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Tag: Femi Adebayo

  • How we combated piracy with Ageshinkole 2 – Femi Adebayo

    How we combated piracy with Ageshinkole 2 – Femi Adebayo

    Nigerian actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has explained how he and his collaborators combated piracy when they opted for community screening of his current film, ‘Ageshinkole 2’.

    In an honest interview, Adebayo explained that the piracy end was handled by Circuit TV, one of his two collaborators, and they achieved success with the film grossing over N400m in the first 12 days.

    In his words, “Piracy was fully handled by circuit TV. They have an extremely wonderful structure in which the content they have can be pirated. Then with Blue Pictures, my distributor, we brought together our experience and we had no doubts that with our logistics and framework, we would get it right.”

    Read Also: Nigerians will determine Tinubu’s successor, says Deputy Speaker

    In December 2025, Femi Adebayo announced ‘Ageshinkole 2: King of Thieves 2’ with a unique Community Cinema tour across Nigeria, a move he described as giving back to fans and innovating distribution by taking the film directly to local communities, departing from traditional cinema releases.

    He emphasized that the sequel builds on the first franchise’s epic success, promising deeper drama, suspense, and a continuation of culturally rich storytelling, with showings in local areas all through December 2025 into early January 2026.

  • Femi Adebayo celebrates as daughter graduates from University

    Femi Adebayo celebrates as daughter graduates from University

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has congratulated his first child, Firdaos Niniola, on her graduation from the university.

    In an Instagram post, Adebayo expressed pride and gratitude in his daughter, acknowledging the significance of education and the responsibility that comes with it.

    Adebayo prayed for his daughter’s continued guidance, protection, and success, promising to always stand behind her as she embarked on her journey.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo defends Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Warlord’ amid online criticism

    He wrote, “Firdaos Niniola @niniolajannah Ajoke mi – my first child. You have made me prouder and given me countless reasons to smile through the years. Alhamdulillah for this beautiful milestone.

    “Today, you graduate, and my heart overflows with gratitude and pride. Education is a gift, and responsibility is its companion – may you use both to uplift yourself and others.

    “May Allah continue to guide, protect, and elevate you in all you do. Your journey is just beginning, and Daddy stands proudly behind you, always.”

  • ON Awards 2025: Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors, Farmer’s Bride win big

    ON Awards 2025: Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors, Farmer’s Bride win big

    By Tosin Brown

    Femi Adebayo’s hit series, ‘Seven Doors,’ and Adebayo Tijani’s ‘Farmer’s Bride’ were the biggest winners on Sunday night, December 14, 2025 when the 17th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, held at the Wole Soyinka centre for Arts and Culture, Lagos.

    At the event, Nollywood’s finest were celebrated and the year’s top talents were crowned.

    While the drama ‘Farmers Bride’ claimed the night’s top honors, the movie ‘Seven Doors’ emerged as the most prolific winner, sweeping four major technical categories.

    The most prestigious movie awards of the night went to ‘Farmers Bride’ in the Movie of the Year and Director of the Year categories.

    ‘Seven Doors,’ Femi Adebayo’s technical masterpiece proved to be the night’s biggest single film winner, taking home four highly coveted awards, including: Best Production Design, Best Special Effect, Best Series, and Best Cinematography.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo defends Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Warlord’ amid online criticism

    The film’s performance highlights the growing recognition of high-quality production and technical excellence in Nigerian cinema.

    Beyond the top prizes, the awards celebrated diverse aspects of filmmaking.

    The lead acting awards saw a clean sweep for the film ‘Black Out,’ with Gideon Okeke and Padita Agu taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress statuettes, respectively.

    In the supporting roles, veteran actress Mercy Aigbe was recognised for her role in ‘My Mother Is a Witch,’ while Taye Ayimoro won for ‘Son of the Soil.’

    The memorable screen chemistry between Tobi Bakre and Folu Storms in ‘Red Cycle’ earned them the award for Best Kiss.

    ‘Abanisete’ secured the Best Indigenous award, underscoring the importance of cultural storytelling. The promising future of Nollywood was also highlighted with wins for Razaaq Adoti (Most Promising Actor for Son of the Soil) and Una Idoko (Most Promising Actress for I Am Anis).

    The 17th BON Awards also dished out special recognition awards for the deserving trio of Steve Ayorinde, Funke Akindele, and Dr Shaibu Husseini.

