The Theatre Arts Movie Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, will celebrate veteran, Adebayo Salami’s 50 years as an actor with a stage play titled, Oloko Oba.
The one-day event, which will hold on December 10 at the Muson Centre by 4p.m. will see TAMPAN’s national chairman, Yemi Solade, Madam Saje, Ebun Oloyede aka Olaiya, Yinka Quadri, Muyiwa Ademola and Femi Adebayo as cast of the play.
TAMPAN made this known at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos. It said the golden jubilee of the actor popularly known as Oga Bello from his stints on popular TV sitcom, Ojo Ladipo Theatre, would be different from the regular razzmattazz.
Speaking on his 50 years as a theatre art practitioner, Oga Bello, attributed his success to God for his grace and mercies.
“I feel so elated to have come this far,” he said. “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 had any regret as an actor, he said: “I can tell you that I have no regret though it is normal to have challenges because that’s 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 it was just the will of God. Challenges make one get stronger.”
Oga Bello also revealed a documentary about him would also be unveiled and there would be a drama performance 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, also took time out to speak on crisis rocking the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners, 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.”
Mr. Solade said TAMPAN would give a new face and meaning to the Yoruba theatre art practitioners.
He gave kudos to Mr. Salami for his exemplary leadership qualities and discipline.
He said, ‘Many people don’t know that Oga Bello is not only my senior colleague but my uncle. That’s a fact you must know today; we’re blood related.”
Mr. Salami’s son, Sadiq Adebayo, a graduate of Geology turned production manager, also showered praises on his father for his unbiased love towards all and sundry.
Mr. Adebayo commended him for being a worthy father. He said Mr. Salami was a father who loved his children and would also spoke the truth.
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