Biography
Kunle Afolayan (born September 30, 1975) is a highly regarded figure in the Nigerian film industry. He is a multifaceted actor, producer, and director.
His influence is particularly evident in his efforts to enhance the overall standard of Nollywood movies. By allocating larger budgets, utilizing 35mm film production techniques, and opting to release films in cinemas, Afolayan has effectively transformed the industry.
Moreover, Kunle Afolayan has successfully tackled the issue of repetitive and predictable storylines that have plagued Nollywood films for years. He is the founder of KAP film and Television Academy. KAP stands for Kunle Afolayan Production.
Kunle Afolayan | |
|---|---|
 Kunle Afolayan: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo | |
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Kunle Afolayan |
| Stage Name: | Kunle Afo |
| Born: | 30 September 1974 (age 49 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Kwara State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | New York Film Academy |
| Height: | 1.61 m |
| Parents: | Adeyemi Afolayan, Omoladun Afolayan |
| Siblings: | Aremu Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, Moji Afolayan |
| Spouse: | Tolu Afolayan (m. 2007–2019) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | N/A |
| Children: | Darimisire Afolayan, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Diekoloreoluwa David Afolayan |
| Occupation: | Actor • Filmmaker |
| Net Worth: | US$800,000-US$4 million |
Early Life & Education
Born on September 30, 1975, in the vibrant city of Ebute Metta, Lagos, Kunle Afolayan is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker. Despite the early loss of his father, Adeyemi Afolayan, he was fortunate to be raised by his mother, Omoladun Afolayan.
Growing up in a closely-knit family with three siblings—Aremu Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan—undoubtedly shaped Kunle‘s artistic journey and nurtured his passion for storytelling through film. He has an aunty named Toyin Afolayan.
Kunle Afolayan received his early education in Lagos, where he spent his formative years despite his roots in Igbomina, Kwara State. After completing secondary school, he pursued an Economics Bachelor of Science degree.
However, driven by his fervor for filmmaking, he made a pivotal decision to leave his banking job and, in 2005, enrolled at the New York Film Academy. Kunle Afolayan earned a diploma in digital filmmaking from this esteemed institution, further honing his skills and expanding his knowledge in the field.
Career
Kunle Afolayan embarked on his cinematic journey as an actor, notably appearing in the impactful 1999 political drama Saworoide. However, it was in 2006 that he truly left an indelible mark as a director with the release of his debut film, Irapada.
This Nigerian supernatural thriller showcased Afolayan‘s exceptional talent and earned him critical acclaim, culminating in the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language. Buoyed by this success, Afolayan continued to captivate audiences with subsequent directorial triumphs, including The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, and Citation.
As the CEO of Golden Effects Pictures, a Nigerian production company established in 2005, Kunle Afolayan has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s film industry landscape. The production company, responsible for notable films such as Irapada, The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, Roti, Omugwo, The Tribunal, The CEO, and Mokalik, has contributed significantly to the Nigerian film scene, producing a diverse array of feature films.
Awards & Nominations
Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
- Won Best Film for October 1 (2015)
- Nominated for Best Film for Phone Swap (2012) and The Figurine (2009)
- Nominated for Best Director for October 1 (2015) and The Figurine (2009)
Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA)
- Won Best Overall Movie for Anikulapo (2023)
- Won Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Won Best Sound Editor (movie/TV series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Won Best Writer (Movie/TV series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Won Best Sound Track (movie/TV series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Nominated for Best Movie (Drama) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Nominated for Best Director for Anikulapo (2023)
Nollywood Movies Awards (NMVA)
- Won Best Director on October 1 (2015)
- Nominated for Best Picture for October 1 (2015)
Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)
- Won Golden Jury Award for Best Film for Phone Swap (2012)
- Won Festival Prize for Outstanding Film Directing for Phone Swap (2012)
Social Media
- Instagram handle: Kunle Afolayan (@kunleafo)
- Twitter handle: Kunleafolayan (@kunleafolayan)
- Facebook: Kunle Afolayan
- Tiktok handle: Kunle Afolayan (@ogbenikunleafolayan)
Personal Life
The 49-year-old Kunle Afolayan got married to Tolu Afolayan in 2007, and together, they were blessed with the joy of parenthood as they welcomed four beautiful children, Darimisire Afolayan, Eyiyemi Afolayan, and Diekoloreoluwa David Afolayan into their lives. However, their once harmonious union, unfortunately, came to an end in the year 2019.
Kunle Afolayan, a man of strong convictions and beliefs, proudly identifies himself as a free-thinker.
Filmography
Movies
- Agogo èèwò (2002) as Aresejabata
- Saworo Ide (1999) as Aresejabata
- Phone Swap (2012) as Recharge Card Vendor
- October 1 (2014) as Agbekoya
- The Bridge (2017) as Jiire
- Roti (2017), as KB
- Ayinla (2021) as Ajala
- Swallow (2021) as Pastor Fred
- Anikulapo (2022) as Akano
Directed Movies
- Irapada (2006)
- The Figurine (2009)
- Phone Swap (2012)
- October 1 (2014)
- The CEO (2016)
- The Bridge (2017)
- Roti (2017)
- Omugwo (2017)
- Citation (2020)
- Tenant of the House (2019)
- Mokalik (Mechanic) (2019)
- Diamonds in the Sky (2019)
- Anikulapo (2022)
Net Worth
Kunle Afolayan‘s net worth is anticipated to be between $800,000 and $4 million. As a result, he is now one of Nigeria’s wealthiest actors. Afolayan’s lucrative profession in the Nigerian film industry is a significant source of his fortune.
NOTICE!! NOTICE!! NOTICE!!
DISCLAIMER!! : Every Biography and Contents Published On TheCityCeleb are For Knowledge Reason, Don't Hesitate to Reach Out to Us/Contact for Any Correction || Suggestion || Copyright!!CORRECT@thecityceleb.com Post Your Contents & More On TheCityCeleb
Call: (+234) 815-413-5400 || Email: info@thecityceleb.com
WhatsApp: (+234) 703-964-6947
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEnKCtsZOauaaujZympmeSnryovsCpn7Jnk5q5pq7RoquyZ5aeua65wKScq2ebqrutsYyanaikka6ur3nBoqagqpGltbp51qKdnmWRnLJur8eio52qlaN6rrvVopysZZ6awW7DzquroWWjnq%2Bttc2gqmahnqjBorPRmqRo