Yemi Solade, a veteran actor, has stated that he will not tolerate kids hurling insults at him on social media.
In an interview, the ‘Elevator Baby’ actor, who recently turned 62, stated, “I am human, and I use social media to express myself. I’m not there to encourage people to lob attacks at me. I am an African man with a chieftaincy title. I’m not going to let an 18-year-old dig at me. Because this is Africa, I shall return that person to his parents. Social media does not level the playing field.”
Solade expressed his feelings at reaching a new age, saying, “I don’t have any special feelings clocking 62 years.” I’m still the same old me. I’m still me; hale and healthy, and I’m still the actor that people know and love. Over the years, my craft has helped me keep my name in the profession. Many people are drawn to me because they value beautiful art.
“The quality of the training I received, as well as my inherent ability to deliver, aided me.” In addition, my physical characteristics (have helped). When Nigerians see something flashy, they want to encircle it. I’m laser-focused. I’ve been an actor for 45 years, and that says a lot. It tells me how well I’m doing.
The Lagos State-born thespian also stated that he carefully selects the kind of events he attends. He said, “I pay special attention to my appearance in public. I don’t want to be everywhere. I want my work to speak for me. The creative industry has too many events and I don’t have to attend them all. I just want to do my work and go home, rest and look forward to the next job. However, that does not mean I don’t attend events. I only select the ones I attend. I never set out to be a popular person. I only wanted to express my innate ability to do theatre arts.”