Eyiyemi Afolayan, daughter of renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, is stepping into the limelight with a determination to carve out her own path to success.
In an exclusive interview with Channels TV, the 18-year-old actress expressed unwavering confidence in her abilities, asserting her ambition to surpass her father’s illustrious career.
Mr Afolayan celebrated for cinematic gems like “The Figurine,” “Phone Swap,” and “October 1,” stands as a towering figure in Nollywood’s pantheon of directors.
Yet, his daughter Eyiyemi refuses to be overshadowed by his towering achievements. Reflecting on her family’s cinematic lineage, she said, “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.”
With a steely resolve, she declared her intent to ascend the ranks of filmmaking prowess, proclaiming, “In a few year’s time, I’m going to be a very big filmmaker myself and I’m going to do better by God’s grace.”
Eyiyemi’s journey into the world of cinema commenced in 2022 when her father granted her the opportunity to make her film debut in the Netflix original “Aníkúlápó.”
She portrayed the character of Omowunmi, a princess— exhibiting a raw talent that captivated audiences.
The success of her inaugural performance paved the way for her reprisal of the role in “Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre,” a sequel TV series that commenced streaming on 1 March.
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Recalling her experience on set, Eyiyemi shared insights into her collaborative dynamic with her father and the seasoned professionals she encountered. “Everyone on set didn’t treat me like a kid. They came down to my level. I was able to warm up to them, and it didn’t seem like I was the youngest on set,” she recounted with a sense of gratitude. Despite initial trepidation, she found her footing amidst the seasoned veterans, a testament to her innate talent and adaptability.
Beyond her cinematic aspirations, Eyiyemi remains committed to her academic pursuits, emphasising the importance of education in her journey.
As a mass communication student, she underscores the significance of laying a solid foundation before fully immersing herself in the industry. “Education is my focus, but I’ll be done in two years; when I’m done, I’ll be in the industry fully,” she affirmed, signaling her intent to balance scholastic endeavors with her burgeoning film career.