  • BON Awards: Femi Adebayo’s ‘Seven Doors’ dominates 17th edition

    BON Awards: Femi Adebayo’s ‘Seven Doors’ dominates 17th edition

    The 17th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Lagos edition, was all fun and glamour as Femi Adebayo’s hit series, ‘Seven Doors,’ dazzled at the National Theatre today, where the industry’s finest were celebrated and the year’s top talents were crowned. 

    While the drama ‘Farmers Bride’ claimed the night’s top honors, the movie ‘Seven Doors’ emerged as the most prolific winner, sweeping four major technical categories.

    The most prestigious movie awards of the night went to ‘Farmers Bride’ in the Movie of the Year and Director of the Year categories.

    ‘Seven Doors,’ Femi Adebayo’s technical masterpiece proved to be the night’s biggest single film winner, taking home four highly coveted awards, including: Best Production Design, Best Special Effect, Best Series, and Best Cinematography.

    The film’s performance highlights the growing recognition of high-quality production and technical excellence in Nigerian cinema.

    Beyond the top prizes, the awards celebrated diverse aspects of filmmaking.

    The lead acting awards saw a clean sweep for the film ‘Black Out,’ with Gideon Okeke and Padita Agu taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress statuettes, respectively. 

    In the supporting roles, veteran actress Mercy Aigbe was recognised for her role in ‘My Mother Is a Witch,’ while Taye Ayimoro won for ‘Son of the Soil.’

    The memorable screen chemistry between Tobi Bakre and Folu Storms in ‘Red Cycle’ earned them the award for Best Kiss.

    ‘Abanisete’ secured the Best Indigenous award, underscoring the importance of cultural storytelling. The promising future of Nollywood was also highlighted with wins for Razaaq Adoti (Most Promising Actor for Son of the Soil) and Una Idoko (Most Promising Actress for I Am Anis).

    The 17th BON Awards also dished out special recognition awards for the deserving trio of Steve Ayorinde, Funke Akindele, and Dr Shaibu Husseini.

    Here’s the full list of winners

    BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARD 2025

    WINNERS LIST

    BEST ACTOR – GIDEON OKEEKE (BLACK OUT)

    BEST ACTRESS – PADITA AGU (BLACK OUT)

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – TAYE AYIMORO ( SON OF THE SOIL)

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – MERCY AIGBE (MY MOTHER IS A WITCH)

    BEST KISS – TOBI BAKRE & FOLU STORMS (RED CYCLE)

    BEST SOCIAL MESSAGE – MAYOMI

    BEST SHORT FILM – EGBEJI

    BEST COSTUME – SEVEN DOORS

    BEST SOUND – AGEMO

    BEST SOUNDTRACK – IYALODE 

    BEST USE OF FOOD – OWAMBE THIEVES 

    BEST INDIGENOUS – ABANISETE

    BEST CHILD ACTOR – AHMED ISA (FINDING NINA)  

    BEST CHILD ACTRESS – IJELU FOLAJIMI SHARON (SON OF THE SOIL)

    MOST PROMISING ACTOR – RAZAQ ADOTI (SON OF THE SOIL)

    MOST PROMISING ACTRESS – UNA IDOKO (I AM ANIS)

    BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – SEVEN DOORS 

    BEST SCREENPLAY – MY MOTHER IS A WITCH 

    BEST USE OF MAKEUP – LABAKE OLODODO 

    BEST SPECIAL EFFECT – SEVEN DOORS 

    BEST EDITING – REEL LOVE 

    BEST DOCUMENTARY – BEYOND FOOTBALL 

    BEST SERIES – SEVEN DOORS 

    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – SEVEN DOORS 

    MOVIE OF THE YEAR – FARMERS BRIDE 

    DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – FARMERS BRIDE

  • Femi Adebayo defends Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Warlord’ amid online criticism

    Femi Adebayo defends Odunlade Adekola’s ‘Warlord’ amid online criticism

    Award-winning actor Femi Adebayo has defended his colleague, Odunlade Adekola, urging critics to approach his latest film ‘Warlord’ with respect and an open mind.

    Adebayo’s response was prompted by a social media user who slammed the movie, citing its production shortcomings.

    The user wrote, “Na you go be producer, main character, singer, director. Na why your movies no dey make sense. Do better.”

