Driven by endless curiosity, Kunle Afolayan has consistently redefined Nigerian cinema. At nearly 50, with decades of classics behind him and groundbreaking projects ahead, he shares insights into his creative journey, new film Recall, and the art of staying relevant.
Dreaming Wide Awake
Months to his 50th birthday, Kunle Afolayan is still dreaming.
When we reached out to him, his responses came back quicker than expected — thoughtful, intentional, and reflective. Even digitally, his enthusiasm was unmistakable. It makes sense: this is a filmmaker whose curiosity never seems to dim, whose hunger for innovation continuously shapes his craft.
“I stay curious,” Afolayan says. “Every experience, whether travel, conversations with fellow creatives, or just observing everyday life, feeds my imagination.”
His filmography proves this. Rich, diverse, and groundbreaking, his films speak volumes about his ethos and his affinity for his culture. From the supernatural thrills of Figurine, which reshaped Nollywood’s visual storytelling, to the deeply cultural, globally-acclaimed narrative of Anikulapo, Afolayan’s projects are powered by an urge to ask questions, challenge norms, and interrogate unexplored possibilities. Curiosity isn’t a passive trait for him; it’s his driving force. It is why he is still dreaming of new possibilities.
This curiosity has guided him through decades in an industry where careers often flame out quickly. He doesn’t merely dream; he acts with an insatiable drive to explore new narratives. “For me, dreaming is active,” he tells Guardian Life. “It’s in the work, the failures, the risks, and the triumphs.”
It’s no wonder his films resonate deeply — they’re crafted from a restless pursuit of stories that others overlook. And after decades in the industry, Kunle Afolayan is still asking, “What if?”
Breaking through and staying relevant
Afolayan first won hearts as an actor in Tunde Kelani’s Saworoide in 1999, but it was his directorial vision behind the camera that made his influence undeniable and truly cemented his legacy. His 2009 thriller, Figurine, pushed the envelope at a time when Nigerian cinema was complacent, comfortable, predictable, and hesitant to experiment. Afolayan saw this stagnation as an invitation to create.“Figurine was the most challenging film I ever worked on,” he confesses. “It was made when nothing was working, when everyone was comfortable with a particular standard. But I felt the need for an upgrade, and it came at a cost that almost took my life.”
His gamble paid off. The film didn’t just succeed — it challenged the narrative of what Nollywood could achieve, allowing filmmakers to start exploring new filmmaking techniques. Audiences and filmmakers alike recognised something new: higher standards were attainable.
This marked a turning point — not just for Afolayan, but for Nollywood. He didn’t just make films; he shifted mindsets.
And in doing so, he set himself apart as a filmmaker and as a pioneer whose impact would resonate far beyond any single project.
The art of consistency
Over two decades later, Afolayan’s films continue to spark important conversations. His recent masterpiece, Anikulapo, captivated audiences with its richly woven storyline, meticulous visual execution, and an unapologetic embrace of the Yoruba mythology. But what keeps his storytelling consistently impactful?
“I believe in the power of storytelling,” Afolayan explains simply. “My consistency comes from my love for the craft and my drive to tell compelling stories that showcase our culture.”
His approach is refreshingly clear: Afolayan deliberately avoids being swayed by short-lived trends. “I don’t get distracted by news or who is trending,” he says confidently. “My films serve a meaningful purpose.”
This laser-sharp focus has earned him a revered spot in the Nigerian cinematic pantheon. “Google my name,” he challenges gently, “and you see not just a filmmaker, but someone who brought change to an entire industry. That’s fulfilling enough.”
In Afolayan’s world, consistency isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about building a cultural legacy that stands the test of time.
Building a lasting legacy
Afolayan’s curiosity extends beyond film into entrepreneurship. His establishment of the KAP Film Village and Resort was sparked by the limitations he encountered while filming Anikulapo. Realising temporary sets and rented locations were restrictive, Afolayan envisioned something unprecedented in Nigeria.
