Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has ignited fresh conversation in the industry after stating that the late Kamal Adebayo, popularly known as Sir Kay, was not a good actor.
The comments were made on the latest episode of Curiosity Made Me Asked, the popular interview series hosted by social media personality Isbae U. Sir Kay, who died in December 2022, was Isbae U’s father and a well-known figure in the Yoruba film industry, often cast in tough, street-smart “bad boy” roles.
During a discussion about cinema movie production, Solade revealed that he has deliberately chosen not to produce films. When Isbae U suggested this was because he is not a risk-taker, Solade pushed back, asking why he should risk his life and livelihood. The conversation then turned personal.
“People are taking risks with you by putting you in movies,” Isbae U noted. Solade responded that he lacks the “liver” for production and advised the host not to go beyond his current show. He then questioned whether Isbae U had ever appeared in a serious cinema film that audiences paid to watch, before adding a pointed remark about the late actor:
“Even your father didn’t appear in one solid movie or cinema movie.”
Isbae U defended his father, insisting, “My daddy was a very good actor.” Solade disagreed sharply: “Who told you? Your father was a stuck actor. He was only playing omo ita period (he only acted as a tout).”
When Isbae U asked directly whether Sir Kay was not a good actor, Solade replied: “No, no, he was not a good actor but he acted.”
Isbae U eventually stepped back from the exchange, saying, “I can’t fight his battle for him.”
Sir Kay was a familiar face in Yoruba Nollywood for his distinctive slang and portrayal of rough, street characters. Solade’s candid assessment has already begun circulating widely among fans and industry observers.
