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Tag: Kunle Afolayan

  • Funke Akindele slams critics over movie promotion ‘dancing’ strategy

    Funke Akindele slams critics over movie promotion ‘dancing’ strategy

    Filmmaker Funke Akindele has addressed movie promotion strategies in Nigeria, following comments by Kunle Afolayan. 

    Afolayan had expressed frustration over the need to dance to promote films, stating he found the process draining.

    He said: “It is draining. I want to make a film if you guarantee me that I don’t have to dance to sell that film.”

    Afolayan also criticised the growing obsession with box office figures, stating that massive cinema numbers mean little if creators do not benefit financially.

    “There’s no competition. I don’t want two billion in cinema, or even one billion, if I won’t make ten million from it,” Afolayan stated.

    In an Instagram post, Akindele emphasised opportunities are plentiful for everyone, stating that those struggling should focus on their own path.

    Akindele on Instagram story, wrote: “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni. If you can’t beat them or join them, create your
    own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo!!! And dem never see anything ooooo…

    “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategie for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me. Gbam!!!!!!”

  • Kunle Afolayan: I will return to cinemas if…

    Kunle Afolayan: I will return to cinemas if…

    Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has expressed reluctance to return to cinema releases unless filmmakers are relieved of exhausting promotional demands, such as dancing on social media. 

    Speaking at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, Afolayan cited the toll of aggressive promotion, referencing his early days in the industry when he engaged in strenuous publicity efforts.

    According to him, he is proposing alternative strategies to sell films without burnout, stating he has projects ready but is waiting for more sustainable promotional models. 

    “For cinema, I’m one of the people who started the cinema gig, and dancing before anybody. I danced in London too, not just locally,” he said.

    “In 2006, I did all the runs, and it was exhausting. I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell that film. We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves?” he asked.

    “I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it — creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” he added.

    He previously highlighted the disconnect between cinema success and filmmakers’ earnings, questioning the value of massive box office numbers if profits don’t reach creators.

    “I don’t want two billion streams at the cinemas and end up receiving ten million naira,” he said.

  • I’m not in competition with Ibrahim Chatta – Kunle Afolayan

    I’m not in competition with Ibrahim Chatta – Kunle Afolayan

    Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has dismissed rumours of a rivalry with Ibrahim Chatta, emphasising their shared goal of promoting Nigerian culture.

    Speaking at the watch party of “Anikulapo: ‘The Ghoul Awakens’”, Afolayan stressed that he and Chatta are working together to preserve their heritage, rather than competing.

    He said: “There is no competition between us. We are both doing everything possible to uplift the glory of all, not just our ancestors, but the lineage and where we are from, from the root. There’s Afri Chatta in Oyo. If you haven’t been there, you should go.

    “Many of the films you’ve seen, like Ageshinkole, were shot at Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Studio. There is no competition! We are not even doing the same thing. And this is the first time he is going to come here. Even though I’ve invited him several times, I’m guilty too.”

    Afolayan also addressed his selective approach to cinema projects, stating that he prioritises quality over financial gain. “I don’t want 2 billion or 1 billion in cinema, if I wouldn’t be able to take N10 million,” he said.

    The event, held at Igbojaye, Oyo state, was attended by several Nollywood stars, including Kiekie, Broda Shaggi, and Gabriel Afolayan.

  • Kunle Afolayan unveils trailer for ‘Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens’

    Kunle Afolayan unveils trailer for ‘Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens’

    Actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has released the trailer of his highly anticipated series, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, teasing a gripping narrative of power, love, and survival.

    The sequel to the award-winning film Anikulapo, the six-part series premieres on Netflix on January 30.

    “Official trailer. Anikulapo – The Ghoul Awakens A Kunle Afolayan series. Once power is awakened, it demands a price. From Oyo to foreign lands, love is tested, and loyalties are shaken. This season, survival is the real crown, and everything you think you know will be questioned.

    Read Also: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    “Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens arrives on January 30, only on @naijaonnetflix”, he captioned the post.

    The story followed Saro, who returned from death with the power to resurrect the dead, as he navigated treacherous landscapes and confronted impossible challenges.

    Filmed in Ghana in partnership with the National Film Authority, the series boasts a diverse cast, including Okusaga Adeoluwa, Kiekie, Antar Laniyan, and Saidi Balogun.

    Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens explores themes of power, loyalty, and survival, set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Oyo Empire and beyond.

  • Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film academy, Oyo govt produce 165 emerging filmmakers

    The KAP Film & Television Academy marked a landmark moment with its Graduation Ceremony for the Filmmaking Residency Program made possible in partnership with the Oyo State Government 

    The event held on Wednesday at the picturesque KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, showcasing exceptional creativity of 165 emerging filmmakers drawn meticulously from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State. 

    The participants completed a 10-day intensive filmmaking residency programme at the resort supported by SONY and Kontakt Pro Nigeria, the initiative provided participants with practical, hands-on training across the core aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, editing, and sound design.

