Adebayo Salami | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9, May 1953 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Oga Bello |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Film-maker and film director |
| Years active | 1964 - present |
| Relatives | Femi Adebayo (Son) Kemi Adebayo (Daughter) |
Adebayo Salami popularly known by his stage name Oga Bello is a veteran Nigerian actor, film-maker, movie producer and director[1][2].
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 had produced, direct and featured in several yoruba movie[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].