Adebayo Salami (actor)

Adebayo Salami popularly known by his stage name Oga Bello is a veteran Nigerian actor, film-maker, movie producer and director.^[1][2]

Career

Albeit of Kwara origin, He was born on 9 May 1953 in Lagos State where he had both primary and secondary education.^[3] He began his acting career in 1964 with a group called Young Concert Party under the leadership of Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero.^[4] After few years of existence, the group changed its name to Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and later metamorphosed into Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.^[5] Following the demise of Ojo Ladipo in 1978, he took the mantle of leadership of the group, which brought him into limelight.^[6] He featured in the first Yoruba film titled Ajani Ogun, a movie in which the late Adeyemi Afolayan, the father of Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan play the lead role.^[7] He also featured in a movie titled Kadara by Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade love).^[8] He later featured in the popular Nigerian comedy series called Comedy half hour with the stage name, Oga Bello.^[9] He produced his first movie titled Ogun Ajaye in 1985 from the stable of Awada Kerikeri.^[10] Since 1985, he has produced, directed and featured in several Yoruba movies.^[11] He was a pioneer member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP).^[12] He also served as President of the Association.^[13]

Selected Filmography

• Ajani Ogun (1975)
• Omo Orukan (1987)
• Ogun Ajaye (1987)
• Ija Orogun
• Ilari (2013)

Awards

• 2014 Best of Nollywood (BON) Award^[14]

References