    A major highlight of the event was the screening of eight short films produced by the residency groups. Each film reflected storytelling, collaboration.and authentic depictions of local culture, earning heartfelt applause from guests and faculty members alike.

    At the ceremony, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, lauded the programme as a significant economic and cultural development milestone for the state. 

    He commended Kunle Afolayan and the KAP team for establishing a creative ecosystem that promotes film, talent, and tourism in Oyo State. 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies making Nigeria rich again – Uzodimma

    He also congratulated the students for their dedication, passion, and craftsmanship, describing their work as “a true representation of Oyo’s cultural pride and creative excellence.”

    Founder of KAP Film & Television Academy and visionary behind the KAP Film Village & Resort, Kunle Afolayan, commended the State Government’s efforts in providing a viable platform for economic empowerment of the youth in the state, he went further to admonish the students on the importance of discipline, creativity, and cultural identity in filmmaking.

    “Attention to details and commitment to creativity are non-negotiable for great filmmakers. These students have shown that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can flourish into excellence. I encourage them to keep making films together and continue telling our stories with pride,” he said.  

    The graduating students also received constructive feedback from the distinguished industry experts and panel of the faculty including Tunde Kelani, Joke Silva, Kemi Adesoye, Rotimi Fakunle and Lola Maja, who all commended their storytelling, teamwork, and technical growth over the course of the program.

    The Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheus Olatunji Oyeleke Alobaloke III, expressed satisfaction at another exciting fulfilment of set objectives of KAP Film Village and Resort as envisaged when he gave his royal blessing for the Film Village to be established.

  • Kunle Afolayan hails Makinde for reconstructing road to KAP film village

    Kunle Afolayan hails Makinde for reconstructing road to KAP film village

    Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise to reconstruct the 23-kilometre Okaka-Igbojaye-KAP village road.

    In a post shared on Instagram, Afolayan expressed deep appreciation for the project, highlighting its significance to communities such as Okaka, Otu, Igbojaye, Komu, and the landmark KAP Film Village and Resort.

    He noted that the road’s reconstruction would greatly boost the local economy by easing the movement of goods and services, enhancing access to schools, and supporting agricultural and creative activities.

    Describing the road as “a corridor of possibility,” Afolayan said it goes beyond being a mere stretch of asphalt—it connects and empowers filmmakers, farmers, young creatives, and residents.

    Since its opening in April 2025, the KAP Film Village and Resort has emerged as a creative hub in Africa, hosting major productions like Netflix’s Aníkúlápó and Ijogbon. With the improved infrastructure, Afolayan said the village is now better positioned to welcome more local and international film projects, artist residencies, and educational programs.

    He lauded Governor Makinde’s vision of blending infrastructure development with cultural investment, calling it a “strategic masterstroke” at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to diversify its economy through film, tourism, and the arts.

    The KAP Group also extended its gratitude to the governor for his unwavering commitment to Oyo State’s development.

    He wrote, “Governor Makinde fulfills his promise—reconstruction of road to KAP Film Village begins. When Kunle Afolayan opened the KAP Film Village & Resort in April 2025, it wasn’t just a win for the Nigerian film industry but a bold signal for rural revitalisation through creativity.

    “KAP Film Village and Resort. That promise is now being fulfilled in full colour as Governor Seyi Makinde greenlights the long-anticipated reconstruction of the 23-kilometre Okaka–Igbojaye–KAP Village Road. The road connects several communities, including Okaka, Otu, Igbojaye, Komu, and the landmark KAP Village, and is more than just an asphalt stretch. It’s a corridor of possibility—for filmmakers, for farmers, for young creatives, and for an entire local economy ready to rise.

    “A road that opens doors. While the KAP Village will certainly benefit from better transport for its guests, students, tourists, and production crews, the impact goes much further. The road connects multiple towns in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, enabling smoother transportation of goods and services, school access, agricultural trade, and overall economic activity.

    Read Also: Makinde okays rebuilding of 23km Okaka-Igbojaye-KAP Road

    “What it means for the creative sector. This development positions Oyo as a state truly investing in its creative economy. With improved infrastructure, KAP Village is set to host more local and international productions, residencies, and educational programs. KAP Film Village and Resort. The village’s serene environment and state-of-the-art facilities make it a model for rural-based creative campuses in Africa.

    “Governor Makinde’s foresight in pairing infrastructure with culture is a strategic masterstroke, especially as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy through soft power—film, tourism, and the arts.

    “We at Kap group specially thank the visionary governor for his dedication to the development of the entire Oyo state and more @kapfilmvillageandresort @seyi_amakinde @oyostategovt @oyoaffairs”.

