Renowned Nigerian actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, celebrated for his decades of excellence in the industry, recently shed light on the next phase of his professional journey.
Speaking at the Reel Circle: Directing Cinematography Workshop held at the KAP Film and Television Academy in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, Afolayan delivered a thought-provoking address.
The workshop showcased his dedication to advancing the art of filmmaking and inspiring the next generation of creatives.
Kunle Afolayan, the star of Anikulapo, recently shared insights into his journey, highlighting his evolution from an on-screen actor to a filmmaker and industry leader. Speaking about overseeing concerts, the business aspects of showbiz, and nurturing new talents, Afolayan emphasized his multifaceted role in the industry.
During a conversation with a prominent blogger at the Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film and Television Academy, he discussed his next steps as a creative. Afolayan noted that, having established himself as a renowned filmmaker and mentor, his focus now includes expanding the reach of his KAP Film Village. He compared the facility to some of the finest hospitality destinations in Africa, underscoring its potential as a hub for creativity and innovation in filmmaking.
He said: “There’s no point of call, have you been to KAP Village? When you go there, you won’t come back to Lagos. KAP Village is on 60 acres of land, we have 70 rooms accommodation, a hotel like anywhere in South Africa or Kenya and then the head office of the school is going to be there at some point because it’s a big place where people can do practicals and it’s a destination. I’m not looking for anything again, all I want to do is grow people, build people, impact more and continue to tell stories.”
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Kunle Afolayan also noted during the interview that his secret has been to remain consistent and true to himself. According to him, if he has achieved as much as he has, he must be doing the right things.
In his words: “My secret is I’ve been consistent and true to myself. What I don’t like, I will say I don’t like. What I said I didn’t like 20 years ago, I will continue to say I don’t like it and I won’t do it. For me to have achieved this much, I must be doing something right. I’m not saying 100% but I’ve stayed true to my art, craft and ideology and it’s very simple. Business is one but you won’t watch my film and say ‘he compromised here because he’s doing business’, I will rather put more to make sure that even if you’re seeing it from a product point of view, it’s a product with a brand, I’m not the only filmmaker in Nigeria but if you are privileged and have the grace to start something and you move from one step to the other, it means you’re on the right path.”