The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gabriel Afolayan

  • Gabriel Afolayan reflects on 35-year career journey

    Gabriel Afolayan reflects on 35-year career journey

    Actor Gabriel Afolayan has celebrated his Best Supporting Actor win at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for his role in “Inside Life.”

    In an Instagram post, Afolayan reflected on his decade-long career, tracing his journey back to 1990 when he started acting as a child under the guidance of veteran actor Baba-Sala.

    After a brief break to focus on his education, Afolayan returned to acting in 2000 and gained prominence around 2005.

    Read Also: 2025 AMVCA: Gabriel Afolayan wins ‘Best Supporting Actor’

    He credited his success to decades of consistent hard work, patience, and dedication.

    “Got into the game since 1990 through Baba-Sala as a child actor. School breaks. Made a comeback in 2000. Fame kicked in 2005.

    “2005-2025. Madam dearest – inside life. Fame before fortune (reward). Decades of consistent hard work. Omo olodun so pe purrr!Amvca11. Amvca2025. WINNER”, he wrote.

  • 2025 AMVCA: Gabriel Afolayan wins ‘Best Supporting Actor’

    2025 AMVCA: Gabriel Afolayan wins ‘Best Supporting Actor’

    Actor Gabriel Afolayan‘s outstanding performance in “Inside Life” has earned him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 11th AMVCA.

    This prestigious recognition showcases his exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft.

    Afolayan’s portrayal in the film captivated audiences and critics alike, demonstrating his range and skill as an actor.

    Read Also: Nigeria deserves high standard ICC – Wike

    By taking home this award, he beat out other talented actors like Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi); Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors); Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way); RMD (Christmas in Lagos); Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion) and Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa).

  • Gabriel Afolayan queries ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ proverb

    Gabriel Afolayan queries ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ proverb

    Actor Gabriel Afolayan has challenged the popular saying “light at the end of the tunnel.”

    Gabriel argued that waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel is unnecessary when one can have light throughoqqqaut the journey.

    He emphasised the importance of finding enjoyment and fulfillment during the process, rather than just focusing on the end goal.

    The actor also pointed out that not all tunnels have light at the end, making the saying unrealistic.

    He encouraged people to work harder and find ways to illuminate their path, rather than relying on the promise of a distant light.

    He wrote on Instagram: “Stepping away from metaphor, Light at the end of the tunnel? The fVck do I need a light at the end of a tunnel for? No, get that light inside the tunnel. Abeg Abi na end of the tunnel, I go follow to reach the end of the tunnel ?

    “So let there be light (enjoyment) through the process (tunnel/work) of getting to the end of the tunnel.

    “Better put, it should be that there is light at the end of a dark tunnel, which is not true in itself literarily because the end of a dark tunnel can also be as dark as dark. FOH e fi Awon owe yi lorun le ke mu ise se loju pali.”

  • FULL LIST: Gabriel Afolayan, Efe Irele, others nominated for best actor/actress in 2024 AMAA awards

    FULL LIST: Gabriel Afolayan, Efe Irele, others nominated for best actor/actress in 2024 AMAA awards

    The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has unveiled its nominees for 2024, and “The Weekend” by Uche Okocha is leading the pack with 16 nominations.

    “Jagun Jagun” by Femi Adebayo follows closely with seven nominations.

    The AMAA ceremony is set to take place on November 2 in Lagos, in collaboration with the Lagos State government, celebrating its 20th edition under the theme ‘Celebrating African Creativity’.

    The following are the full nominees:

