Yhemolee

Yhemolee
Born
Idowu Adeyemi

(1993-04-04) 4 April 1993 (age 33)
Lagos State, Nigeria.
Other names
  • Olowo Eko
  • YL
EducationObafemi Awolowo University (B.P.A)
Occupations
Years active2018–present
Musical career
Genre
Instruments
  • Vocals

Idowu Adeyemi (born 4 April 1993), known professionally as Yhemolee is a Nigerian social media personality, singer and actor. Known for his work in a diverse range of films, he is the recipient of numerous accolades including an City People Entertainment Awards, a Trendupp Award, in addition to nominations for three City People Entertainment Awards.

Adeyemi began his career as a singer, with the release of his single "Mon Cheri" featuring Chinko Ekun and Asake. He made his film debut in the film Traffic and appeared in Bimbo Ademoye's comedy series Sibe. Adeyemi came to national attention with the supporting role as Muri Toronto in Jadesola Osiberu's thriller crime film Gangs of Lagos (2023). He gained further recognition for his supporting roles in films Hotel Labamba (2023) and in FilmOne Studios's films Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024), as well as for portraying Tega in the film A Very Dirty Christmas (2025).

Early life and career

Idowu Adeyemi was born on April 4, 1993, in Osun State, and grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up with his sibings, and has a sister name Tiwa. According to an interview with Chude Jideonwo in 2023, Adeyemi stated that, as a result of his father's job his parents had to divorce when he was young. Following his parents’ separation, he supported himself through school.

I saw myself and my sister through school. They [our parents] separated at a point when they could have damaged our lives

Adeyemi attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Which was also attended by Asake, where he was friends with Blaqbonez, Cheque and Fireboy DML. During his time at the university, he was actively involved in various entertainment activities.

After graduating from OAU, Yhemolee continued to produce skits and host events. He moved on to work as an on-air personality at city FM. In 2020 he gained prominence as became one of the faces of the Lagos nightlife scene. That same year, he began releasing music and collaborated with Chinko Ekun and Asake on the single "Mon Cheri". In 2020, he won Best Collabo of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards, organized by City People Magazine, for the song, and also received nominations for Comedy Act of the Year, Street Music of the Year and Popular Song of the Year.

In 2022, Yhemolee made his acting debut in the television film Traffic, and Reach. He followed with his role on the series— IjeBaby Chopping Center in which he played CK. He released his debut extended play Olowo Eko on December 20, 2022 under DK Records.

Yhemolee co-starred as Muri Toronto, in the film Gang of Lagos (2023). And also appeared in the film Hotel Labamba (2023). In 2024, he starred as Alaba Dollar, in the FilmOne Studios film Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024) Later that year, he won a Trendupp Award for The Force of Online Sensation category.

In 2025, he starred in the holiday film A Very Dirty Christmas, opposite Ini Edo and Waje.

Influence and controversies

In October 2024, Yhemolee signed an endorsement deal with Fashion brand – Luxury by Shizz, a Nigeria-based fashion brand. In June 2022, he became an official brand ambassador for the sports-betting brand bet9ja. Yhemolee has been credited with introducing Nigerian singer Asake to rapper Olamide. 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.

Controversies

On 27 November 2023, he was accused of assault by the singer in a series of statements on Lil Frosh's social media, the posts featured pictures. On 28 November 2023, Yhemolee filed a ₦200 million defamation suit against Lil Frosh.

Yhemolee became involved in a feud with Nigerians, social activist VeryDarkMan, and comedian Carter Efe, As they took to social media to exchange insults. The feud began when VeryDarkMan commented on Yhemolee's public breakup with his girlfriend, which was accompanied by allegations of infidelity.

In February 2024, Yhemolee faced accusations of cyberbullying footballer Alex Iwobi after the Super Eagles' loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final. 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, 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.

Personal life

On 6 September 2024, Yhemolee married his long-term partner, Oyin Tayo (Thayour B), in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by guests including Timi Dakolo, Zlatan, Rahaman Jago, Poco Lee, and Soso Soberekon. He has a son: Amirion Idowu (born January 2025).

Discography

Songs

  • Mon Cheri ft. (Asake, Chinko Ekun, and Ashidapo) (2020)
  • All the Girls ft. (Dandizzy, YKB) (2020)

EPs

  • Olowo Eko

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Ref
2022– IjeBaby Chopping Center CK
2023– Sibe Costumers

Film

Year Title Role Ref
2019 Gold Statue Recurring role
2020 Traffic Yhemolee
Reach Ebuka
2023 Gangs of Lagos Muri Toronto
Hotel Labamba Scodi
2024 Alakada: Bad and Boujee Alaba Dollar
2025 A Very Dirty Christmas Tega

Awards and nominations

Year Event Category Work Result Ref
2020 City People Entertainment Awards Best Collaboration Mon Cheri ft. (Asake, Chinko Ekun, and Ashidapo) Won
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
2024 Trendupp Awards The Force Of Online Sensation Himself Won

