Veteran actor Yemi Solade has shared his thoughts on who truly started Nigeria’s home video industry. Many people think Nollywood began with Kenneth Nnebue’s movie “Living in Bondage” in 1992. But Solade disagrees with this popular story.
Speaking on The Father’s Path podcast, Solade said the real pioneer is Ade Ajiboye, also known as Big Abass. He said, “The first man that shot home video in this country, his name is Ade Ajiboye (Big Abass); he’s alive.”
Ade Ajiboye
Solade explained that Yoruba filmmakers were recording and selling their movies before “Living in Bondage” came out. He said they used camcorders to record their stage plays. They then sold these videos in bookshops, the same way pastors sold recorded sermons.
He mentioned legends like Hubert Ogunde, Baba Sala, Ade Love, and Ola Balogun as those who built Nigeria’s early cinema industry. According to him, Yoruba filmmakers did not promote themselves in the media. That is why people forgot their contributions.
He said, “Living in Bondage was not the first movie. But because they romanced the media while my people were doing the act.”
Solade believes Yoruba filmmakers did not document their works well. This made it easy for others to take credit for starting Nollywood. He also said actors like Adebayo Salami and Jide Kosoko can confirm that Yoruba movies were there before Nollywood became known worldwide.
He added that many Yoruba veterans have worked in film for over 60 years. His comments have sparked new conversations online. Many fans now say Yoruba filmmakers deserve more credit for their role in Nigeria’s movie history.
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