He is an Instagram skitter. Yemi Elesho is one of the comedians currently making waves on Instagram. A lot of people do not know that he is the son of veteran Yoruba actor, Adewale Adeoye popularly known as Elesho, not until recently when he celebrated his father on his Instagram page.
He is not only a skitter, he is also an entertainer, actor, TV host, MC and a Comedian for all event.
He is one comedian that people never get tired of watching his skits. This is because his kind of skits is very different and unique and that stands him out from the crowd.
Let us also add that this talented and versatile comedian/actor has earned the love of many as it is very difficult to be very active on Instagram and not know “Official Yemi Elesho” as his Instagram handle implies. The fact that he is also the son of a great veteran in the movie industry as also boosted his careers and opened doors for him. His father Elesho is also known for the comic roles he plays in movies and he also very good at interpreting his roles.
Recently, he spoke to City People Society Reporter, TOYIN OGUNDIYA on how he became popular on Instagram and why many do not know Elesho is his father. Enjoy excerpts of the interview.
A lot of people don’t know you are Elesho’s son. Can you tell us your name in full?
Yes, many don’t know I am Elesho’s son. I am the first child of the family. My full name is Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho.
We know that you are into skit but recently we noticed that you have also started acting. Can you tell us precisely when you started acting?
It may sound weird or funny to you but my parents gave birth to me while acting on stage.
Back then, they usually do stage play. My mum was heavily pregnant, so while she was acting she went into labour and gave birth to me right there. So, I can say I have been acting as an infant because I featured in the film Koto Orun back then.
You are one of the popular Instagram skitters. When did you discover your talent?
I have been doing skits before Instagram came into existence but what I used to do then is that, I go to churches to perform for like 5 or 10 minutes. That stage performance is what I transformed into skit now.
Your dad wanted you to become a Medical Doctor. So, why did you choose to be an actor/comedian?
Yes, he wanted me to become a Medical Doctor but I chose not to be because I felt this comic part of me would definitely affect me if I was a Medical Doctor. You know how it is if you are a Medical Doctor, so, I just thought to myself, no this is not your thing.
What did you study in school?
I studied Theatre Art at Obafemi Awolowo University.
What was your dad’s reaction when you told him you are going into acting?
He never knew I was going into acting. In fact, I didn’t tell him I was going to Study Theatre Art. He thought I was going to study Medicine and Surgery but I changed my course while I was filling the form. When I got admission, I called him and told him everything I did. We quarrelled for some months because he wasn’t happy with my decision but as time goes on, he accepted it.
Your dad is very fair and you are dark-skinned, which is one of the reasons why many would never think you are his son. Is your mum dark in complexion?
No, my mum is not dark in complexion, she is also very fair.
Would you say your father’s name has opened doors for you in the movie industry?
Yes, it has helped me a lot.
How many movies have you featured in?
I can’t say, I have lost count.
Your dad is a veteran actor and he has been able to carve a niche for himself in the industry. What have you been able to learn from his acting skills?
I have learnt a whole lot of things from him.
Would you say you got your funny side from your father?
I was 16 years old when I set my eyes on my father. Before then, I only knew my father as the actor people pointed out to me in movies. While I was growing up, people would call me into their midst and ask me to crack jokes and make them laugh.
How would you describe your father ever since you got to know him?
My father is a disciplinarian. The training he gave me and my siblings really helped shaped our lives. I may not be where I am today if he tolerated all my excesses. As strict as he is, he is also very friendly and lovable.
What you see on set is the real person. He talks more that what people even see on set. He plays a lot and there is no way you would spend time with him without laughing so hard. There is no dull moment with him.
How does your dad react to your skits when he watches them?
He feels very happy about them. We are best friends now.
What are some of the efforts you put into making your skits?
I can go to any length to interpret my role in my skits. I don’t even mind removing my shirt to pass my message across.
Which of your skits shot you to limelight?
It was a skit I made about Davido and Chioma after he bought her an expensive car. The skit got a lot of repost and views.