References

  1. ↑ "From Sunset to Sunrise: The Nightlife Industry and YhemoLee's Diverse Influence – THISDAY Style". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  2. ↑ "Tunde Onakoya, Kiekie, Yhemolee, Others, Emerge Winners At Trendupp Awards 2024". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  3. 1 2 Wangethi, Isaac (11 September 2023). "Yhemolee's biography: age, real name, siblings, net worth". Legit.ng. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  4. 1 2 Erezi, Dennis (20 March 2024). "The journey from street to stardom: Actor Yhemolee". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  5. ↑ "My parents' divorce almost ruined my life – Singer Yhemolee". Daily Post Nigeria. 29 June 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
  6. ↑ "'Asake and I were dating roommates' - Rapper Cheque". Daily Post Nigeria. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
  7. ↑ ETUKUDO, Itoro. "My greatest achievement in 2022 is Asake, Yhemolee reveals". icirnigeria.
  8. ↑ Nation, The (5 January 2022). "On Yhemolee's outstanding music career". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
  9. ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (1 December 2021). "Yhemolee: Actor, OAP, Skit-Maker With Love For Music". Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
  10. ↑ "Yhemolee Makes Huge Statement With New Single, Mon Cheri'". This Day. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  11. ↑ Grace, Ihesiulo (20 March 2022). "Yhemolee Hints On New Music Collaboration". Daily Times. Lagos, Nigeria.
  12. 1 2 Reporter (7 December 2020). "Winners Emerge At 2020 City People Music Awards [Full List]". City People Magazine. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  13. ↑ Abiodun, Alao (10 August 2023). "Yhemolee makes his mark with notable roles in Nollywood". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  14. ↑ "Idowu 'Yemolee' Adeyemi – Nollywire". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  15. ↑ Olowo Eko - EP by Yhemolee on Apple Music, 20 December 2022, retrieved 29 October 2026
  16. ↑ Njoku, Benjamin (18 May 2024). "He's multitalented: Fans applaud Yhemole for his role in 'Gang Of Lagos'". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  17. ↑ Remley, Hilary (4 April 2023). "'Gangs of Lagos' Trailer Brings Violence and Destiny to Gritty Nigerian Thriller". Collider. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  18. ↑ Onu, Stephen (24 February 2024). "MOVIE REVIEW: Biodun Stephen's murder mystery movie, 'Hotel Labamba' suffers many lapses". Premium Times. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  19. ↑ YNaija (17 December 2024). "Toyin Abraham And The Cast Of "Alakada: Bad & Boujee" Were All Smiles At The Film Premiere » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
  20. ↑ 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.
  21. 1 2 "Winners at the Recently Concluded Trendupp Awards 2024". thelagosweekender.com. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  22. ↑ HipTV (16 December 2025). "Premiere Buzz: 'A Very Dirty Christmas' Brings Family Drama". HipTV. Retrieved 29 October 2026.
  23. ↑ Nwafor (2 June 2022). "Fashion brand – Luxury by Shizzi unveils Yhemolee as brand Ambassador". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  24. ↑ Asaju, Idris. "Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja". dailysports.
  25. ↑ "Pocolee & Yhemolee as the new brand ambassadors for Bet9ja". Twitter.
  26. ↑ Bodunde, Deborah (25 June 2023). "Yhemolee: How my recommendation got Asake signed to Olamide's label". TheCable. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  27. ↑ Onikoyi, Ayo (3 September 2023). "People behind Asake's success". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  28. ↑ 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.
  29. ↑ Edeme, Victoria (30 November 2023). "(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m". The Punch. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  30. ↑ Oluwayemi, Victoria. "Singer Lil Frosh accuses actor Yhemolee of slapping him (Photo)". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria.
  31. ↑ Edeme, Victoria (30 November 2023). "(PICTORIAL) Alleged bullying: Singer Lil Frosh counters Yhemolee's claim, demands N500m". The Punch. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  32. ↑ Fatoye, Bisola (30 November 2023). "Actor Yhemolee slams N200m suit on Lil Frosh". Daily Trust. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  33. ↑ Odunmorayo, oke (28 November 2023). "Nigerian Singer Lil Frosh Accuses Actor Yhemolee of Assault". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  34. ↑ Daramola, Ibukunoluwa (15 November 2023). "Yhemo Lee's ex-girlfriend denies allegations that she cheated on him". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  35. ↑ Ifeoluwa (15 November 2023). "YhemoLee's girlfriend reacts to reports of their alleged breakup, infidelity". ENTERTAINMENT – WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  36. ↑ Peaceman, Pandora (18 November 2023). "VeryDarkMan Mocks Yhemolee, Carter Efe Amid Girlfriend's Infidelity – New Telegraph". New Telegraph. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  37. ↑ 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.
  38. ↑ Inyang, Ifreke (12 February 2024). "AFCON 2023: Iwobi deletes all pictures on Instagram after Ivory Coast defeat". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 28 September 2024.
  39. ↑ Owolawi, Taiwo (13 February 2024). ""Do better": Pooja accuses Yhemo Lee of cyberbullying Alex Iwobi, he reacts". Legit.ng. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  40. ↑ Clifford, Elizabeth (3 September 2024). "Burna Boy praises Nigerian weddings after Yhemolee's grand ceremony". NotjustOk. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  41. ↑ Fasan, Yewande. "Yhemolee considers farming business after receiving cow gifts ahead of wedding". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria.
  42. ↑ Owoeye, Olukorede (30 August 2024). "Yhemo Lee's wedding to be aired live on DSTV – Nigerian Entertainment Today". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  43. ↑ Brown, Tosin (1 September 2024). "Timi Dakolo, Whitelion, others attend Yhemolee's wedding in Lagos | Western Post". Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  44. ↑ ADEKUNLE, MUSA (15 September 2024). "Yhemolee, wife expecting first baby weeks after wedding". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  45. ↑ ADEKUNLE, MUSA (4 January 2025). "PHOTOS: Yhemolee, wife welcome first child". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  46. ↑ Tv, Bn (9 July 2023). "Shaffy Bello, Yhemolee & Lilian Afegbai star in New Episode of "Sibe"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  47. ↑ Reporter (30 November 2020). "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  48. ↑ "Trenduppawwards". www.trenduppawards.com. Retrieved 22 September 2024.