Popular Nollywood actor and producer, Femi Adebayo, has presented his recent victories at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to his father and veteran actor, Adebayo Salami.
Adebayo’s latest movie series, Seven Doors, emerged one of the biggest winners at the prestigious event held on Saturday, clinching three awards — Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo), Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), and Best Score/Music (Tolu Obanro).
On Monday, Femi shared a heartwarming video on Facebook showing the moment he squatted before his father, who held the AMVCA trophies and offered prayers for him.
The touching moment resonated with fans, many of whom applauded the actor’s display of humility and gratitude.
“There are moments awards can’t measure—like this one. Humbled beyond words as my father, Alhaji Adebayo Salami and my dear mothers poured prayers over me today,” Femi’s caption read.
“Seven Doors may have triumphed at #AMVCA2025, but the true foundation of everything I am… is right here. Their sacrifices, their prayers, their love—without them, there is no me. This win is ours,” he added.
Despite the celebration, not all reactions have been entirely positive. A fan, tweeting under the handle #OriretanHonour, suggested that Adebayo should consider featuring his father less in his productions. The tweet read in part: “Good job but limit featuring your dad always not to ruin your work.”
The movie, which had garnered 11 nominations, has been praised for its storytelling and performances however a fan, tweeting under the handle #OriretanHonour on X.com, suggested that Adebayo should consider featuring his father less in his productions.
The fan wrote on Sunday, “Femi Adebayo, the way your Seven Doors is bagging awards without promo needs to be studied. Jagun Jagun was greatly promoted but Seven Doors just suddenly popped up, took everyone unaware yet is the biggest. Good job but limit featuring your dad always not to ruin your work. Congrats but be wise.”
In his response Femi defended his decision, stating, “I appreciate the love and the concern. But let me gently say, success doesn’t have to wear noise all the time. Seven Doors has won and will keep winning because it is built on solid storytelling, not just hype.
“As for featuring my dad, Dr. Adebayo Salami (PhD) a living legend. If having a master of the craft in my work ‘ruins’ it for you, maybe the problem isn’t the casting, it’s your understanding of legacy and excellence. Oh yeah, let me add, na God dey promote, and when grace speaks, even silence trends. Thanks for the congrats.”
Seven Doors is a Nigerian historical drama series directed by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo. It follows King Adedunjoye, a reluctant monarch whose reign is haunted by a generational curse.
To break it, he must marry six more wives—opening “seven doors”—despite his deep love for his wife, Amaka.
Credit: PUNCH