://www.withinnigeria.com/entertainment/2023/11/15/yhemolees-girlfriend-reacts-to-reports-of-their-alleged-breakup-infidelity/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=ENTERTAINMENT — WITHIN NIGERIA |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Peaceman |first=Pandora |date=18 November 2023 |title=VeryDarkMan Mocks Yhemolee, Carter Efe Amid Girlfriend's Infidelity - New Telegraph |url=https://newtelegraphng.com/verydarkman-mocks-yhemolee-carter-efe-amid-girlfriends-infidelity/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=newtelegraphng.com |language=en-US}}
In February 2024, Yhemolee faced accusations of cyberbullying footballer Alex Iwobi after the Super Eagles' loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final.{{Cite web |last=Igwe |first=Chidi |date=13 February 2024 |title="I don't think it's that deep tbh" – Yhemolee Reacts As Falz Cheers Alex Iwobi |url=https://www.tv360nigeria.com/i-dont-think-its-that-deep-tbh-yhemolee-reacts-as-falz-cheers-alex-iwobi/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=TV360 Nigeria |language=en-GB}} 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,{{Cite web |last=Inyang |first=Ifreke |date=12 February 2024 |title=AFCON 2023: Iwobi deletes all pictures on Instagram after Ivory Coast defeat |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/12/afcon-2023-iwobi-deletes-all-pictures-on-instagram-after-ivory-coast-defeat/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Owolawi |first=Taiwo |date=13 February 2024 |title="Do better": Pooja accuses Yhemo Lee of cyberbullying Alex Iwobi, he reacts |url=https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1578529-afcon-2023-yhemo-lee-reacts-sports-journalist-pooja-accuses-cyberbullying-alex-iwobi/ |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}}
Personal life
On 6 September 2024, Yhemolee married his long-term partner, Oyin Tayo (Thayour B), in Victoria Island, Lagos.{{Cite web |last=Clifford |first=Elizabeth |date=3 September 2024 |title=Burna Boy praises Nigerian weddings after Yhemolee's grand ceremony |url=https://notjustok.com/news/burna-boy-praises-nigerian-weddings-after-yhemolees-grand-ceremony/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=NotjustOk |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fasan |first=Yewande |title=Yhemolee considers farming business after receiving cow gifts ahead of wedding |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/yhemolee-considers-farming-business-after-receiving-cow-gifts-ahead-of-wedding/}} The event was attended by guests including Timi Dakolo, Zlatan, Rahaman Jago, Poco Lee, and Soso Soberekon.{{Cite web |last=Owoeye |first=Olukorede |date=30 August 2024 |title=Yhemo Lee's wedding to be aired live on DSTV - Nigerian Entertainment Today |url=https://thenet.ng/yhemo-lee-wedding-to-be-aired-live-on-dstv/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Tosin |date=1 September 2024 |title=Timi Dakolo, Whitelion, others attend Yhemolee's wedding in Lagos {{!}} Western Post |url=https://www.westernpost.ng/timi-dakolo-whitelion-others-attend-yhemolees-wedding-in-lagos/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |language=en-US}} Adeyemi announced on Instagram that he is expecting his first child with his wife.{{Cite web |last=ADEKUNLE |first=MUSA |date=15 September 2024 |title=Yhemolee, wife expecting first baby weeks after wedding.|url=https://guardian.ng/life/yhemolee-wife-expecting-first-baby-weeks-after-wedding/ |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}} He welcomed a boy named Amirion Idowu with his wife in the US earlier in January 2025.{{Cite web |last=ADEKUNLE |first=MUSA |date=2025-01-04 |title=PHOTOS: Yhemolee, wife welcome first child |url=https://guardian.ng/life/whatsnew-entertainment-celebrity-gist-and-so-on/yhemolee-wife-welcome-first-child/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}}
Discography
= Songs =
= EPs =
- Olowo Eko
Filmography
= Television =
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Ref |
| 2022–
|IjeBaby Chopping Center |CK | |
| 2023–
|Sibe |Costumers |
= Film =
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Ref |
| 2019
|Recurring role | |
| rowspan="2" |2020
|Traffic |Yhemolee | |
| Reach
|Ebuka | |
| rowspan="2" |2023
|Muri Toronto | |
| Hotel Labamba
|Scodi | |
| 2024
|Alaba Dollar | |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Event !Category !Work !Result !Ref |
| rowspan="4" |2020
| rowspan="4" |City People Entertainment Awards |Best Collaboration |Mon Cheri ft. (Asake, Chinko Ekun, and Ashidapo) |{{won}} | rowspan="4" |{{Cite web |last=Reporter |date=30 November 2020 |title=#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards |url=https://www.citypeopleonline.com/cpma2020-citypeople-releases-nominations-for-2020-music-awards/ |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=City People Magazine |language=en-US}} |
| Popular Song of the Year
|Himself for Mon Cheri |{{nom}} |
| Comedy Act of the Year
|Himself |{{nom}} |
| Street Music of the Year
|Himself for Mon Cheri |{{nom}} |
| 2023
|Best Nigerian Film |{{nom}} |
| 2024
|The Force Of Online Sensation |Himself |{{Won}} |{{Cite web |title=Trenduppawwards |url=https://www.trenduppawards.com/nominees |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=www.trenduppawards.com}} |
References
{{Reflist}}