    Read Also: Actor Odunlade Adekola buries father in Ekiti

    He emphasised the importance of respect, noting that filmmaking is a team effort involving directors, writers, crew, and actors.

    He encouraged viewers to watch the movie with an open mind and judge it fairly, rather than making hurtful comments from behind a keyboard.

    Adebayo wrote, “I’ve noticed one or two tweets from this account about my brother’s movie. Understandably, you’re entitled to your opinion, but posting comments from behind a keyboard doesn’t automatically make those opinions accurate. Let’s keep it respectful, that is someone’s craft. Filmmaking is teamwork, with directors, writers, crew, and actors all putting in their best. This Project is my brother’s. Watch it at a cinema near you… and judge it with open eyes, not quick fingers. That’s the fair way!”

  • FULL LIST: Femi Adebayo’s Seven doors tops 2025 BON awards nominations

    FULL LIST: Femi Adebayo’s Seven doors tops 2025 BON awards nominations

    The 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards nominees have been unveiled, with Femi Adebayo’s “Seven Doors” leading the pack with nine nominations.

    Ibrahim Yekini’s “Abanisete” follows closely with eight nominations.

    “My Mother Is A Witch” and “Farmer’s Bride” also performed well, earning seven and six nominations respectively.

    The awards ceremony will take place on December 14, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event will also feature a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest red carpet, to be held on the new Coastal Road.

    Below are the nominees:

    BEST ACTOR

    Ibrahim Yekini – ‘Abanisete’
    Gideon Okeke – ‘Blackout’
    Femi Adebayo – ‘Seven Doors’
    Razaq Adoti – ‘Son of the Soil’
    Tobi Bakre – ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    Jide Awobona – ‘Inspector Jero’

    BEST ACTRESS

    Folu Storms – ‘Red Circle’
    Gbubemi Ejeye – ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    Padita Agu – ‘Blackout’
    Efe Irele – ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    Chioma Chukwuka – ‘Seven Doors’
    Florence Nwachukwu – ‘Fury’

    BEST KISS

    Tobi Bakre & Gbubemi Ejeye – ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    Timini Egbuson & TJ Omusuku – ‘Reel Love’
    Kunle Remi & Tope Olowoniyan – ‘The Party’
    Padita Agu & Demola Adedoyin – ‘Planning Forever’
    Tobi Bakre & Folu Storms – ‘Red Circle’

    BEST DIRECTOR

    Niyi Akinmolayan – ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    Adebayo Tijani & Tope Adebayo – ‘Abanisete’
    Adebayo Tijani & Jack’enneth Opukeme – ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    Tope Adebayo & Adebayo Tijani – ‘Her Excellency’
    Toka McBaror – ‘The Waiter’
    Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo & Femi Adebayo – ‘Seven Doors’

    MOVIE OF THE YEAR

    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    ‘The Waiter’
    ‘Her Excellency’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’

    BEST SERIES

    ‘The Party’
    ‘Seven Doors’

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

    Stan Nze – ‘Serpent’s Gift’
    Femi Branch – ‘Owambe Thieves’
    Adedimeji Lateef – ‘Red Circle’
    Buchi Franklin – ‘The Waiter’
    Taye Arimoro – ‘Son of the Soil’
    Neo Akpofure – ‘My Mother Is a Witch’

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

    Mercy Aigbe – ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    Bolaji Ogunmola – ‘Longing’
    Tina Mba – ‘The Serpent’s Gift’
    Mercy Aigbe – ‘Farmer’s Bride’
    Susan Jimah – ‘Take My Breath Away’
    Kehinde Bankole – ‘Iyalode’

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo humbled as OAU student honours ‘Seven Doors’ in research project

    BEST SOCIAL MESSAGE

    ‘Out in the Darkness’
    ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    ‘Fury’
    ‘Longing’
    ‘Mayomi’
    ‘Blackout’
    ‘Single Mother’

    BEST COSTUME

    ‘Owambe Thieves’
    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘Iyalode’
    ‘Labake Olododo’
    ‘Seven Doors’
    ‘Olomi’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’

    BEST SOUND

    ‘Red Circle’
    ‘Agemo’
    ‘Anjola’
    ‘Fury’
    ‘Reel Love’
    ‘Ewu Ife’

