Nigerian filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan, is celebrating his birthday today, September 30, with a career that has seen him excel as an actor, director and producer.
The son of late veteran filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, Afolayan started his career in acting before transitioning behind the camera.
Over the years, he has carved a niche for himself with films that explore Nigerian history, culture, folklore, social issues and contemporary experiences.
As he celebrates another year, here are 10 films that trace Afolayan’s journey in Nollywood.
1. Irapada — 2006
Afolayan announced his arrival as a director with Irapada, a Yoruba-language film centred on a man whose life takes an unexpected turn after a mysterious prophecy.
The film earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Indigenous Film in 2007 and helped establish him as one of the directors to watch in Nollywood.
2. The Figurine — 2009
The Figurine: Araromire became one of Afolayan’s most recognised early works.
The supernatural thriller follows two university friends whose discovery of a mysterious figurine changes the course of their lives.
Afolayan directed, produced and starred in the film alongside Ramsey Nouah and Omoni Oboli.
3. Phone Swap — 2012
Afolayan explored romantic comedy with Phone Swap, starring Wale Ojo and Nse Ikpe-Etim.
The film follows two strangers who accidentally exchange their phones, setting off a chain of misunderstandings that eventually changes their lives.
The project also demonstrated Afolayan’s ability to move beyond traditional drama and supernatural storytelling.
4. October 1 — 2014
With October 1, Afolayan delved into Nigeria’s colonial history and the events surrounding the country’s independence.
The historical thriller follows a police officer investigating a series of murders in a remote community shortly before Nigeria gained independence.
Afolayan directed, produced and acted in the film, which featured Sadiq Daba, Kanayo O. Kanayo and Sola Sobowale, among others.
5. The CEO — 2016
Afolayan turned his attention to corporate rivalry in The CEO.
The thriller follows five executives who compete for the top position at a major company, with ambition, betrayal and secrets shaping their struggle.
The cast included Kemi Lala Akindoju, Hilda Dokubo, Wale Ojo and Jimmy Jean-Louis.
6. Mokalik — 2019
Mokalik tells the story of a young boy who spends a day at a mechanic workshop and begins to see possibilities beyond his immediate surroundings.
Featuring Ayo Mogaji, Femi Adebayo and Osas Ighodaro, the film explored childhood, ambition and social class through a lighter and more accessible story.
7. Citation — 2020
Afolayan tackled sexual harassment in Nigerian universities with Citation.
The film marked Temi Otedola’s acting debut and also starred Kunle Remi and Jimmy Jean-Louis.
It follows a postgraduate student who accuses a respected professor of sexual harassment and must navigate the consequences of speaking out.
8. Anikulapo — 2022
Afolayan returned to Yoruba mythology with Anikulapo, one of the biggest projects of his career.
The film follows Saro, a traveller who acquires the supernatural ability to bring the dead back to life.
Through its story, characters and traditional setting, Anikulapo delved deeply into Yoruba mythology and folklore. The story was later expanded into a television series.
9. Ijogbon — 2023
In Ijogbon, Afolayan shifted his focus to four young friends whose lives change after they discover uncut diamonds in their rural community.
The Netflix film blends adventure and coming-of-age themes while placing its young characters in a distinctly Nigerian environment.
10. Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre — 2024
Afolayan expanded the Anikulapo universe with Netflix’s Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre.
The six-episode series continues the story of Saro and Arolake while exploring the relationships, power struggles and supernatural forces introduced in the original film.
A filmmaker shaped by Nigerian stories
From Irapada and The Figurine to October 1, Citation and Anikulapo, Afolayan’s filmography reflects his willingness to move across genres while maintaining a strong connection to Nigerian culture and history.
His journey from acting to directing and producing has also produced films that have brought Nigerian stories to wider audiences.
As he marks his birthday, these 10 projects offer a glimpse into the career of a filmmaker who has continued to explore different sides of Nollywood while drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s history, traditions and contemporary society.
