Filmmaker Femi Adebayo says his father, actor Adebayo Salami also known as Oga Bello, not only supported his acting career but helped him surpass his own achievements.

Speaking in an interview with The Punch, the Jagun Jagun producer revealed that his father played a pivotal role in his early rise in the movie industry.

“He wrote the first seven movies I produced,” Femi said.

“So that made it easier for me to showcase my talent and do better than him. I can proudly say he was instrumental in helping me beat his own records.”

The 45-year-old, who left law for acting, described his father as his greatest influence.

“I did not just decide to become an actor; I was born into acting. Acting is my family business,” he said.

Although Femi had a successful legal background including serving as a special adviser to the Kwara State governor on arts, culture and tourism he said his passion for storytelling through film took precedence.

Speaking further, he said his father never imposed a career on him but gave him the freedom to choose, even though he was surrounded by the film world from a young age.

“My father is a great disciplinarian. So even though I grew up seeing him on set, he never forced me to act,” he said.

Femi, who gained popularity from his role in Owo Blow and is known for hit films like Ageshinkole and Jagun Jagun, said that while he doesn’t feel pressure to match his father’s legacy, he strives to make him proud.

Femi Adebayo has over 20 years of experience in the industry and has earned multiple awards and nominations. He is married to Omotayo Adebayo and they have children together.

His father, Adebayo Salami, is regarded as one of the pioneers of Yoruba-language cinema and was part of the classic drama group, Ojo Ladipo Theatre.