Adebayo Salami, the veteran Nollywood actor and father of prominent Nollywood actor cum filmmaker Femi Adebayo, premiered his first Cinema movie, Her Excellency, at Imax Cinemas in Lekki to celebrate his 60 years in Nollywood.
The 73-year-old thespian was born on May 9, 1953. His acting journey began in 1964.
Among the dignitaries who graced the event were Babatunde Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos State, and H.E. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, as well as Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka.
Top veterans actors/actresses present at the event included, Olaiya Igwe, Jide Kosoko, Prince Jidekosoko, Bukky Wright, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Kunle Afolayan, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Kazim Adeoti, Bimbo Akintola, Adeniji Johnson, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Sola Sobowale, Emeka Okoye, Oluwabukola Arugba, Gabriel Afolayan, Lanre Hassan Adesina, and Yemi Solade.
Sharing clips from the event, Femi via Instagram on Sunday night expressed how honoured he was to be part of the project. He expressed gratitude for the support, honour, and presence of greatness.
Salami began his acting career with the Young Concert Party group, led by Ojo Ladipo, also known as Baba Mero.
The group’s name changed throughout the years, evolving from Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group to Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.
Following Ladipo’s passing in 1978, Salami assumed group leadership, propelling him into the spotlight.
He made his cinematic debut in the first-ever Yoruba film, ‘Ajani Ogun’, where the late Adeyemi Afolayan played the lead role.
In 1985, he produced his first movie, ‘Ogun Ajaye’, under the Awada Kerikeri banner.
Since then, he has become a notable force in the Yoruba film industry, actively producing and directing numerous movies.
The artistic legacy continues with his sons, Femi Adebayo, Tope Adebayo, and Sodiq Adebayo, establishing themselves as successful actors and movie producers.
