For Femi Adebayo, family is the bedrock of his life and career. When he speaks about his father, veteran actor Adebayo Salami (fondly known as Oga Bello), it’s with unmistakable admiration and gratitude.
“He’s my guy, 100 per cent,” Femi says, his voice laced with emotion. He credits his father not only for his upbringing but for shaping the Yoruba film industry itself. “About 95 per cent of Yoruba actors and theatre practitioners have passed through him,” he points out. That influence was on full display during Salami’s 50th anniversary on stage, and now, father and son prepare to celebrate 60 years in the industry together—a milestone Femi deeply cherishes.
From Law School to Movie Sets
Femi didn’t always plan to become an actor. In fact, his first ambition was to be a lawyer—a decision that delighted his father, who had dreamed of studying law himself. Named after his father’s own legal mentor, Femi Okunnu, he enrolled in law school, captivated by the drama and prestige of the courtroom.
But life had other plans. During school breaks, he would join his father at rehearsals, discovering a love for theatre that gradually eclipsed his legal aspirations. After graduation, the financial realities became clear: earning around N20,000 as a lawyer paled in comparison to acting gigs that could pay double for just a few days’ work. “That’s when I told myself, ‘Guy, think well. This is your real calling.’”
Navigating Expectations and Upholding a Legacy
Growing up in the shadow of a legend brought its own pressures. Femi admits he felt an intense drive to live up to—and even surpass—his father’s accomplishments. Early in his career, he set himself the quiet goal of producing films that would stand shoulder to shoulder with his father’s work.
Yet he knew he couldn’t do it alone. Salami remained his most trusted adviser and mentor, helping refine story ideas and offering guidance on set. “If you’ve seen my successful films, just know he’s a big part of that success, even when he’s behind the scenes,” Femi explains.
Collaboration, Clashes, and Respect on Set
Working with family has its challenges, and Femi doesn’t shy away from describing the occasional clashes on set. With his brother Tope also a director, debates over interpretation and execution are common. “Sometimes my brother and I win. Other times, we admit daddy is right,” he says. But these arguments are rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to telling the best story possible.
Adapting to the Changing Business of Film
Femi’s approach to distribution has also evolved with the times. His first major film, Diamonds in the Sky, found a home on Netflix after initial cinema plans gave way to a more practical streaming deal. The move wasn’t just about convenience, but strategy.
While King of Thieves achieved massive box office success—earning N320 million even when ticket prices were just N1,500—streaming offered quicker returns and wider visibility for other projects like Jagun Jagun 1.
“Let’s be honest; the cinema-distribution structure isn’t always favourable to producers,” Femi explains. But for Her Excellency, the film marking his father’s 60th year on stage, he’s committed to a cinema-first release, wanting audiences to see his father “alive, strong, and acting.”
Celebrating 60 Years in Style: ‘Her Excellency’
Unlike the stage-play celebration of Salami’s 50th anniversary, Femi wanted something different and modern for the 60th. “Times have changed, and cinema is now the dominant medium,” he says. The result is Her Excellency, a cinematic remake of his father’s classic Agbara Obirin (“The Power of Women”).
The production is a family affair, co-directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani, with Salami himself supervising. Shot entirely in Ilorin, the film boasts an impressive cast including Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Jide Kosoko, and Odunlade Adekola—many of whom worked for free as a tribute to Salami’s towering influence.
Beyond the Dancing Trend: Promoting Meaningful Stories
Femi is realistic about modern marketing trends in Nollywood, like the viral social-media dances some filmmakers use. “My dad and I cannot dance,” he laughs. While he respects those who embrace that strategy—citing Funke Akindele as a master of the craft—he insists his own approach is different. “The movie is powerful, and it speaks to every stratum of society. I believe it will make the impact we envision.”
The critical and commercial success of Seven Doors, which won big at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, affirmed Femi’s commitment to telling meaningful stories. Focused on generational curses and family dynamics, the film struck a chord with viewers. “I put in the work, paid attention to every detail, and left the rest to God,” he says.
He also insists on casting choices that reflect his values. As a Nigerian youth ambassador, he believes in promoting unity and deliberately cast Chioma Chukwuka to model that message. “We must move beyond division and find common ground if we want to move Nigeria forward.”
A True Family Enterprise
Film is more than a career for the Adebayos—it’s a family institution. Femi’s brother Tope directs, Sodiq is a production manager, Ridwan edits, while others act part-time. Even their mother once worked as a marketer. “It’s a family affair, and we work well together,” he says.
Planning for the Future of Nollywood
Despite his success, Femi remains clear-eyed about the industry’s shortcomings—especially when it comes to retirement planning. “Old age will come, and it’s a personal responsibility to prepare,” he warns. He advocates micro-pension schemes and has even enrolled his staff and close collaborators in them.
He also invests in the next generation, running a theatre school for over 15 years to preserve the traditions and techniques his father helped pioneer.
Embracing Collaboration and Ignoring the Noise
Femi is a vocal supporter of collaboration among filmmakers, believing it leads to better stories and promotes authentic African storytelling.
When it comes to online criticism, he’s equally clear-eyed: constructive feedback is welcome, but he won’t waste time on pointless drama. “Your surname might open the door, but it won’t keep you in the room,” he concludes. “My work speaks for itself.”
Through it all, Femi Adebayo remains determined to honour his father’s legacy while forging his own path—a balancing act that showcases both his deep respect for tradition and his commitment to pushing Nollywood forward.