    1. Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film

    The Last Shoe Maker – Uganda

    Seben – Mali

    Dear Future Wife – South Africa

    Isolated – Nigeria

    Jolie – Angola

    Strike A Blow And Die – Malawi

    Don’t Call Me Beautiful – Ghana

    Sins Of A Father – Zimbabwe/USA

    2. Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation

    Heavy Crown – Libya

    Counterpunch – Kenya

    Journey of the legend – Cameroon

    Hadu – Nigeria

    Between Paya and Koulou – Senegal

    Oya (The goddess of gods) – Nigeria

    Set Pieces – Sudan

    3. Best Documentary

    A Quand L’Afrique – Congo Brazzaville

    The Night Still Smells of Gun Powder- Mozambique

    The Return Train – Mali

    Gateway To Dreams – Cameroon

    Rainbow Nation – South Africa

    Dela- The Making of EL-Anatsui – Nigeria

    Donga – Libya

    Rising Up At Night – DRC

    4. Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

    Makula -Uganda

    Jagun Jagun- Nigeria

    The Queenstown Kings – South Africa

    Kaka – Nigeria

    Eskhalemi Sikantombella- South Africa

    Unheard – Uganda

    Out of Breath – Nigeria

    5. Michael Anyiam Osigwe Award for Best Film by an African-born director Living Abroad

    Out Of Breath – Nigeria/UK

    Orah – Nigeria/Canada

    Isolated – Nigeria/UK

    Under The Hanging Tree- Namibia/UK

    Kipkemboi – Nigeria/ Canada

    6. Best Diaspora Short Film

    The Neighbourhood Alert—USA

    Bottled Up – Jamaica

    The Golden Boy—USA

    7. Best Diaspora Documentary

    The Wu Tang Clan: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – USA

    A Rising Tide – USA

    Colour – USA

    8. Best Diaspora Narrative Feature

    Outlaw Posse – USA

    Mickey Hardaway-USA

    Love After Holidays – USA

    9. Best Achievement in Production Design

    Orah

    The Queenstown kings

    The Weekend

    Jagun Jagun

    Kipkemboi

    Makula

    Out of breath

    10. Best Achievement in Costume Design

    The Beads

    The Weekend

    White and Black

    Jagun Jagun

    The Queenstown Kings

    Mai Martaba

    Out of Breath

    11. Best Achievement in Make-Up

    The Weekend

    Nawi

    Letters to Goddo

    Out of Breath

    Jagun Jagun

    Anjola

    White and Black

    12. Best Achievement in Soundtrack

    The Weekend

    Under the Hanging Tree

    The Queenstown Kings

    Orah

    Boda Love

    Mojisola

    Red Carpet

    13. Best Achievement in Visual Effects

    Kipkemboi

    Jagun Jagun

    Under The Hanging Tree

    The Weekend

    Bokwagter

    Out of breath

    14. Best Achievement in Sound

    A Smile, A Wink and a Tear

    The Weekend

    Under the Hanging Tree

    The Queenstown Kings

    This is Lagos

    Kipkemboi

    Boda Love

    15. Best Achievement in Cinematography

    The Weekend

    Nawi

    Kipkemboi

    Letters to Goddo

    This is Lagos

    The Queenstown Kings

    A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

    16. Best Achievement in Editing

    Under The Hanging Tree

    The Weekend

    This is Lagos

    Nawi

    Kipkemboi

    The Beads

    Anjola

    17. Best Achievement in Screenplay

    Under The Hanging Tree

    The Weekend

    Letter To Goddo

    This is Lagos

    Boda Love

    The Queenstown King

    Out of Breath

    18. National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVB) Award for Best Nigerian Film

    The Weekend

    This is Lagos

    Afamefuna

    Jagun Jagun

    Mai Martaba

    A Smile, A Wink and a Tear

    Out of Breath

    19. Best Young/Promising Actor

    Michell Lemuya (Nawi)

    Likhona Mgali (The Queenstown Kings)

    Agape mngomezulu – Orah

    William Dias – Bokwagter

    Kofi Adu-Gyamfi -Tejiri

    Ruby Akubueze – She

    Fatima Muhammed – Mai Martaba

    20. Best Actor in a Supporting Role

    Sandile Mahlangu – The Queenstown Kings

    Ochungo Benson – Nawi

    Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey – The Weekend

    Ikechukwu Onunaku -Afamefuna

    Lucky Ejim – Orah

    Solomon Fixon Owoo – Letters to Goddo

    Femi Adebayo- Jagun Jagun

    21. Best Actress in a Supporting Role

    Meg Otanwa – The Weekend

    Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa – The Queenstown Kings

    Elsie Chidera Abang – Kipkemboi

    Tessa Twala – The Queenstown Kings

    Bukunmi Oluwashina – White and Black

    Somkele Iyamah-Idhalamah – Orah

    Chioma Akpotha – Mojisola

    22. Best Actor in a Leading Role

    Zolixa Xaluva – The Queenstown Kings

    Gabriel Afolayan – This is Lagos

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo’s “Jagun Jagun” bags seven nominations at 2024 AMAA Awards

