Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan
Renowned Nollywood filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, sparked conversation during an intimate movie watch party where he spoke candidly about family, identity and the unconventional background that shaped his life and career.
The award-winning director reflected on the strong influence of his late father, legendary theatre icon Ade Love (Adeyemi Afolayan), saying his presence remains deeply felt in everything he does.
According to Kunle, his success story, including the establishment of KAP Village, is inseparable from his father’s legacy.
He told guests that he never loses sight of where he comes from, noting that wherever he looks, he sees traces of his father’s work, discipline and impact.
“Without my father, there would be no Kunle Afolayan,” he stressed, describing his roots as the foundation of his journey.
Sharing personal details about his upbringing, Kunle revealed that he is the seventh child in a very large family.
He explained that his father had many wives—or was involved with many women—adding that he is not even certain how many of them were formally married.
While acknowledging that such a lifestyle often attracts public criticism, the filmmaker said it represents his reality and personal history, one he cannot deny or rewrite.
He maintained that the complex family structure played a significant role in shaping who he is today.
In remarks that generated strong reactions from the audience, Kunle suggested that men should marry many women, or at least be involved with many women, pointing out that if his father had lived differently, he himself might not have existed.
He added that despite the size and complexity of the family, some of the children are now actively committed to preserving and promoting their father’s legacy, ensuring that his contributions to Nigerian arts and culture are not forgotten.
Kunle concluded his reflections with a simple message, reminding those present that life is short and that no matter how far one goes, one’s roots should always be remembered and honoured.
