Why Working with Kunle Afolayan Is ‘Pretty Easy’ – Gabriel Afolayan

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Actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan has opened up about his working relationship with his brother, acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, describing it as a creative bond that dates back to their childhood and continues to shape their impact in Nollywood.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Gabriel reflected on how their shared upbringing laid the foundation for their professional collaboration. 

He recalled how, as children, Kunle would carry him on his shoulders to watch films, moments he says built a lasting “filmic bond” between them. 

According to him, that early exposure to cinema not only strengthened their relationship as brothers but also planted the seeds for a shared passion for quality storytelling.

Their collaboration has been most visible in the epic project Anikulapo, which later evolved into a series. Gabriel explained that working with Kunle is often seamless because they are driven by similar values. 

While disagreements may arise, he noted that such arguments are usually rooted in a desire to improve the final output.

 He added that their insistence on doing things the right way was inherited from their late father, Ade Love, a respected filmmaker whose legacy continues to influence the Afolayan family.

Describing Anikulapo as a large-scale production, Gabriel stressed the importance of detail and excellence in execution. 

He said a project of that magnitude demands high production standards, from set construction to cinematography, costume design, art direction and post-production grading. For him, the scale of the story requires a grand visual and technical approach to match its depth and cultural significance.

He also shed light on the creative decision to expand Anikulapo from a film into a series. According to Gabriel, the title itself is not tied to a single character but represents a concept. “Anikulapo,” which translates to “the one who carries death in his pouch,” can apply to anyone with the power to return from death or restore life. 

This flexibility, he explained, allows the story to evolve with new protagonists and layered narratives rather than remaining confined to one central figure.

Beyond storytelling, Gabriel addressed one of Nollywood’s persistent challenges funding. While he believes the industry has the talent and creative capacity to meet global standards, he admitted that limited budgets often affect the quality of execution. 

A strong script, he said, can lose its intended impact if financial resources are insufficient to fully realise the vision. For him, the gap between good ideas and outstanding delivery often comes down to funding.

Despite these challenges, Gabriel emphasised that storytelling remains at the heart of his passion. He described himself as a strong advocate for compelling narratives, layered characters and meaningful writing. 

Filmmaking, he said, is deeply personal and shaped by individual values and purpose. Regardless of industry pressures, creators must remain committed to excellence, as no artist wants to disappoint their audience.

Through their collaborative efforts and dedication to quality, the Afolayan brothers continue to uphold a filmmaking legacy that blends cultural heritage with modern cinematic ambition.

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