by Reuben Adewale
One of the notable faces in the Nollywood scene is Mike Afolarin, the superstar actor many are familiar with on-screen in our favorite movies and series. Born in Lagos and spending his childhood in Ibadan, Mike’s childhood was filled with experiences from two of Nigeria’s most popular cities and states, exposing him to diverse cultures, lifestyles, and everyday stories.
His acting career began as far back as 2013 during his undergraduate days at the University of Lagos, where he mainly featured in stage plays. His first official movie appearance was in “Kasala!”, a Netflix comedy-drama movie. Afterward, he appeared in several short films in 2019.
Mike Afolarin gained widespread recognition for his starring role as Ishaya in Far From Home, a five-part series about a talented teenager’s quest to become a renowned artist, despite the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. This coming-of-age Nollywood movie catapulted Mike Afolarin to fame and established the teenage coming-of-age movie genre as a notable force in Nollywood.
Other notable movies he has featured in include Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde’s Battle on Buka Street, which smashed box office records, grossing N135 million in just one day and cementing its position as Nigeria’s second-highest-grossing film. He also starred in Adire, This is Lagos, Tiwa Savage’s “Water and Garri”, and most recently, the epic action movie “House of Ga’a”, 3 Working Days, Ajosepo, and the successful TV program Brethren, a Lagos-inspired crime drama that explores the complex tale of two adopted brothers, Bara and Dag, who took different paths in life.
Aside from his acting and filmmaking career, Mike Afolarin is also a creative photographer, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
Following a standout year, with impressive performances, we are excited to see him continue to shine on our screens, infusing characters with life and depth.