In the bustling heart of Lagos, where the rhythms of theatre, film, and music converge, Yemi Akiremi has long stood as a towering figure in Nigeria’s performing arts. For decades, he has been more than an actor – he has been a cultural ambassador, a mentor, and a creative visionary whose work has carried Nigerian stories to audiences across the world.

Chief ‘Yemi Akiremi, a.k.a ‘Yemi ‘Remi

From Lagos to the world

Akiremi’s journey began in Lagos, where his early education at Saint Paul’s Catholic School and Christ High School in Ibadan laid the foundation for a life steeped in performance. His formal training at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned a Certificate and Diploma in Performing Arts, sharpened his craft. Later, at the Goethe Institute in West Berlin, he absorbed international influences that would enrich his artistry and broaden his worldview.

This blend of home grounding and global exposure became the hallmark of his career. Whether on stage in Nigeria or at festivals in Italy, Germany, Russia, or Venezuela, Akiremi carried with him the essence of Nigerian culture – its myths, rhythms, and moral narratives -while adapting to diverse audiences abroad.

A career of many faces

To call Akiremi an actor alone would be to undersell his versatility. He is a dancer, singer, drummer, choreographer, scriptwriter, director, and producer. His film credits include The Presidency, Married but Living Single, Family Ties, and The Wrath of the Gods, each showcasing his ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity. On television, his roles in The Village Headmaster, Seekers, and Face to Face, have made him a familiar presence in Nigerian households.

Yet Akiremi’s artistry extends beyond performance. His scripts –Yemoja, Abiku, Esunlalu, My Virginity My Pride, and Two Kings One Kingdom – reflect his deep engagement with Nigerian folklore and contemporary social issues. Through writing, he has given voice to stories that challenge, inspire, and preserve cultural memory.

Festivals and global footprints

Akiremi’s career is also defined by his international reach. He has directed and participated in festivals that span continents: Italia Musical (Italy), Berlin Horizonte (Germany), Heart of Africa (UK), World Festival of the Arts (Russia), and 2000 Years of Nigerian History (USA), among many others. Each performance was not just entertainment but a cultural exchange, positioning him as a bridge between Nigeria and the world. His tours across Brazil, Spain, Mexico, and Maputo brought Nigerian performance traditions to new audiences, affirming his role as a global ambassador for African arts.

Mentor and builder

Perhaps Akiremi’s most enduring legacy lies in his leadership. As Founder of Agogo Performing Arts Organisation and CEO of Vergem Productions Ltd, he has trained generations of dancers and actors, creating platforms for emerging talent to thrive. His mentorship reflects a philosophy that art is not only about personal achievement but about community, continuity, and cultural preservation.

an behind the stage

Colleagues describe Akiremi as a man of discipline and vision, someone who approaches performance with the seriousness of a scholar and the passion of a storyteller. His ability to interpret characters with depth and to choreograph movement with precision speaks to a lifetime of dedication. Yet he remains approachable, often emphasising the importance of nurturing young talent and giving back to the industry that shaped him.

Chief ‘Yemi Remi in his theaterical elements on stage

A living legend

Today, Yemi Akiremi stands as a living legend of Nigerian entertainment. His career embodies resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. He has shown that performance is more than spectacle – it is education, diplomacy, and legacy. For audiences in Nigeria and abroad, his work continues to inspire, reminding us that the stage is not just a place of art, but a platform for identity and truth.

…We asked Chief Yemi Akiremi funny snoop questions, and he did not disappoint!

What’s the most hilarious mix-up you’ve had while performing abroad – perhaps a language slip or a cultural misunderstanding that left the audience in stitches?

A man was supposed to pick me up from the airport in Berlin and take me to my hotel, but I didn’t know that “Herr” meant “Mr” in German. As a result, we spent five hours just looking at each other, trying to figure things out. Later, when I was hungry, I approached him and introduced myself as Yemi Akiremi. He burst out laughing and explained that he’d known all along but wouldn’t speak English. Instead, he expected me to know their language, which, as it turned out, was the very reason for my scholarship.

During your tours in Brazil or Germany, did you ever find yourself improvising when something went wrong on stage, and it turned into comedy gold?

During a performance in Italy, I got swept up by the energy of the crowd (all white) and the thrilling sounds of the Bata drums as they ushered me in as the priest. Rather than descending the steps as planned, I jumped and unfortunately landed on my heels, leaving me unable to move as my waist was dislocated and I was in agony. The audience gave me a standing ovation while my fellow artists danced on and eventually carried me shoulder-high to a waiting ambulance. I later awoke on the 15th floor of a hospital the next day.

‘Yemi ‘Remi acting as a Police Officer

Which festival gave you the funniest backstage moment – perhaps a drummer who lost his sticks or a dancer who improvised their own routine?

In America during a performance, I needed to change my dance trousers as I was performing back-to-back. I started performing, and my trousers tore, nearly exposing my manhood. The audience began cheering and clapping. I quickly altered my dance moves, and my female partner did the same, though not very comfortably. Backstage, I realised I was wearing her trousers, and she was wearing mine. We both burst out laughing.

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else while travelling internationally, and did you play along?

Once, as I exited a shop on Lexington Street, New York, about six girls and two boys rushed up to me asking for my autograph. I glanced at my guide, who nodded to indicate I should oblige since I was one of the artists representing Nigeria for the “2000 Years of Nigerian History” event. After everyone had left, my guide confided that I’d been mistaken for an American actor—something Junior, though I can’t recall the name now!

What’s the strangest or funniest food you’ve been offered during your tours, and did you dare to try it?

After a long day in South America, I was absolutely famished and looking forward to the grand dinner organised for us. The food was lavishly prepared, and I helped myself to the first, second, and last courses, finishing with rice in curry sauce and shredded beef, which I devoured enthusiastically. At the end of the meal, our host asked if we’d enjoyed the octopus’ beef! I rushed out, put my fingers down my throat, and started vomiting. I was unwell for the rest of the night.

Click here to view a clip of Yemi Remi in performance

By Segun Martins Fajemisin

Photo/Video credits: Chief Yemi Akiremi’s Library