The Global Achievers Issue 11/2020 | Page 24

Without phones that are now ubiquitous today, we lost contact for several years following our passing-out from NYSC. But I inevitably caught up with Yemi again in Lagos while I had gone abrewing with Guinness Nigeria while Yemi was into theatre related roles in Lagos. He lived somewhere at Ojota off the road that leads to Ogudu GRA. Finding Yemi was easy - I only needed to check some theatre watering holes and I found him!

Yemi has been a blessing to the theatre in Nigeria especially the South West where he has been resident and more active. A great actor and linguist, Yemi is as excellent in English language theatre as he is in the Yoruba language version. His movies in both languages are uncountable. He has acted in short dram sketches and long plays. In comedies, tragedies and in tragicomic drama as well. Yemi is an all-round artiste - broadcast media as a presenter's presenter on both Television and Radio in various South West States; a script writer of no mean repute; a political activist and office holder who as Special Adviser in Arts and Culture to the Ogun State Governor gave the arts so much visibility and stature.

Yemi plays many musical instruments - sẹkẹrẹ, keyboard, talking and 'dumb' drums and the guiter; he sings well and his recent musical skits ranging from "Off The Mic" to "Transmission" and even corona virus lockdown hair-cut episodes gives readers and viewers a lot of happiness and stress relief.

When Yemi decides to dance, oh, he makes the lame want to walk! That was what made him a darling of the Chics of Kwara NYSC in 1984!

Lastly, Yemi's impeccable MCship is highly sought after by all strata of the society. He handles events with such flawless dexterity, impeccable English or Yoruba blended with rib-cracking jokes that keep events hilarious and unforgettable! He has taken these skills, or should I say these skills have taken him, to many European countries and elsewhere for a wider audience to savor his craft. His social media presence is no less so.

Mr Yemi Shodimu is a man of many parts, very hard working, focused, a man with a good heart, trustworthy, hes a good n responsible family man n very hilarious, hes simply an Amazon person.

Oluwatoyin Isiaka