Gabriel Afolayan

Gabriel Afolayan, one of the sons of late Movie maker and actor, Ade Afolayan, has not just taken after his father with his movie roles, but has also combined it with music. He talks to SBF

I am a peace loving, free and open-minded person. I am an actor/singer under Studio 6 Multimedia Limited. My opinion on life is that we should remain resolute and focused. The only reason I am into music is for the appreciation of music itself. I love music and I appreciate all efforts that go into its making. I have always loved and desired to sing and this has channeled my journey into the act. I was born a Baptist and I have always been attending one choir or the other, even as a young man. Professionally, I started as a backup singer in 1997 for Phynyx Studio right in the city of Ibadan because that was where I grew. I’m a fulfilled actor and I’m into music not because of its fortune; it is on a basis of pure love for music.

My deep knowledge of Music…
I listen to all types of music. My listening ability is not restrictive. I have a deep knowledge of what I’m into and what I want in my type of music. Out of all genres of music, I appreciate soul music. It appeals to my mind. It makes me feel music in its own soul. I listen to the likes of Anthony Hamilton, Dru Hill, Sisqo, Tyrese, Joe, R-kelly, Smokey Robinson, Loius Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Fela, MJ Blige, Seal, Otis Redding and many more. In fact, my favourite female singer of all time is Brandy. So, I have a style I have worked on over time and it’s called “Afrosoul or Afro n B”. Music no be play play o! I am sure I have my own quota to contribute to in the industry. So, I’m here to play. I believe in what I posses in which I’m very grateful to God for. So, I have no worries whatsoever. I mean no single worry. Since the fact shows that I have a style, it will sell my brand. God dey!

My world of movie …
I started acting in 1990 as a child actor in F’opawon, a commissioned short film handled by Moses Olaiya Adejumo a.k.a Baba-Sala. I made a return to the industry in 2004 with Madam Dearest by Tade Ogidan (OGD pictures). Ever since, things have been coming and we have been doing them. Meeting up with standards and surpassing them have been the major challenges as an entertainer. Not all about getting there anymore but it’s actually keeping up with the artistry so that people can be well pleased. I give all thanks to God because He’s the only fuel of this vessel.

Art is life…
Everybody keeps experimenting with ideas and getting them developed. Art is life and since life is real, art is real. As long as life goes on, art goes on, except the world comes to an end. As long as there is life, there is art because they mirror each other. As an entertainer, you need to keep evolving rather than just getting involved. I grew around art (acting, singing and dance). Through that, my mental and physical state has grown. It is the passion that championed the course. Coming from that background has been of help coupled with the fact that I studied it as well.

Living as an Afolayan…
I feel so blessed. It’s awesome to know that I am an Afolayan. I love every minute of the fact of being a son to a legend. It’s a form of education not to be a failure in life. Anytime I remember my background, I want to work hard more to be a good example to others.  Growing up was fun and tough. The superstar factor in my dad didn’t make him raise us with levity. He was an epitome of hard work. I guess if you will make it in life, the beginning must be imbalance. You must be resolute to tackle the imbalance.