The president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Baba Latin, has paid glowing tribute to veteran actor and filmmaker Adebayo Salami, famously known as Oga Bello, as he marks 60 years in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Amusan, in a heartfelt message shared via his Facebook page, described Salami as a “living legend” and a “national treasure” whose contributions have shaped the landscape of African cinema.
“As the curtain rises on the premiere of Her Excellency on June 29, we stand in awe and reverence of a titan whose name is etched permanently in the golden annals of African cinema — Alhaji Adebayo Salami,” Amusan wrote.
He praised Salami’s six-decade-long career, highlighting his enduring influence as a pioneer, mentor, and cultural icon in Nollywood. He noted that Salami’s latest film, Her Excellency, is not just another creative offering, but a testament to his continued relevance and reinvention in the film industry.
“Oga Bello continues to break new grounds, telling compelling stories that resonate across generations,” he said. “Your legacy is not only in the roles you played, but in the lives you have shaped and the industry you helped build.”
Salami, who began his career in theatre before transitioning to film, has remained a consistent and respected figure in Nigerian cinema. Over the years, he has been instrumental in mentoring younger talents and preserving indigenous storytelling traditions.
“Congratulations on 60 magnificent years. May your legacy continue to shine brightly and your impact echo for generations to come,” the TAMPAN president added.
AFRICA STANDS FOR ADEDAYO SALAMI, SAYS LATIN