“What if we had a permanent environment dedicated to storytelling?” he recalls asking himself.
The KAP Film Village & Resort was born from that simple, yet bold idea. It is a lasting legacy that goes beyond himself, an ambitious creative haven unlike anything Nigeria had seen before.
Beyond being just a location, it represents Afolayan’s vision for a lasting legacy that empowers filmmakers long after the cameras stop rolling.But the journey hasn’t been smooth, and bringing this dream to life has been anything but easy. For three exhaustive years, the facility has operated entirely on power generators, an ongoing challenge he’s tirelessly highlighted to government authorities.
“We’ve consistently appealed for support. The cost is simply unsustainable,” he admits. “It’s draining. Imagine having guests and needing to shut down electricity — it’s unacceptable.”
Afolayan’s curiosity extends even further, into the intersection of food, culture, and community. At Afefeyeye Restaurant and Bar, he’s built more than just an upscale dining experience; it’s a gathering place where creativity flourishes, conversations ignite, and Nigerian culture comes alive. Afrobeats stars like Wizkid have stopped by, yet Afefeyeye remains rooted in something deeper.
“Afefeyeye is an extension of the KAP ecosystem,” he explains. “It’s about building community through art, food, and shared stories.” Expansion, he hints, is inevitable.
As he speaks of future expansions, it’s clear his ambition is more than growth for its own sake. It’s also about strengthening the cultural bonds that unite people.
Educating the next generation
Beyond filmmaking, Afolayan’s curiosity and passion for storytelling drive him to actively shape Nigeria’s creative future. Through the KAP Film Television and Academy, he’s created a nurturing space for young talent, training over 10,000 aspiring filmmakers in just three years.
“Our goal is bridging the technical skill gap,” he says passionately. “We want filmmakers who are technically sound and ready for the field. You shouldn’t have to wait for one experienced crew to wrap before starting your own shoot.
His vision is clear: fostering an industry where quality storytelling thrives and newcomers find their voices with confidence.
For Afolayan, education isn’t just about imparting skills — it’s about empowering new voices. He dreams of an industry thriving with confident, capable storytellers. “We’re creating a pipeline of talent,” he explains, a pipeline designed to keep Nigeria’s creative industry vibrant, innovative, and endlessly curious.
Homegrown Solutions
As streaming giants like Netflix and Prime dominate global content distribution, Afolayan advocates for a homegrown platform that caters to Nigeria’s needs..
“There’s no reason Nigeria can’t have its own credible, large-scale distribution platform,” he insists. “But it starts with valuing intellectual property and educating audiences about the importance of paying for content.”His films, universally acclaimed, exemplify precisely the type of quality content that deserves a homegrown platform—stories authentically Nigerian, owned and controlled by Nigerians, for the world to see and celebrate.
Staying curious at 50
As Afolayan approaches his 50th birthday, filmmaking remains central to his identity. Retirement is far from his thoughts; his passion runs too deep.
“Filmmaking is part of who I am—it’s how I breathe, how I think, how I dream,” he declares. “I don’t think I’ll ever really quit.”His mile
stone celebration won’t be marked by lavish parties or grand gestures. Instead, Afolayan prefers to commemorate his 50th birthday by giving back through the opening of the KAP Film Village & Resort. For him, this act symbolises gratitude and legacy.
“It’s a gift to the industry,” he says sincerely, “and everyone who’s walked this journey with me.”
Kunle Afolayan’s story is far from over. Curiosity keeps him hungry, keeps him searching, keeps him dreaming. As the driving force behind his decades-long career, it continues to guide him forward, prompting new questions, sparking new ideas, and driving endless creativity.
His advice to aspiring filmmakers, subtly embedded within his journey, is straightforward yet profound: Stay curious, stay active, and let your dreams drive your actions.
For Afolayan, curiosity isn’t simply a mindset. It is the lifelong fuel behind every innovative step he takes, powering decades of cinematic innovation and endless possibilities ahead.