    Duncan Murunyu Mungai – Boda Love

    Nenesenor Abloso – Letters to Goddo

    Bucci Franklyn – The Weekend

    Femi Jacobs – Anjola

    Chidi Mokeme – Out of Breath

    23. Best Actress in a Leading Role

    Girley Jazama – Under The Hanging Tree

    Oyin Oladejo – Orah

    Unati Faku – The Queenstown Kings

    Uzoamaka Aniunoh – The Weekend

    Laura Pepple – This is Lagos

    Jackie Appiah -Red Carpet

    Efe Irele- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

    24. First Debut Feature by a Director

    Letters to Goddo – Harry Bentil

    Rising Up At Night – Nelson Makengo

    She – Seun Richards

    25. Best Director

    Daniel Emeke Oriahi – The Weekend

    Kenneth Gyang – This Is Lagos

    Jahmil X.T Qubeka – The Queenstown Kings

    Perivi Katjavivi – Under the Hanging Tree

    Lonzo Nzekwe – Orah

    Harry Bentil – Letters To Goddo

    Izu Ojukwu- A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

    26. Best Film

    Under The Hanging Tree

    The Weekend

    This is Lagos

    A Smile, A Wink and A Tear

    Orah

    Letters to Goddo

    The Queenstown Kings

    The awards promote African filmmaking excellence under the Africa Film Academy, celebrating industry professionals and renowned as the premier accolade in African cinema.

  • Gabriel Afolayan, wife celebrate first wedding anniversary

    Gabriel Afolayan, wife celebrate first wedding anniversary

    Actor Gabriel Afolayan and his lovely wife, Soye, are celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

    Soye shared beautiful wedding photos on social media, expressing her gratitude to God for the blessings and favour in their lives.

    “One year of God’s grace, blessings, and favour. We’re thankful. Happy anniversary to us Papa Bear @gabbylucciii. I love you beyond words,” she wrote.

    Colleagues and fans flooded the comment section with congratulatory messages:

    Aisha Lawal wrote, “Congratulations my people

    Ifeanyi Kalu wrote, “Happy anniversary Fam

    Ronke Oshodi wrote, “Congratulations my darlings

    Dayo Amusa wrote, “Congratulations

    Jide Awobona wrote, “Till eternity with more blessings

    Read Also: Gabriel Afolayan, Wunmi Toriola features in Yetunde Alabi’s new film, Itase

    One ___Cardone wrote, “Happy anniversary

    One Godwin_Rosie wrote, “Happy anniversary

    One I Am Uduak Jumbo wrote, “Happy anniversary

    One Funsho Davids wrote, “Happy wedding anniversary, boss and Mrs.”

  • Gabriel Afolayan, Wunmi Toriola features in Yetunde Alabi’s new film, Itase

    Gabriel Afolayan, Wunmi Toriola features in Yetunde Alabi’s new film, Itase

    Young and rising film star Yetunde Alabi aka Ashabi has secured film stars Gabriel Afolayan and Wunmi Toriola for her upcoming film, ‘Itase.’

    The upcoming film, which is billed for debut on August 8 is a LibraTV original that sees Ashabi bringing her unique vision to the production.

    Itase, Ashabi said, is a story that proves true love can withstand any test and also that true love truly never dies.

    The film features other film stars including Deborah Shokoya, Ayo Olaiya, Habeeb Alagbe and is directed by  Muyideen Oladapo (Lala).

    According to team members, Ashabi’s impressive performances in her movie productions solidifies her as a leading advocate for the preservation of Yoruba culture and language through the medium of film.

    Read Also: Kizz Daniel, wife debunks break up rumour with ‘loved-up’ pictures

    The rising star continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, captivating her audience with a firm dedication to preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Yoruba people for generations to come.

    As a trailblazing producer with a deep passion for storytelling and a steadfast dedication to preserving our cultural heritage, Ashabi has emerged as a leading voice in the industry.

    Some of her credits as a producer include ‘Abaadi,’ in 2020 under LibraTV, which earned multiple award nominations and firmly cemented her reputation as a rising star.