    BEST SOUNDTRACK

    ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    ‘Take My Breath Away’,
    ‘Olomi’
    ‘Durotimi’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’

    BEST USE OF FOOD

    ‘Owambe Thieves’
    ‘Longing’
    ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee’
    ‘07.03 (The 7th of the 3rd)’
    ‘Farmer’s Bride’

    BEST CHILD ACTOR

    Ahmad Isa – ‘Finding Nina’
    Yoma Davidson – ‘Den of Safety’
    Royal Aziomaku – ‘Seven Doors’
    Adeshina Daniel – ‘Telephone’

    BEST CHILD ACTRESS

    Ijelu Folajimi – ‘Son of the Soil’
    Darasimi Nadi – ‘Agemo’
    Diva Owoniyi – ‘Den of Safety’
    Kamdi Ugochkwu – ‘A Ride with Forever’
    Angel Unigwe – ‘In My Circle’

    MOST PROMISING ACTOR

    Razaaq Adoti – ‘Son of the Soil’
    Yomi Orimadegun – ‘The Boy from the Window’
    Korede Lawal – ‘On Our Skin’
    Abduazeem M. Ibrahim – ‘Finding Nina’

    MOST PROMISING ACTRESS

    Dolapo Oyebamiji – ‘Olomi’
    Lila Idoko – ‘I Am Anis’
    Sylvia Ebere – ‘Flipside’
    Sunshine Rosman – ‘Son of the Soil’
    Temitope Luqman – ‘Durotimi’

    BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

    ‘Seven Doors’
    ’Labake Olododo’
    ’Abanisete’
    ‘Iyalode’
    ‘Farmer’s Bride’

    BEST SCREENPLAY

    ‘Thinline’
    ‘Ewu Ife’
    ‘Owambe Thieves’
    ‘Fixing Others’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’,
    ‘Blackout’
    ‘Agemo’

    BEST SPECIAL EFFECT

    ‘Seven Doors’
    ‘Labake Olododo’
    ‘Son of the Soil’
    ‘Red Circle’
    ‘The Waiter’
    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘Iyalode’

    BEST DOCUMENTARY

    ‘Beyond Olympic Glory’
    ‘Nigeria Laughs’
    ‘Not Addressing This Anymore’

    BEST EDITING

    ‘Son of the Soil’
    ‘The Waiter’
    ‘Reel Love’
    ‘Red Circle’
    ‘Between Silence & Truth’
    ‘Olomi’
    ‘Agemo’

    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

    ‘07.03 (7th of the 3rd)’
    ‘My Mother Is a Witch’
    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘Agemo’
    ‘Seven Doors’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’
    ‘Finding Nina’

    BEST INDIGENOUS MOVIE

    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘Brotherly Love’
    ‘Iyalode’
    ‘The Serpent’s Gift’,
    ‘Agemo’
    ‘My Mother Is a Witch’,
    ‘Olomi’

    BEST MAKEUP

    ‘The Waiter’
    ‘Seven Doors’
    ‘Iyalode’
    ‘Abanisete’
    ‘Labake Olododo’

    The BON Awards have returned to Lagos after a successful run, with stakeholders praising the organisers for their consistency and commitment to promoting Nollywood excellence.

  • Femi Adebayo humbled as OAU student honours ‘Seven Doors’ in research project

    Femi Adebayo humbled as OAU student honours ‘Seven Doors’ in research project

    Award-winning filmmaker and actor Femi Adebayo, has expressing joy and pride after Oyindamola, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), dedicated her academic research project to his movie, ‘Seven Doors’.

    The seasoned actor, who is also the son of legendary actor Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, took to social media to give a shout out to Oyindamola, celebrating her scholarly work and the impact of his film.

    The student’s research project, titled ‘The Aesthetics of Oral Performance in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors’, explored the artistic and cultural elements of Adebayo’s film, showcasing its significance beyond entertainment.

    Adebayo visited Oyindamola at OAU, where she formally presented her research to him.

    Read Also: Odumodublvck shares near-death surgical experience

    The visit sparked widespread excitement online, with fans and followers applauding the actor’s humility and commitment to engaging with his audience in meaningful ways.

    Sharing photos from the visit on his social media platforms, Adebayo expressed deep gratitude and pride for the honor, noting how the moment marked a significant milestone in his career.

