He was born on September 30, 1974 in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. He is the first son late Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan, a popular Nollywood film director and producer. Kunle is from Igbomina in Kwara state.
He had a BSc degree in Economics and started out as a banker while doing some casual acting. In 1998, he made his first movie appearance in ‘Saworoide’ but he didn’t come into limelight until 2015 when he quit his job and moved into full-time filmmaking. He also took filmmaking course at the New York Film Academy.
Since 2015 till date, he has remained active and has directed and produced several movies. He also has several blockbusters to his credit like The Figurine: Araromire and Phone Swap.
In 2005, Kunle founded ‘Golden Effects Pictures’, a film and production company located in Nigeria that produces high-quality movies. Some of the movies the production company has released include; The Figurine: Araromire, Phone Swap, October 1, The CEO, Omugwo, ROTI and the Tribunal and Mokalik.
Kunle Afolayan comes from a family of thespians. His father, late Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan, is a popular Nollywood film director and producer. His three siblings; Aremu Afolayan, Gbenga Afolayan and Moji Afolayan also followed in their father’s footstep. His aunt, Toyin Afolayan, popularly known as Lola Idije, is also an actress.
AWARDS
2019 – Durban International Film Festival, Best Film Award
2016 – Afro-Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEA), An Icon in the African Entertainment Awards
2015 – Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Best Movie of 2014 (October 1)
2015 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Nigerian Film (October 1)
2015 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Costume Design (October 1)
2015 – Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Best Movie Director
2012 – Abuja International Film Festival, Golden Jury Award for Best Film
2012 – Abuja International Film Festival, Festival Prize for Outstanding Film Directing
PERSONAL LIFE
Kunle Afolayan is married to Tolu Afolayan and they are blessed with four children.