Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has stirred controversy after making a blunt assessment of the acting career of Kamal Adebayo, popularly known as Sir Kay, during a conversation with his son, comedian Isbae U.
The exchange took place on Isbae U’s online interview programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, where the two entertainers discussed filmmaking, acting and the risks associated with producing movies.
The conversation became tense after Isbae U questioned Solade’s decision not to venture into movie production, suggesting that the veteran actor was unwilling to take risks.
Solade defended his position before turning the discussion toward Isbae U’s own acting experience. He questioned whether the comedian had appeared in a serious cinema production that audiences had paid to watch.
The veteran actor then extended his criticism to Sir Kay, telling Isbae U that his late father had not appeared in what he considered a “solid” cinema movie.
Isbae U defended his father, insisting that Sir Kay was “a very good actor.”
Solade disagreed, claiming that the late actor was largely associated with a particular type of character.
“Your father was a stuck actor. He was only playing omo ita period,” Solade said, referring to the street-tout roles he believed Sir Kay frequently portrayed.
When Isbae U asked directly whether his father was not a good actor, Solade responded: “No, no, he was not a good actor but he acted.”
Isbae U eventually chose not to prolong the argument, saying, “I can’t fight his battle for him.”
The remarks have generated reactions among entertainment followers, particularly because Sir Kay was a recognised figure in the Yoruba film industry and was known for his distinctive portrayal of streetwise and tough characters. He died in December 2022.
The exchange also highlights the subjective nature of evaluating an actor’s career, especially in an industry where performers can become strongly associated with specific genres or character types.
Solade, who has spent decades in Nollywood, remains an influential veteran in Nigerian film. Isbae U, meanwhile, has built his reputation primarily through comedy, digital content and his interview platform.