    In his post, he wrote: “From taking acting seriously… to becoming a subject of study. Everything came full circle when I met Oyinda at Obafemi Awolowo University, as she presented her research on ‘The Aesthetics of Oral Performance in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors’. 

    “Grateful to see my art echo beyond the stage – into academia. What started as passion and discipline has now become a movement of its own. I feel honored and motivated to keep giving my best.”

  • Femi Adebayo mourns Chief ‘Kanran’

    Femi Adebayo mourns Chief ‘Kanran’

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo Salami has paid tributes to veteran actor Chief Kanran, who recently passed away.

    Femi expressed struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss, noting that it was particularly overwhelming since Chief Kanran had just finished working on one of his projects.

    In his heartfelt message, Femi prayed that Allah forgives Chief Kanran’s shortcomings and grants him eternal rest.

    He also prayed for strength and comfort for the actor’s family as they navigate this difficult time.

    He wrote on Instagram: “Still struggling to come to terms with the sudden passing of Chief Segun Kehinde AkinRemi @chiefkanran

    “This loss is particularly overwhelming, as he had just concluded his last acting performance on one of my projects.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, be with his family, and give them the strength to carry through this loss. Rest well, sir”.

    Chief Kanran was known for his iconic roles in Yoruba films and theater, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.

    Kanran, famous for playing a wealthy man in movies, started acting professionally in 1975.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo humbled as Gov. Abdulrazaq, Fashola attend father’s movie premiere

    He played the role of Kurunmi in a play of the same title written by Prof. Ola Rotimi.

    He also appeared in some episodes of ‘Mirror in the Sun’, which marked the beginning of his transition from stage to the screen.

    He played the role of a businessman in a soap opera, ‘Images’.

    His breakthrough was on stage when he acted in Langbodo, Nigeria’s drama entry to Festac ’77 at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

    On television, he acted as Alaafin Kanran in a drama shown on Lagos Television, October 1, 1988.

  • Why I abandoned law to pursue acting – Femi Adebayo

    Why I abandoned law to pursue acting – Femi Adebayo

    Renowned actor and producer Femi Adebayo has recounted the moment he chose acting as his true calling over law.

    Adebayo, who earned his Master’s Degree in law at the University of Ibadan, said he was working as a lawyer, earning N20,000 monthly while acting was just a hobby.

    However, speaking with Pulse, he said when he received an acting offer worth N50,000 for three days, he realised acting was his passion.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo humbled as Gov. Abdulrazaq, Fashola attend father’s movie premiere

    He said: “Honestly speaking, that was when I started working as a lawyer.
    My salary then was just N20,000 on a monthly basis And acting was a hobby for me all this while. So not until they invited me for acting roles, they were ready to pay me N50,000 for three days. And as a lawyer, I was getting N20,000 for one month. I said, Femi, this acting is your calling. That was when I decided that I would abandon law practice and face entertainment fully”.

    This opportunity made him abandon law practice and pursue entertainment full-time, leveraging his talent and family legacy in the industry, given his father is veteran actor Adebayo Salami, also known as Oga Bello.

  • Femi Adebayo humbled as Gov. Abdulrazaq, Fashola attend father’s movie premiere

    Femi Adebayo humbled as Gov. Abdulrazaq, Fashola attend father’s movie premiere

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has expressed appreciation for the presence of esteemed dignitaries at the premiere of his father Adebayo Salami’s movie, “Her Excellency”.

    He was particularly honoured to receive Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    Femi described the moment as grand, highlighting the significance of the event and the prestige it brought to his father’s legacy.

    Femi conveyed his gratitude for their support, feeling honored by their presence and appreciative of the recognition given to his father’s enduring contributions to Nollywood.

    He wrote on Instagram: “Super excited to receive the Honourable Governor of Kwara State – H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Former Governor of Lagos State – H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN at the star-studded premiere of HER EXCELLENCY.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo gifts ram to 12-year-old winner of Ileya challenge

    “Hosted by my father, mentor, and icon @adebayo.salami, this moment was nothing short of a grand true celebration of legacy, excellence, and unforgettable cinema.

    “Grateful for the honour, the support, and the presence of greatness. Her Excellency premiere”.

    The film’s premiere was a grand celebration of Oga Bello’s remarkable 60-year career in the industry, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious journey.