    She has also produced ‘Atona’ which features Adedemeji Lateef, Bukunmi Oluwashina, and Ayo Mogaji amidst many others.

  • Actor Gabriel Afolayan bags PhD from International University

    Actor Gabriel Afolayan bags PhD from International University

    Nollywood actor and singer, Gabriel Afolayan, has been honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Culture from Estam University in Benin Republic.

    Expressing gratitude to the university, Afolayan promised to keep shaping the world positively with his art.

    He wrote: “Dr Gabriel Olasubomi Afolayan (PhD honoris causa of Philosophy in Arts & Culture) thank you @university_estam

    Read Also: Gabriel Afolayan features in Lugard

    “We will keep shaping the world positively with our Art. Banner up everywhere we go. Great time with the great people of @university_estam.”

  • Gabriel Afolayan is Coming from Insanity

    Going by his acting prowess in some notable films, Gabriel Afolayan’s portrayal as postal boy of a new thriller is a selling point for the yet to be released movie, Coming from Insanity.

    Produced by contemporary film and creative art house – The Movement Pro. Pictures – trailer of the company’s debut feature film makes it more striking, ahead of the April 5, 2019 cinema release date.

    Distributed by FilmOne, Coming from Insanity is a crime drama based on the awe-inspiring true story of “Kossi the Bear”, a notorious currency counterfeiter with genius-level intelligence.

    The trailer begins with Kossi and his crew enjoying a beautiful day at the beach, before taking us back in time to his childhood and his days as a house boy in Lagos. The trailer then quickly transitions into a web of intricate plots full of suspense and intrigue leaving the audience gasping for more.

    Written and Directed by Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo and Produced by Ibidolapo Ajayi, Coming From Insanity boasts award winning performances from a talented ensemble cast led by Gabriel Afolayan, Sani Danja, Dakore Akande, Bolanle Ninalowo, Damilola Adegbite, Wale Ojo, Sharon Ooja, Wole Ojo, Udoka Oyeka, Sambasa Nzeribe, Tina Mba, Odunlade Adekola, Adeolu Adefarasin, Temidayo Akinboro, Ijeoma Aniebo, DJ Izybeatz among others.

  • Encomiums for ‘Subomi’ Gabriel Afolayan

    Encomiums for ‘Subomi’ Gabriel Afolayan

    Music artist and actor, Gabriel Afolayan, got a dose of compliments from his colleagues for his birthday on Wednesday, including his siblings who rekindled his family name, ‘Subomi’ to drive in childhood memories.

    Gabriel who is otherwise called G.Fresh in the music arena, may not an ‘everyday’ actor, his colleagues attest to his talents, discipline, thoroughness, style, and professionalism in the creative sector.

    Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Muyiwa Ademola has this to say. “A wonderful birthday shout out to a great talent. Jack of all trade, master of all. You are simply an embodiment of the word arts itself. You know I am a fan Gebu. I smile when I see 52 out of 50 people loving the way you practice your trade. Keep the flame burning @ gabbylucciii. I wish you long life good health and immense creativities. Plenty love bro.”

    Comedian Alibaba was among other great entertainers who had sweet words for Gabriel. He said: “Happy birthday to a professional. Awesome guy. I locked him up in prison in one movie we both were in… was a learning curve for me. Thanks for being true. @gabbylucciii, owe you 10 agbalumo oloyin.”

    Gabriel’s movie credits include ‘Madam Dearest’, ‘Hoodrush’, “Heroes and Zeros’, while his songs include, ‘kokoro Ife’, ‘Awelewa’, and ‘Alantere’.

  • GABRIEL AFOLAYAN No rivalry WITH MY SIBLINGS

    GABRIEL AFOLAYAN No rivalry WITH MY SIBLINGS

    Nollywood actor and singer, Gabriel Afolayan, speaks with Ovwe Medeme about his life as an actor, career, family as well as his role in Tade Ogidan’s upcoming movie, Gold Statue. 

    WHAT role did you play in this movie?

    I’m playing the lead character. His name is Wale. He’s a very ambitious personality. He’s the type of guy that believes there’s always more if you fight for it. He believes the world is for risk takers not comfort seekers.

