Veteran Theatre art practitioner and one of the frontliners of today’s Nollywood, Adebayo Salami a.k.a Oga Bello is set to celebrate his 50th anniversary as an actor. The celebration would be a little different from the regular entertainment we are used to in this part of the world, as he plans to thrill his fans with a stage play to commemorate his Golden Jubilee.
Speaking with Journalists at a press conference which held in White House, Ikeja recently, Oga Bello said the journey through his 50 years as a theatre art practitioner is one thats been filled with God’s endless grace and mercies.
In his words, he said “I feel so elated to have come this far, i thank God almighty for his love and kindness, my maximum appreciation also goes to the media who have been supporting me as Adebayo Salami and also pushing the ‘Oga Bello’ brand all along.’
When asked if he’s got any regret as an actor, he said “In my 50yrs as an actor, i can tell you categorically that i’ve got no regret though its normal to have challenges because thats what makes a man. Challenges makes champions, i remember vividly some years ago when i was shooting a movie titled Eri Okan, the bus conveying all the equipment got burnt on the express and we lost all. People attached it to some spiritual attacks but i concluded its just the will of God, challenges makes one get stronger.
When asked if he has anything he would like to change about himself if possible and also about marriage, Oga Bello said ‘I will never advice anyone to go into Polygamy, never.’ Continuing he said, I feel the best is to stay glued to one woman and have peace of mind though polygamy tends to come with it owns benefits but lets face reality here, i’ll always support a man marrying just one wife.
On the forthcoming 50th anniversary, Oga Bello said he decided to have the celebration at the National Theatre where fans and invited guest will be entertained by veteran actors via a stage play titled Oloko Oba because he wants to revive the art.
Amongst those who will be performing in the stage drama includes TAMPAN National Chairman Mr. Yemi Solade, Madam Saje, Ebun Oloyede aka Olaiya, Yinka Quadri, Muyiwa Ademola, Femi Adebayo.
The one-day event will hold on the 10th of December at the Muson Centre, starting by 4pm and entry will be strictly by invitation.
Oga Bello also revealed that Adebayo Salami’s documentary will also be unveiled on the celebration day, there will also be live drama performances by his threatre group (UB Group) and that of his son Femi Adebayo (J-15). There will also be a compilation of 12 of Oga Bello’s great movies of all time.
Oga Bello who is the current National Leader of TAMPAN ( Theatre Arts Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria) took time out to speak on crisis rocking the ANTP and the emergence of TAMPAN. He said TAMPAN was born out of neccessity because we realized that ANTP is retrogressive, imagine when as ANTP you’re pushing a proposal to a brand or government agency and one of your supposed members or exco writes a petition to always counter your moves. ANTP is full of crisis, no agreement or cordiality.
Yemi Solade who also spoke at the event said TAMPAN will give a new face and meaning to the Yoruba theatre art practitioners, he gave kudos to Adebayo Salami for his exemplary leadership qualities and discipline. He said ‘Many people don’t know that Oga Bello is not my senior colleague but my Uncle, thats a fact that you must know today, we’re blood related.
Son of the Oga Bello, Sadiq Adebayo, a graduate of Geology turned Production Manager also showered praises on his father for his unbiased love towards all and sundry. Sadiq commended him for been a worthy father, he said a father who loves his children and would also speak the truth is who u can call Adebayo Salami. In his words he said “‘Oga Bello is a brand, Adebayo Salami is an institution to study, he’s a father to all, VERY strict father, has policies which must be maintained.’
Biodun Okeowo, an actress and member of the 50th anniversary working committee said Oga Bello encouraged her to be focused and stay disciplined to attain the height of success.
When asked what other profession would have loved to embrace if he had not been an actor, Oga Bello said ‘I would have loved to be a lawyer but thank God Femi my son is one though’.