I invested in my children instead of building houses —Oga Bello

 With over six decades in the film industry, veteran filmmaker Adebayo Salami, popularly known as ‘Oga Bello,’ remains one of the most respected and enduring figures among his peers. A proud father of 18 children, Salami began his acting journey in 1964 with the Young Concert Party, a theatre group led by the legendary Ojo Ladipo, also known as Baba Mero. In this exclusive interview with Rotimi Ige, he opens up about his latest cinema project, Her Excellency, reflects on his remarkable 60-year journey in Nollywood, and shares how his dedication to his children has yielded lasting rewards.

YOU have most of your children in the industry and they are all representing well; how proud are you as a father and what gave you the foresight to see the importance of education before craft?

Let me just say, it’s God’s design. I never thought of letting any of my children take after me. The education you are talking about, I am very passionate about education. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the support from my parents because of their level but I had it in mind that all my children must be educated even if it’s attainment of at least to get the first degree. By the time I met myself as a polygamist, I’ve had it in mind that I don’t want to leave any properties for my children. I need just two houses; one in Lagos and one in my hometown. If you meet any money in my account, share it. I’m passionate about education.

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?

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.