Nollywood actor Gabriel Afolayan, known for his layered performances and deliberate career choices, has made a bold call to action: criticism must not only be welcomed but embraced if the Nigerian film industry is to thrive.
In a conversation with Saturday Beats, Afolayan challenged both fans and filmmakers to see feedback as a vital part of Nollywood’s growth: “Criticism is needed. How do we get better if people are not ready to talk about what we are doing? Both the audience and filmmakers have to come together.”
Nollywood’s Next Chapter
For Afolayan, the industry’s strength lies in its willingness to experiment. He urged creators to take risks while trusting the intelligence of Nigerian audiences: “Nollywood is ready for everything… You don’t know how intelligent people are until you create something that will blow their minds.”
But his argument didn’t stop at experimentation. Afolayan highlighted the power of the audience, stressing that films only achieve true value when they resonate with viewers: “Ordinary people dissect movies, and you’ll be amazed… A film doesn’t belong to the filmmaker. Even after you release it, you won’t make anything from it until the audience says it is good enough.”
Why His Words Matter
Criticism as Catalyst: Instead of seeing feedback as negativity, Afolayan frames it as the engine that pushes filmmakers to sharpen their craft.
Audience as Co-creators: His perspective empowers viewers, positioning them as active partners in shaping the trajectory of Nollywood.
Industry Readiness: By declaring Nollywood “ready for everything,” he signals openness to new genres, fresh stories, and bold storytelling styles.
The Actor Behind the Message
Afolayan’s call carries weight not just because of his craft, but his journey. He began as a child actor in 1990 under the legendary Baba Sala, paused to focus on education, and returned in 2000. By 2005, he had carved out a name for himself.
This year, his consistency was rewarded with the Best Supporting Actor award at the 11th AMVCA, a milestone he described as the result of “decades of hard work” and a career of “fame before fortune.”
Known for his selectivity, Afolayan has often turned down roles that don’t align with his artistic vision. His philosophy has always been clear: quality over quantity.
The Bigger Picture
For Afolayan, Nollywood’s future is brightest when filmmakers embrace criticism, audiences stay engaged, and the industry dares to push boundaries. His vision is of a cinema culture where feedback fuels creativity, and where stories continue to surprise, challenge, and elevate Nigerian film on the global stage.
