Yemi Solade graduated with a degree in dramatic arts from O.A.U. and proceeded to ABU Zaria for a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He also acquired a degree in sociology and anthropology from Leicester University, U.K., and a degree in international relations from O.A.U. He completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Maiduguri, where he taught at Ramat Polytechnic. He later moved to Kaduna Polytechnic, where he taught general studies, communication skills, and literature.

Yemi started acting when he was 17, during Festac 77, an arts and culture festival held in 1977. As a young Surulere boy, he was the dance champion in Lagos State for 3 years in a row, and he represented Africa in world dance competitions in Spain. He made his first appearance on stage during a 45-minute monologue titled “Crazy Youngie,"  where he played the roles of a passenger and driver.

After Yemi Solade completed his education, he lectured at universities and polytechnics such as the University of Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic, and Kaduna Polytechnic. He moved on to Kaduna, where he became the Assistant Director of the Kaduna Music and Drama Society, which was founded by the Deputy British High Commission. He later moved to O.A.U. in 1993, where he was made the artistic director of Professor Ola Rotimi’s theatre company. He shot his first Yoruba film, “Oju Inu” (Insight), which was directed by Wale Adenuga, owner of the PEFTI Film Institute. His team was the first to premiere a movie at Muson Centre, but due to financial hurdles, the movie didn’t make it past that stage.

Yemi is featured in every Wale Adenuga series, including Papa Ajasco, Super Story, This Life, and Odd World. He is popularly known for his roles in movies such as Voiceless Scream, The Widow, and Elevator Baby. He has also acted in other movies.