Spotlight Is On The ‘Fresh Prince’ Of Nollywood, Rotimi Salami

He got an early icing on his career cake when he was voted the Best Supporting Actor at last year’s Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA).

Dark, good-looking and always smartly dressed, it took that award, which he earned for living delightfully the role of Lati in the award-winning movie, Just Not Married for Rotimi Salami’s sun to set in Nollywood.

Although his first cinema movie effort and his first major award as an actor, what made the AMVCA winning particularly remarkable for Rotimi is the fact that the audience chose him over some notable actors in the industry nominated in the category, such as the 93 Days actor, Gideon Okeke; Ghana Must Go lead actor, Ghanaian Koffi Adjorlolo and Warren Masemola, who played lead in that crime thriller by Akin Omotosho, titled Vaya.

“I thought I was dreaming when I first heard the host call my name. I mean, I was just contented with the nomination, aware that I was in the same category with tested hands, like Gideon Okeke.

“But the audience had their say and I was picked. I thank God and all appreciate all those who voted,” he said in reaction to a question on how he felt after he was called up to receive the award.

Star of acclaimed movies, such as Mentally, Omoye, Stormy Hearts and Timeless, Rotimi is many things rolled into the one.

The Chief Executive of Monski Media Concept is not just an actor, but a producer, director, writer and set designer.

Married to Jumoke Salami, herself a motion picture practitioner, Rotimi, a Lagos State native studied Sociology at the Lagos State University (LASU) and holds a Diploma in directing from the New York Film Academy.

Acting for the multitalented actor started back in early school as a member of the drama club.

“That was from where I developed deep passion for acting and entertainment generally,” he recalled.

Shortly after early school and way into his days in the university, Rotimi developed the urge to plunge headlong into acting.

He took the decision to follow his heart in 2007 and since then, the actor, who had his break on the set of Unknown Revenge and later on the television series produced by Ola Razak, titled Shangisha Kingdom, has not looked back.

He has continued to grab roles both in the movies and on television. Some of the television series and movies he has starred in include the long-running Tinsel, Superstory, Silent Night, About to Wed, Dear Mother, Kuti’s Career Palace, Emerald, Alan Poza, Bella’s Place, Leave My Boyfriend, 11th Hour, Papa Ajasco and Crack in the Wall.

A trained director, who has produced and directed two short films, Letter to My Mother and Beautiful World, Rotimi’s directing debut is a television situation comedy, titled Kuti’s career Palace.

The sitcom, which airs on major channels across the country and x-rays the general career challenges in all stages of life, got a nomination in the 2014 edition of the AMVCA.

Described by close friends as humble, ambitious, adventurous and strong-willed, Rotimi’s career ambition is to build up his company to a level where it would be able create jobs and provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers to air their talents.

“I want to continue to improve with every job, including the ones I produce and direct. But my ultimate is to provide a huge platform with job opportunities for passionate filmmakers.

“I also want to touch as many lives as we can possibly touch with our stories, which will be told with good production values. So, help me God,” he stated.