With over sixty years in the film industry, veteran filmmaker Adebayo Salami, fondly known as ‘Oga Bello,’ continues to stand as one of Nollywood’s most revered and enduring icons. A devoted father of 18, Salami began his acting career in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, a theatre troupe led by the legendary Ojo Ladipo, famously known as Baba Mero.
In an exclusive interview with Rotimi Ige, Oga Bello discusses his new cinematic project, Her Excellency, reflects on his incredible six-decade journey in Nollywood, and reveals how prioritizing his children’s education has become one of his greatest accomplishments.
On being a proud father and choosing education before craft:
“It’s all part of God’s design,” he said. “I never imagined any of my children would follow in my footsteps. But one thing I was always passionate about is education. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the support I needed from my own parents due to their circumstances, but I was determined that all my children would be educated—at least to the level of earning a first degree.
When I became a polygamist, I made a personal decision: I don’t intend to leave behind multiple properties. I only need two houses—one in Lagos and another in my hometown. If there’s any money in my account when I’m gone, let it be shared. But education, for me, is the real legacy.”
How were you able to bring them to the industry?
I didn’t bring or force them to the industry, they grew their passion towards it on their own terms, when I discovered that Femi and some of his younger siblings showed interest in the film industry, I did not scold rather supported them. For instance, whenever I’m going for rehearsals and they want to follow me and I will say no, except you have good result. That made them work hard to get good results in school and here we are. I’m very happy and overwhelmed. If I knew he (Femi) will be a filmmaker, I will not spend much money on school, I would ask him to go and read Filmmaking or Theatre Arts.
60 years in the creative space, what has kept you stronger?
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Honestly, grace has brought me this far and I thank Almighty Allah for the gift of life and good family around.
How have you been able to stay relevant in the industry for so long?
It’s something I’ve always been doing is moving with time. I don’t have to be stagnant. We started on stage and from there we moved down to video and television. I followed all those steps and I made sure I do it. From there to magazine. I did travel theatre from one place to another; Kano, Warri, Kaduna, Sokoto. I move with time. When it comes to cinema, we were doing it simultaneously with theatre but the problem is that people accepted cinema than stage performances. So, we stick to cinema. Anything I want to do I learn it well, I travelled down to London to do some seminars, workshops on film production from there I went to France for some production seminars where I was able to get some francophone production books to read and learn from.
However, I learnt all practical aspect of movie from the late Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade love); my life journey in the industry has been smooth because I moved with time, you cannot compare the olden days movie making with the present day. I’m learning because you have to learn and let it sink in.
Has your age limited the kind of roles you take on knowing that you have played virtually every role?
As an actor, the question of age should not limit the kind of roles I should play. Acting is perpetually an imitation of life’s reality. For me, I don’t take roles anyhow. Even if you cast me for a role and I know I can’t fit in I will tell you no. I will rather advise.
Has there been any scar that has affected you till now?
The death of my boss, Ojo Olanrewaju, the death of his wife, his wife died seven years after and she had a lot of problems with the family. When my Oga died he left a strong word for me saying you must continue this profession because I was present when he died. I didn’t feel too comfortable to go on with it because I didn’t think it will be my source of income. When I resigned from where I was working with Ahaji Femi Okunnu as his personal assistant. We left federal ministry of works together, he said I should follow him to his chamber because he was a lawyer then. I named Femi after him. It was very difficult to start but there’s nothing I can do. When his wife died seven years after I felt I’m no more interested in this profession anymore. Late Dr. ogunbode called me
and said why don’t I want to do it. He said I have future in the profession that he will pray for me. He said as hard as my tests that how I will be lifted. Which means success comes with so many obstacles.
What was your biggest hit?
The title of the stage play that brought me into limelight is Omo Gbemiga, that was the stage play we staged during my 50th anniversary. However, ‘Omo oru Kan’ in 1987 gave him my fame.
Ahead of your 60 years on stage celebration, what should we expect?
When I did my 50 years on stage, we celebrated with stage performance and musical performances from veterans. I felt what should be obtainable now and I said cinema movie. That’s what comes to anybody head if you are a filmmaker. So, for the celebration, I did a remake of one my old titles ‘Agbara Obinrin’ to ‘Her Excellency’. It’s a beautiful set up directed by Tope Adebayo and Tope Tijani and I served as the supervising director on stage. Her Excellency parades beautiful cast that includes Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Femi Adebayo, Yemi Solade, Fathia Balogun, Aishat Lawal amongst others.
Why is the project ‘Her Excellency’ dear to you?
It’s dear to me because whenever I’m putting up my script, I do a lot of research and if you are a lover of my craft, you will know I do more of family-oriented stories but this particular project is pitched higher to the status of the governor. I’m trying to let people know that I don’t produce a movie that doesn’t pass message. The message there is that however you are, the wife must support her husband no matter what. Women support husband in two ways; either support or destroy his life. You have to be careful to know how you do with your husband and wife.
As a veteran, what will you like to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for all the messages I’ve passed through my movies.
You have witnessed the old and new times in the industry, what is your assessment of the industry now?
The industry is growing fast. It depends on how you move with it. Culture is dynamic and you have to move with time. Putting Agbada to the office is old. We have more talents in terms of technical and crew. We have more actors that can interpret your roles properly. There have been a lot of positive changes, in terms of making money out of it.
Healthwise, we have seen a lot of veteran’s breakdowns, what advice do you have for younger colleagues to be more conscious of their health status?
Old age comes with so many challenges. That is certain. Preparing for old age is a personal thing. In this side of the world, they are so bad with it in every profession. Most of us don’t prepare ahead. I am just lucky as a person, I haven’t planned my retirement as well. I invested in my children instead of building houses and in old age, they will take care of me.
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