Stepping into the limelight with confidence and determination, Eyiyemi Afolayan, an aspiring filmmaker, model, and singer, is poised to make her mark in Nollywood, undaunted by the illustrious film legacy that runs in her family.
Despite the towering achievements of her father, Kunle Afolayan, whose repertoire includes acclaimed works such as “The Figurine,” “Phone Swap,” and “October 1,” Eyiyemi remains resolute in her ambition to surpass his success. Reflecting on the evolution of filmmaking within her family, she remarked, “I’ve seen my grandpa’s movies and I can see there’s definitely a development from the way my grandpa used to make his movies to how my dad makes his movies.”
In a recent interview with Channels TV, the 18-year-old expressed her conviction that she would carve out her own path in the industry, aspiring to become a prominent filmmaker in her own right. “In a few years’ time, I’m going to be a very big filmmaker myself, and I’m going to do better by God’s grace,” she affirmed.
Eyiyemi made her cinematic debut in her father’s Netflix original, “AnÃkúlápó,” in 2022, portraying the character Omowunmi, a princess. She reprised her role in the sequel TV series, “AnÃkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre,” which began streaming on March 1, 2024. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with her father, she described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” emphasizing the seamless synergy they shared on set.
Despite initially feeling overwhelmed amidst seasoned professionals, Eyiyemi found her footing and garnered respect from her peers. “Everyone on set didn’t treat me like a kid. They came down to my level,” she recalled, highlighting the supportive environment that facilitated her growth.
While she embarks on her journey to Nollywood stardom, Eyiyemi remains committed to her education, currently pursuing a degree in mass communication. With her studies set to conclude in two years, she anticipates fully immersing herself in the industry, eager to contribute her talents and make a lasting impact on the Nigerian film scene.
