“Renowned Nollywood actor and producer, Kunle Afod, shares his ongoing journey towards stardom, despite his fame and wealth. He believes that his struggles are indicative of progress. In a conversation with OLAITAN GANIU, he discusses his early experiences in the film industry, the challenges faced by Yoruba-speaking films in certain award ceremonies, and other relevant topics. Afod, who hails from Oyo State, achieved breakthrough success as a teenager in the industry.
Do you consider the epic movie ‘Owo Blow’ as your greatest film?
‘Owo Blow’ holds a special place in my heart as one of my greatest movies ever. It provided a platform that has greatly influenced my career. It’s truly remarkable when people recognize you based on the character you portrayed in a film because it signifies the impact the movie has had on your life. Alongside ‘Owo Blow,’ I have delivered exceptional performances in numerous other films such as ‘Ija Omode,’ ‘Ewe Orun,’ ‘Solo Makinde,’ ‘Ade Ferarri,’ and ‘Atanda Eru Obodo.’ Additionally, I had the opportunity to work on a movie titled ‘Awolu ati Awawu’ featuring the talented Toyin Abraham, among several other fantastic productions.
Could you tell us about the concept behind your upcoming movie, ‘Esin Baba’?
The film delves into the question of whether one’s faith in their father will lead them to paradise or make them righteous in the eyes of the Lord. It’s something I have contemplated for a long time: ‘Does religion truly matter in love, or does love determine people’s religion?’ They say God is love; if that’s the case, do we need to create barriers to separate two lovers because they worship God on different platforms?
This movie aims to address these questions and convey that love surpasses all, as God is love. While some people may worry that if they or their children marry someone from a different religion, it may have an impact on their children, the key question is: ‘Will your religion lead them to paradise?’ I believe what truly matters is our love for one another.
Many Nollywood films are now being released on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and others. How do you plan to distribute your new film to attract a global audience?
The emergence of streaming platforms is a highly welcomed development. It instills in us a growing sense of hope that the industry can now sustain us. I had the privilege of producing a movie called ‘Esin Baba,’ which was created with a high standard of quality. My intention is to release it on my official YouTube channel, Kunle Afod TV, to allow a global audience to appreciate the platform and showcase the consistent delivery of top-notch productions on my channel.
Furthermore, I am currently involved in the production of another movie titled ‘Ide Ase.’ This film explores the mystery behind the unexplained disturbance of peace in a particular town. The suffering endured by every citizen is palpable, but an unexpected source brings comfort and relief.
The development of streaming platforms has opened up new avenues for filmmakers to reach a wider audience, and I am excited to utilize platforms like YouTube to showcase my work and connect with viewers on a global scale. As I continue to create compelling movies, I am dedicated to maintaining a standard of excellence and providing entertainment that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.
Many Yoruba films are often excluded from international awards. What do you think could be the reasons for this omission?
Perhaps, we haven’t been paying much attention to that aspect until now, but very soon, you will be shocked at what is coming up. Numerous fantastic