Encomium
Veteran actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello is planning big for the celebration of his 50th year in the entertainment industry. The Kwara state born actor cum film maker has picked September 25 and 28, for the celebration as one of the most successful actors of his generation.
The celebration would kick off on September 25, 2014, at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, with a stage play entitled, Oloko Oba (King’s Name sake) and the grand finale will hold on Sunday September 28, at Time Square Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Oga Bello, “It feels good to look back and see how far I’ve come and it sure calls for celebration. The stage play is directed by Abiodun Abbey and it x-rays the story of a wicked king who derives pleasure in terrorizing his people. He eventually found a young man who bears the same name with him, he got upset and said the man should be beheaded. The young man, in his wisdom saved himself by asking the king a simple question he could not answer. It’s an interesting story but I don’t intend to say it all now. The stage play is for a select guest of 200 dignitaries that would include politicians, brand executives, businessmen, veteran movie stars, and the media”
Adebayo Salami was born on May 9, 1953, in Lagos. He started acting in 1964 at the age of 11 with Youngstar Concert Group, led by the late Ojo Ladipo. The group was later transformed into Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and then, Awada Kerikeri Group.
In 1978, the mantle of leadership was passed on to Adebayo Salami, after Ojo Ladipo’s death. He led the group till the early 90s and became popularly, playing significant roles in the Awada Kerikeri, a TV drama that got many people glued to their TV sets in the 70’s. The advent of home videos led other members of the group to start independent productions, thus he formed his own company called UB Media Network in 1993.
He produced his first celluloid movie entitled, Ogun Ajaye in 1975, then Omo Orukan in 1987, and Eri Okan in 1989. In the early 90’s, he joined the home video train and produced a blockbuster entitled, Asewo T’ore Mecca. He has since produced over 18 movies, including Agbaara Obirin, Ilu le, Oko (stone), Gbemisola and others. Oga Bello has played lead roles in over 100 movies and still very relevant in the Yoruba movie sector.
Few of his children have followed his footstep and are doing well in their chosen career. They are Femi Adebayo, Sodiq Adebayo and Rilwan Adebayo.
