Adebayo Salami Film Legacy Celebrated

Veteran actor Adebayo Salami celebrates 60 years in film as his son Femi Adebayo unveils ‘Her Excellency’ in tribute to his father’s enduring legacy

Adebayo Salami film legacy is being honoured with a new cinematic tribute as the veteran Nigerian actor marks 60 years in the film industry.

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Known widely as Oga Bello, Salami’s remarkable journey in theatre and cinema began in 1964 and has spanned generations.

To commemorate this milestone, his son and celebrated actor Femi Adebayo has announced a new feature film titled Her Excellency. The project, set to premiere on 29 June 2025, will hit cinemas nationwide from 4 July.

It is both a personal tribute and a cultural celebration of the elder Salami’s towering influence in Nigerian entertainment.

Femi Adebayo described the film as more than a production. “Some stories are bigger than words, and some men are greater than the legends told about them,” he declared.

“Today, I stand with immense pride, gratitude and joy as I celebrate my father — my mentor, my hero — as he marks 60 years of unwavering excellence in filmmaking.”

Adebayo Salami’s career began with the Young Concert Party, a theatre troupe led by the late Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero.

The group eventually evolved into the renowned Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group. After Ladipo’s death in 1978, Salami stepped into leadership, a move that elevated his status and defined a new era in Yoruba theatre.

In 1985, Salami produced his first film, Ogun Ajaye, under the Awada Kerikeri banner. That production marked the beginning of a prolific run in the industry, with Salami producing, directing and acting in numerous stage plays, films, and television shows over the decades.

His influence has been pivotal in the growth of Nollywood, especially in promoting indigenous-language cinema and mentoring younger talents. His style of storytelling and commitment to cultural authenticity continue to inspire emerging filmmakers.

Femi Adebayo, whose own acting credentials include the blockbuster Jagun Jagun, emphasised that the release of Her Excellency symbolises more than family pride.

“This moment isn’t just for him,” he said. “It’s for every dreamer, every creative, every artist who dares to build, to sacrifice, to endure.”

The elder Salami, now 72, remains active in the industry. His life and work reflect not only personal perseverance but the resilience of Nigerian theatre traditions that gave birth to today’s dynamic film scene.

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As audiences prepare for the premiere of Her Excellency, the moment serves as a reflection on the contributions of one man to a national art form. Adebayo Salami’s legacy stands as a testament to the value of consistency, vision and a lifelong dedication to storytelling.