The Nollywood movie ‘5 Alive’ has obtained folks speaking, with actor Yemi Solade on the centre of the talk on account of his portrayal of a homosexual character.
Solade and co-star Sanusi Izihaq, aka Apa, confronted intense criticism after a promotional video for the movie was shared on-line.
The controversy started when fellow actor and ‘5 Alive’ producer Rotimi Salami posted a video clip on Instagram on Monday.
The footage from the movie’s displaying on The Salamis TV YouTube channel featured a scene the place Solade and Izihaq shared a young second, portraying their characters as lovers.
Within the video, Solade will be seen gently kissing Izihaq on the cheek and embracing him, a show of affection that shocked many viewers because it diverged from Nollywood’s usually conservative nature.
Backlash
As a substitute, the scene, meant to focus on the actors’ chemistry, sparked a hostile reception.
Critics rapidly took to social media, accusing the actors of making an attempt to normalise homosexuality. One commenter, Dunne Black, posted a Yoruba phrase below the Instagram video, writing, “Mo sorry, ara yin Oya,” which interprets as “I’m sorry, however you aren’t okay.”
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Solade, clearly pissed off by the backlash, responded sharply in Yoruba, stating, “Ori bàbá to wà ni ogbà have been lo n bá wi,” that means “It’s your father’s head within the asylum you’re speaking to.”
One other person, boldsmith_graphics, commented below the submit, “This Yemi sholade na them ogogo set ooo I simply misplaced mad respect for him.”
In response, Solade stated, “@boldsmith_graphics I’m the “THIS”…. psychotic minion calling me “THIS”…SANPONNÁ LO MA PA” that means, “the Yoruba god of smallpox will punish you.”
Serwaa_preimann additionally decried within the remark that “You’re making an attempt to desensitise the general public to homosexual scenes in films. That’s incorrect.” Responding, Solade stated, “@serwaa_preimann, You might be disappearing right here.”
The exchanges rapidly gained traction, with many reacting to Solade’s reducing retort.
PREMIUM TIMES checks revealed that the producer, who additionally starred in components 1 and a pair of of the film, portrayed a homosexual character.
Launched on 14 November, ‘5 Alive’ encompasses a numerous solid, together with Allwell Ademola, Rotimi Salami, Yetunde Odunsi, Jumoke Salami, and Victoria Adeboye.
Related Portrayals
Solade’s 5 Alive homosexual function isn’t the primary to spark controversy in Nollywood. Nigerian actors usually face backlash for such portrayals because of the nation’s robust cultural and authorized opposition to homosexuality.
A notable instance is the movie Strolling with Shadows, which featured Ozzy Agu as a homosexual protagonist. This adaptation of Jude Dibia’s novel addressed societal stigma and sparked debates upon launch, although it was praised for its storytelling.
One other outstanding occasion is Tope Tedela and Riyo David’s roles in “All of the Colors of the World Are Between Black and White,” a queer-themed drama exploring the challenges confronted by two males growing emotions for one another in a homophobic society.
A number of movies have confronted backlash for exploring LGBTQ+ themes, difficult cultural and authorized norms in Nigeria.
2020 film, Ìfé, produced by LGBTQ+ activists Pamela Adie and Uyaiedu Ikpe-Etim, projected the story of a romantic relationship between two girls and was banned by the Nationwide Movie and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for violating Nigeria’s legal guidelines towards same-sex relationships. Nonetheless, it was launched on-line and obtained reward for difficult homophobic stereotypes.
Additionally, Strolling with Shadows (2019) was primarily based on Jude Dibia’s novel, exploring the lifetime of a married man who’s pressured to confront his homosexuality after being outed. Equally, Hell or Excessive Water (2016) portrayed a pastor grappling together with his sexuality who confronted criticism in Nigeria’s profoundly non secular society.
Usually cited as one of many first Nollywood movies to depict a lesbian relationship, ‘Emotional Crack’ (2003) was additionally criticised for reinforcing unfavorable stereotypes.
‘5 Alive’
Censorship
Though the NFVCB actively focused movies like Ìfé, which centred on a lesbian relationship, claiming such productions violated the regulation by selling same-sex relationships, the board has warned filmmakers towards bypassing its approval course of, stating that any content material distributed with out classification is against the law.
The NFVCB constantly regulated movies that includes gay content material, imposing the Identical-Intercourse Marriage Prohibition Act to ban or scrutinise productions perceived as selling homosexuality. Whereas critics argue these measures suppress inventive freedom and hinder inventive expression, supporters consider they’re important to preserving Nigeria’s cultural and ethical values amidst exterior calls to calm down anti-LGBTQ+ legal guidelines.
Profession
Solade has appeared in quite a few Wale Adenuga productions, together with Papa Ajasco, Tremendous Story, This Life, and Odd World. His profession spans a long time, and he has additionally earned recognition as a lecturer, holding levels in Dramatic Arts, Public Administration, and Sociology, amongst others.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo’s son begs estranged spouse for forgiveness, reconciliation after stalled divorce
Regardless of occasional controversies, akin to his outspoken assist for the Nigerian authorities’s 2021 Twitter ban, Solade stays a revered determine within the business. He’s married to actress Hannah Marsh-Solade, with whom he shares two youngsters.
Izihaq began his profession as a continuity supervisor earlier than transitioning to appearing and directing. Identified for his inventive prowess, Izihaq has starred in movies akin to Yala Yolo, Olokiki Oru, and The Midnight Sensation. He’s celebrated for his comedic roles and contributions to the Yoruba movie business.
Extra Reactions
Listed below are reactions gathered by PREMIUM TIMES.
Yemi Solade! What went incorrect? I do know, cash abii. However you don’t want this.
— Abiodun Abdulrasaq (@AbiodunAbd81299) November 26, 2024
The film scene of Apa and Yemi Solade that I simply noticed…..e no go higher for the producere no go higher for the directore no go higher for the the cameramane no go higher for the folks behind the scene
And lastly, e no go higher for Apa and Yemi Solade
Amen 🙏🏽
— Massive Uncle (@Usmanashafe) November 25, 2024
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