    The movie is about a cross of values, the old values versus the new; what’s the definition of success, what’s the definition of wealth, what are the differences between them? So Wale is that type of guy that wants more for his life. He gets into a lot of hurdles that he tries to get over.

    I will implore people to watch out for this because it’s not just any other director that is on this; it is Tade Ogidan. You can’t have it any less, because you should know that if he’s going to get back on the screen, he’s going to put all his effort into what he’s doing.

    How did you get cast for the role?

    I was in New York when I got the call to come and be a part of it. I didn’t even argue with him. I just said ‘Uncle Tade, you know what, I’m changing my ticket.’ I’ve worked with him before, so it’s not a new experience.

    So you didn’t get to audition for it?

    No, I didn’t get to audition because I’ve worked with him before; so we sort of have a connection. We have a back story. We have where we are coming from, so I’m more or less like a family to him because he’s my godfather in the industry. He gave me that big platform, that big break in the industry as far back as 2003. So even if he says I should come and do it for free, I will.

    Would you say Wale is a challenging character to play?

    Yes obviously. You can imagine someone who wants something and he has to go through a process to get it and that process is not an easy one. I’m not here to divulge everything, but I’m just going to tell you and tell everyone to look out for the story.

    Is this like any of the movies you’ve done?

    No, this is quite different. This is taking it a notch higher because it’s not just a drama. It involves a lot of physicality. It has a lot of movement, it has a lot of challenging movement. When I mean challenging, you know when you have to dig a hole to get to somewhere to do all sorts of things, you get dirty, you get beaten and all of that. So it’s not just me appearing on the screen and talking. It’s beyond that. There are fight sequences in it. So it’s tasking, not just the mental state; it’s tasking to the body as well. It’s a 360 feeling.

    You’ve been in the cinemas a lot…

    We thank God. At least we are doing things that people appreciate and I can only thank God for that because it’s just grace. There are people out there who can even do better than us but if we are opportune to have this kind of platform and we are representing well, then all glory to God.

    Will you say you are there yet?

    I’m still a work in progress. I’m still on my way. Nobody is ever going to get there.

    You said Tade Ogidan is your godfather. Coming from a family of filmmakers, one would expect otherwise…

    The legacy will always be a background. Whatever legacy you have will always be your back story, will always be your foundation, but the thing now is, can you prove yourself? That’s another level entirely.

    Do you think the shoes are too big for you to fill?

    No, I’m just doing my own thing. There are no shoes. If you’re likening things, then you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do. You can’t liken things because people come in different times and era. And whatever works in one era is probably not going to work in another.

    Because the way they shoot films now is not the same way they’ve been shooting films back then. So it’s two different era. So you can only work within your era in what’s obtainable and what works for the era that you’re in. There are really no shoes anywhere. My father was around, he did his own thing and his sons and daughters are here to do their own thing. So the legacy will always be a background to everything.

    Almost all of you are in the arts…

    No, not almost all. It’s a large family. It’s a polygamous home. We’re just like five of us.

    Do you feel a sense of rivalry with your siblings?

    Certainly not! Everybody is doing things differently. For instance, my brother Kunle is more of a director and he’s doing great things. We have a cinematographer, we have a sound engineer. His name is Anu. He’s into music score and as far as I’m concerned right now, he’s one of the best in Nigeria. And most people don’t even know him. So we are all doing all these things as our own quota to what our father actually laid down. So there’s no competition.

    So what’s next for you?

    I’m getting to produce my own movies. For my music career too, I’m wrapping up my album. It’s already in the lab; they are mixing and mastering it, so before the year runs out I’m going to drop it. I could drop in December or January next year, so that is something you should look out for.

    What should we expect from the album?

    Great stuff. I don’t do substandard music.

    What kind of music do you do?

    I do soul music mostly, but I’ve delved into other genre of music because of the versatility. I’ve jumped on a couple of fast songs. So you’re in for a good time with my album. It’s a feel-good album. You’re not going to get bored. It’s the type of album you’ll like to play back to back because it has different flavours to each track.

    Who is producing it?

    I have a lot of people. I have Sagzy, I have Masterkraft, I have Da Piano and a host of others. I have a lot of known producers and underground producers.