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Kunle Afolayan (born September 30, 1975) is a well-respected figure in the Nigerian film industry. He is a versatile actor, producer and director.
His influence was particularly evident in his efforts to improve the overall standards of Nigerian cinema. By allocating larger budgets, adopting 35mm film production technology, and choosing to release films in cinemas, Afolayan effectively changed the industry.
Kunle Afolayan also successfully solved the problem of repetitive and predictable storylines that have plagued Nigerian cinema for years. KAP Film Academy.KAP stands for Produced by Kunle Afolayan.
Nigerian actor and film producer
Kunle Afolayan |
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 Kunle Afolayan: History, Biography, Photos |
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| Wiki facts and figures | |
| full name: | Kunle Afolayan |
| stage name: | Kunle Afu |
| date of birth: | September 30, 1974 (49 years old) |
| place of birth: | Ebute Meta, Lagos, Nigeria |
| country of origin: | Kwara State |
| Country of Citizenship: | Nigeria |
| educate: | New York Film Academy |
| high: | 1.61 m |
| parents: | Adeyemi Afolayan, Omoladun Afolayan |
| brothers and sisters: | Aremu Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, Moji Afolayan |
| spouse: | Tolu Afolayan (2007-2019 male) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| children: | Darimisire Afolayan, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Diekoloreoluwa David Afolayan |
| Profession: | Actor • Film producer |
| net worth: | $800,000 to $4 million |
Early life and education
Kunle Afolayan is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker who was born in the vibrant city of Ebute Meta, Lagos on September 30, 1975. Although his father, Adeyemi Afolayan, died at an early age, he was fortunate to be raised by his mother, Omolatun Afolayan.
Kunle grew up in a close-knit family with three siblings – Aremu Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan and Moji Afolayan. This is undoubtedly where Kunle’s artistic journey began and his passion for storytelling through film was nurtured. He has an aunt named Toyin Afolayan.
Kunle Afolayan was educated in Lagos, where he grew up despite his ancestral home being in Igbomina, Kwara State. After graduating from secondary school, he studied for a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
However, driven by his passion for filmmaking, he made a crucial decision to quit his banking job and join New York Film AcademyKunle Afolayan obtained a diploma in Digital Filmmaking from this renowned institution, further honing his skills and expanding his knowledge in the field.
Profession
Kunle Afolayan began his film journey as an actor, notably in the seminal 1999 political drama SavoryHowever, it wasn’t until 2006 that he truly made his indelible mark as a director, with his debut film, Irapada.
The Nigerian supernatural thriller showcased Afolayan’s extraordinary talent and won him critical acclaim, culminating in the prestigious African Movie Academy Award for Best African Language Film. Buoyed by this success, Afolayan continued to captivate audiences with subsequent directorial successes, including Figurines, Telephone Exchange, October 1and References.
Kunle Afolayan has played a key role in shaping the Nigerian film industry as CEO of Golden Effects Pictures, a production company he founded in 2005. The company has produced several notable films, including Irapada, Figurines, Telephone Exchange, October 1, Indian pancake, Omugwo, Tribunal, Chief Executive Officerand Mokalikhas made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, producing a diverse range of feature films.
Awards and nominations
African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
- Won the Best Film Award on October 1, 2015
- Nominated for Best Picture for Cell Phone Swap (2012) and Statuette (2009)
- Nominated for Best Director for October 1 (2015) and Statuette (2009)
Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA)
- Best Overall Film for Anikulapo (2023)
- Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Best Sound Editing (Film or TV Series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Best Screenplay (Film/TV Series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Best Original Score (Film/TV Series) for Anikulapo (2023)
- Anikulapo (2023) nominated for Best Film, Drama
- Anikulapo (2023) nominated for Best Director
Nigerian Movie Awards (NMVA)
- October 1st Won the Best Director Award (2015)
- Nominated for Best Picture for “October 1st” (2015)
Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF)
- Won the Gold Jury Award for Best Film for “Cellphone Swap” (2012)
- Winner of the Outstanding Film Director Award at the Film Festival for Cell Phone Swap (2012)
social media
- Instagram account: Kunle Afolayan (@kunleafo)
- Twitter account: Kunleafolayan (@kunleafolayan)
- Facebook: Kunle Afolayan
- Tiktok account: Kunle Afolayan (@ogbenikunleafolayan)
personal life
Kunle Afolayan, 49, married Tolu Afolayan in 2007 and together they enjoyed the joys of parenthood, welcoming four beautiful children, Darimisire Afolayan, Eyiyemi Afolayan and Diekoloreoluwa David Afolayan. However, their once harmonious marriage unfortunately came to an end in 2019.
Kunle Afolayan is a man of strong convictions and beliefs who proudly calls himself a freethinker.
Filmography
Movie
- Agogo èèwò (2002) as Aresejabata
- Ide Sawaro (1999) as Aresejabata
- Mobile Phone Replacement (2012) Played the role of a recharge card supplier
- October 1st (2014) as Agbekoya
- The Bridge (2017) as Jiire
- Roti (2017), KB
- Ayinla (2021) as Ajala
- Swallow (2021) as Pastor Fred
- Anikulapo (2022) as Akano
Directed films
- Irapada (2006)
- Statue (2009)
- Cell Phone Exchange (2012)
- October 1, 2014
- Chief Executive Officer (2016)
- The Bridge (2017)
- Roti Canai (2017)
- Omugewo (2017)
- Citations (2020)
- The Tenant (2019)
- Mokalik (The Mechanic) (2019)
- Diamonds in the Sky (2019)
- Anikulapo (2022)
net worth
Kunle Afolayan’s net worth is estimated to be between $800,000 and $4 million. Therefore, he is now one of the richest actors in Nigeria. Afolayan’s lucrative career in the Nigerian film industry is a significant source of his wealth.