  • Kunle Afolayan wins ‘Tourism Entrepreneur’ of the year at Oyo International summit

    Kunle Afolayan wins ‘Tourism Entrepreneur’ of the year at Oyo International summit

    Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has been awarded Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year at the International Tourism Investment Summit in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The summit, themed #ITSOyoState2025, held from July 22-24, 2025.

    The award, presented at the Governor’s Dinner and Tourism Awards Night, honours Afolayan’s outstanding contribution to the tourism industry through his KAP Film Village & Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State.

    The KAP Film Village & Resort has become a leading attraction for both tourists and creatives, blending nature, film, and hospitality to create a space rooted in African identity.

    As the founder of this innovative destination, Afolayan has built an ecosystem that brings storytelling, heritage, and tourism together, promoting African stories and culture.

    READ ALSO; $3B Eastern Rail line: Tinubu unlocking prosperity of South East – Kalu

    Grateful for the recognition, Afolayan’s management said, “We’re truly grateful for this recognition. It’s not just about one man’s dream. It’s about a team that continues to work with passion to build something lasting.”

    Afolayan and his team also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Akinwale Akinwole, Chairman of Oyo State Local Service Government Commission; Tola Akerele, CEO of the National Theatre; and the Ministry Art, Culture and the Creative Economy for their encouragement and support.

    According to KAP, the award serves as motivation to continue building something that makes Nigeria proud, “This award is not the end; it’s fuel to keep going, to keep dreaming, and to keep building something that makes Nigeria proud”.

  • Kunle Afolayan, Mike Dada lead panelistsat QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

    Kunle Afolayan, Mike Dada lead panelistsat QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

    Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, and entertainment entrepreneur Mike Dada will lead a fine crop of panellists billed for the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit.

    The announcement was recently made by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG.

    Themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy,” the summit will focus on new ways to fund and grow Nigeria’s creative sector. It will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and emerging talents.

    The panel discussion will be moderated by Steve Ayorinde, a veteran journalist, cultural advocate, and former commissioner for tourism, arts and culture in Lagos State.

    Also expected to join Afolayan and Dada as panelists are theatre producer and investment banker Joseph Edgar and creative industry advocate Mary Ephraim-Egbas.

    The organisers had earlier announced Udeme Ufot, group managing director of SO&U, as chairman of the summit, and Dr Nkiru Balonwu, founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, as keynote speaker.

    Read Also: Kunle Afolayan’s son defends s3xuality, replies critics

    According to Olumide Iyanda, CEO of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and convener of the summit, the panellists represent the heart of Africa’s creative industries.

    “These are professionals who have successfully built careers in film, music, theatre, events, marketing and brand management,” Iyanda said.

    “They understand the struggles and opportunities in the creative space. We are bringing them together to share lessons, offer practical solutions and inspire action. With Ayorinde moderating, this promises to be a meaningful and engaging conversation.”

    The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

  • Kunle Afolayan unveils 115-seater cinema

    Kunle Afolayan unveils 115-seater cinema

    Actor, filmmaker, and director Kunle Afolayan, has launched his state-of-the-art 115-seater cinema, named “The Kunle Afolayan Cinema”.

    The new venture is a celebration of his remarkable contributions to the film and entertainment industry.

    Afolayan shared his excitement about the cinema’s opening on social media, showcasing a sneak peek of the venue alongside Seyi Vodi.

    After gracing the screen for over two decades, Afolayan’s cinema promises to elevate the industry’s standards, building on his legacy of films that have captivated audiences worldwide.

    “It shall be called—the Kunle Afolayan cinema. For the great works he has done in the movie and entertainment industry. It is a 115-seater cinema. Thank you @seyivodi”, he wrote.

  • Kunle Afolayan’s son defends s3xuality, replies critics

    Kunle Afolayan’s son defends s3xuality, replies critics

    Dieko Afolayan, son of filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has faced intense online scrutiny over his s3xuality after attending a movie premiere.

    Social media users questioned his s3xuality and accused him of being influenced by Western culture.

    Undeterred, the 19-year-old addressed the backlash on Instagram, declaring himself “unapologetically authentic”.

    He emphasised his ambition, hard work and self-awareness, aspiring to be a role model for young boys and girls.

    Afolayan said: “I will keep on introducing myself at certain times until people know me. If you are looking for where hard work meets success or how your guy will become that person, you’re welcome to my page,” he said.

    Read Also: Kunle Afolayan laments high level of incompetence

    “I am an individual of many talents. I am 19 years old. I would describe myself as ambitious and hardworking. I would describe myself as self-aware.

    “One thing people should know about me is that I am very reserved. I am an influencer, creator, and entrepreneur. I come from a line of stars. I am also an individual who is trying to find himself in a world of chaos, in a world of not being accepted, being made to conform to society’s measures of what they expect of me. It is annoying.

    “I want to be a role model to boys and girls out there. To be honest, the majority of my role models are women. I am someone who is unapologetic about who I am. I am unapologetic about my values and standards.”