Gabriel Afolayan

**Gabriel Afolayan** (born March 1, 1985) is a Nigerian actor and singer, recognized as a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and for his contributions to contemporary Nigerian music. He is a member of the renowned Afolayan entertainment family. **Early Life and Education** Gabriel Afolayan was born on March 1, 1985, into the family of Nigerian entertainment icon Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as "Ade Love." His siblings include actors Moji Afolayan, Kunle Afolayan, and Aremu Afolayan. Afolayan pursued his tertiary education at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a degree in Theatre Arts. Furthering his education in performing arts, he attended the Identity Drama School in Brixton, London. **Career Progression** Afolayan's acting career began early, with his debut in the 1990 film *F Opawon* by Baba Sala. He has maintained a consistent presence in Nollywood since, gaining recognition for his versatile acting range. His music career also began in 1997, initially as part of a group in Ibadan, and he has often cited artists like 2face, Banky W., Aṣa, and Bez as influences. He describes his musical genre primarily as "Love ballad." **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Afolayan is known for successfully juggling both film and music careers. As an actor, he gained significant acclaim for his role as "Tavier Jambari" in the 2012 movie *Hoodrush*, for which he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Other notable film and television works include: * *Madam Dearest* (2005) * *Hoodrush* (2012) * *Heroes and Zeros* (2012) * *Okafor's Law* (2016) * *Blood Sisters* (2022) as Femi Ademola * *Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre* (2024) as AkinIn music, he is celebrated for popular songs such as "Awelewa" and "Kokoro Ife." **Current Status** Afolayan remains an active and influential personality in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, with his career spanning over two decades. He continues to work across both acting and music, featuring in recent major projects, and is known for his consistent critical and commercial success.