Oga Bello
Nigerian actor (born 1952)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Adebayo Salami ⓘ (born 9 May 1952), popularly known by his stage name "Oga Bello" ⓘ is a veteran Nigerian nollywood actor, filmmaker, film producer, and director.[1][2][3]
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9 May 1952
Oga Bello | |
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| Born | Adebayo Salami 9 May 1952 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Occupations | Actor, filmmaker and film director |
| Years active | 1964-present |
| Children | Femi Adebayo |
Early life and education
Salami is a native of Pakata Oloje, Ilorin, Kwara State. He was born on the 9th of May 1953 in Lagos State where he had both his primary and secondary education.[4]
Adebayo Salami attended Adebodun Commercial School, and later went to Lagos Drama School,[5] a school affiliated with the University of Lagos.
Career
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. After a few years, the group changed its name to Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and later metamorphosed into Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.[6] Following the demise of Ojo Ladipo in 1978, Salami took the mantle of leadership of the group, which brought him into the limelight.[7]
He featured in the first Yoruba film, Ajani Ogun, in which the late Adeyemi Afolayan, the father of Kunle Afolayan and Gabriel Afolayan, plays the lead role.[8]
He was also featured in a movie titled Kadara by Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love).[9] He later featured in the popular Nigerian comedy series Comedy half-hour with the stage name Oga Bello.[10]
He produced his first movie, Ogun Ajaye, in 1985, from the stable of Awada Kerikeri.[11]
Since 1985, he has produced, directed, and featured in several Yoruba movies.[12]
He was a pioneer member of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners,[13] and also served as president of the association.[14]
Personal life
Salami is married to two wives and has eighteen children (9 sons and 9 daughters, including actor Femi Adebayo)[15]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Seven Doors | Otun |
| Crossroads | Dunni's Father | |
| 2022 | Aníkúlápó | Oyo Chief |
| 2020 | Omo Ghetto (The Saga) | Baba Onibaba |
| 1996 | Owo Blow | Council Boss |