Veteran Nigerian actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan has opened up about choosing acting as a profession, emphasising that it was driven by an inner calling rather than the weight of his celebrated family legacy.
Speaking on Sunrise, the 40-year-old actor reflected on the pressures of growing up in the renowned Afolayan entertainment dynasty. “It’s a big weight… because one thing is the legacy. Then another thing is what spice do you have as a person?” he said, noting that every family member strives to maintain the legacy while asserting their individuality.
He added that attempts to constantly distinguish oneself from a famous name are often unnecessary. “People will still tag you to that legacy, whether you like it or not… as time goes by, people will know if you’re different,” Afolayan explained.
Inner Calling Over Legacy
Afolayan described acting as more of a personal calling than a career. “Being inspired is one thing. Having your own inner core is another. I grew up strictly feeling that this is exactly what I wanted, even without having anything to do with my dad or seeing any other person. It was within for me,” he said.
He credited early exposure to films and family discussions for shaping his intuition and love for storytelling, noting that the profession “chose him” rather than the reverse.
Working With Kunle Afolayan
On collaborating with his brother, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel recalled a lifelong bond formed through shared experiences watching films together. This foundation made working on large-scale projects like the Anikulapo series seamless.
“We love quality stuff… even though when we argue, it’s for a certain course that’s going to set things right,” he said. About the series, he explained: “The next Anikulapo might be a pretty much younger person. The protagonists are going to evolve… Anybody who is able to bring people back to life or return from the dead can be Anikulapo. So it keeps going.”
Upholding Nollywood Standards
Afolayan also addressed challenges in the Nigerian film industry, citing funding as a primary obstacle. “Sometimes you can have a very good script, but because of budget, the expression, the storytelling will turn another way around,” he said.
He emphasised that storytelling remains the core of his craft. “I’m a big fan of good story, good writing, layered characters… Filmmaking is still personal. Your own values influence the work… you wouldn’t want to disgrace yourself in front of the audience,” Afolayan concluded.
Through his reflections, Gabriel Afolayan highlights a career shaped by personal conviction, family inspiration, and a commitment to quality storytelling in Nollywood.
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