“No One Can Say I Used My Body for Roles” — Kemity Clears the Ai
Nollywood actress Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin, popularly known as Kemity / Aunty Sidi, has addressed long-standing rumors about how she built her career in the movie industry.
In a heartfelt message shared during a Throwback Thursday reflection, the actress made it clear that she has never exchanged her body for movie roles or opportunities.
According to Kemity, social media noise should not be mistaken for truth.
“I have never used my body to collect a movie role. I have never slept with anyone to get featured in any film. I have never exchanged sex for opportunity,” she stated firmly.
The actress explained that long before gaining recognition in Nollywood, she was already financially independent.
She owned two wine shops and worked as a receptionist at Masters Hotel in Ayobo.
Also Read; Baba AGBA of Africa Response to Kemity Over Austine Emmanuel and Itele Controversy
Kemity revealed that she started her journey strictly as an actress. However, after realizing that actors often had to fend for themselves during productions — including paying for accommodation — she found herself constantly spending money from her business to support her passion.
Determined to grow strategically, she transitioned into makeup artistry so she could become part of the production crew while still pursuing her acting dreams.
“From acting, to makeup, and back to acting — my growth has always been step by step. Nothing was handed to me,” she explained.
Today, Kemity says everything she has achieved is a result of hard work and God’s grace.
A proud mother of two daughters, she emphasized that she is raising her children with dignity and strong values, noting that she cannot build their future on anything questionable.
“I come from a decent home. My mother trained me well,” she added, stressing that her name remains clean and that no one can boldly accuse her of using immoral means to succeed.
She also used the opportunity to advise upcoming actresses not to allow anyone to mislead them.
According to her, success in Nollywood is possible through talent, discipline, consistency, and hard work — not shortcuts.
Also Read: Bolanle Ninalowo Biography: Why He Chose the African Dream Over America
“Worldfamous Kemity. No shortcuts. Just sweat.”
Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin (Kemity) – Full Biography
- Popularly Known As: Kemity
- Profession: Actress, Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur
- Industry: Nollywood (Yoruba Film Sector)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Children: Two Daughters
Kemi Ariyo Real Age
Kemity has kept her exact date of birth private, and her verified age is not publicly available. Like many Nollywood personalities, she prefers to keep certain personal details away from the public.
However, based on her career timeline and motherhood journey, she is widely believed to be in her late 30s to early 40s (unconfirmed).
Early Life & Background
Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin, widely known as Kemity, was born and raised in Nigeria in a disciplined Christian home. She often describes herself as “omo iya ijo” (a church girl), crediting her upbringing and her mother’s guidance for shaping her values and character.
Before fame, Kemity was hardworking and financially independent. She owned two wine shops where she sold wine and also worked as a receptionist at Masters Hotel in Ayobo. Long before gaining recognition in Nollywood, she was already building her own means of livelihood.
Her Journey into Nollywood
Kemity’s passion for acting started early, and she began her career in Nollywood as an actress. However, she soon discovered the financial realities of the industry — actors sometimes had to cover personal expenses, including feeding and accommodation during productions.
Also Read: Nollywood Actress and Producer Aisha Raji Join Kemity to Fireback at Austin Emmanuel
Instead of giving up, she made a strategic decision.
To sustain herself and remain active in the industry, she trained and transitioned into makeup artistry, becoming part of production crews while still pursuing acting opportunities. This move allowed her to grow steadily in the industry without depending on anyone.
Her journey, as she describes it, has always been step by step — from acting, to makeup, and back to acting.
Nothing, she emphasizes, was handed to her.
Career Growth & Recognition
Over the years, Kemity has featured in numerous Yoruba Nollywood movies, earning attention for her strong screen presence, emotional delivery, and natural interpretation of roles.
Also Read: Fathia Williams and Saidi Balogun: Growth, Identity and a Chapter Closed
Her consistency and resilience gradually earned her respect within the Yoruba movie industry. Beyond acting, her makeup artistry skills also strengthened her reputation on movie sets.
Kemity is also known for supporting productions in her early days, sometimes contributing goods from her businesses to assist filmmakers.
🎬 Movies She Has Featured In
Kemity is a familiar face in the Yoruba Nollywood industry and has appeared in numerous productions over the years. Some of her notable appearances include:
- Return of Kesari
- Omoge Jemila
- Omo Meji
- Iya Oko Mi
- Iyawo Ojo Kan
- Ewatomi
- Alajota
- Omo Iya Oko
- Iyawo ALHAJI
- Kumolu
- Iya Sebili
- Koleoso etc.
She is particularly known for emotional, comic, and strong supporting roles in family-centered Yoruba dramas.
🎥 Her Productions
Kemity has also stepped into film production, working behind the scenes to create and support projects. Some productions associated with her include:
- Ewatomi (Producer)
- Omo Meji (Associate Producer)
- Kumolu
- Iya Sebili
Kemity’s Personal Life
Kemity is a proud mother of two daughters. She has repeatedly expressed that motherhood plays a central role in her decisions and values. According to her, she is committed to raising her children with dignity, discipline, and strong moral foundations.
Also Read: Basira Beere – My Eyes Have Truly Seen Shege
She maintains that she cannot build her children’s future on anything questionable, and she guards her name and reputation carefully.
Addressing Industry Rumors
In response to long-standing industry rumors, Kemity has firmly denied ever exchanging sex for movie roles or opportunities.
According to her, her success is the result of:
- Hard work
- Discipline
- Consistency
- Faith in God
She strongly advises upcoming actresses not to allow anyone to mislead them into believing that success in Nollywood requires immoral compromises.
Career Style
- Natural interpretation of Yoruba motherly and street-smart roles
- Strong emotional delivery
- Versatility in both comic and dramatic characters
Her journey from entrepreneur and makeup artist to established actress reflects her steady, self-built growth in Nollywood.
