Multi-talented as he is, Gabriel Afolayan enjoys the simple things of life.  In this interview, he speaks on the pressures of living up to the Afolayan name, his secret career wish, his most challenging role and his message to president elect General Buhari.   

As a result of the exploits of your dad and brothers (Kunle, Aremu and sister Moji), in the entertainment industry, the name Afolayan is synonymous with the arts in Nigeria. How do you feel about this?

It’s like half of your career hustle is settled. Once your surname is synonymous to your career, half of what you are here on earth to fight for is accomplished. And that feels awesome because all you now need is to appropriately fix yourself up and live up to that name. Now that’s where the challenges lie. Every of one’s antecedents has proven to be whom and what. They are leaving you to walk your path and put your own imprint down in the history book of the family’s legacy. So you are constantly put to tests of various magnitudes to see and believe that you also can rock just like your background. I’m happy that I’m from the Afolayan family. Every day, I get to realize that no matter who I am and what I’ve accomplished, the name is always been a bedrock to my success.

How did it all begin for you (I mean both as a musician and an actor) and at what point in your life did you decide you wanted a career in the arts?

You know coming from that wonderful family exposed me to a lot of pre-arts forms that later got me inspired into my own zone. I grew up around my dad’s business. I mean I was exposed, as a child to many artistic grandiose that made much sense. All the intricacies of entertainment as a whole was right in my face; from creative writing, rehearsals, performances, music, acting, dance, costuming, make-up, theatre management et al. And all of these is synonymous to what was then called “the alarinjo tradition of the Yoruba traveling theatre”. So at a point in my life, it dawned on me that that’s the road. I never doubted that feeling though I had couple of childhood professional fantasies; wanting to be a doctor and the likes of them. I remembered when I was in Form 4, equivalent to SSS1 in a secondary school system of Nigeria. I had just passed out with good grades from the junior high, and then, it was very common as everybody yearned to be a ‘’science student’. This kain tin don do many of us. But today I’m eternally grateful because I moved into art class and the rest is history. Ever since that time, I’ve given the best in everything I intend to do artistically.

How has the journey been like and what are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

Well, it’s been the usual cool and jagged one. Different scripts, different interpretations. Making a record, scheming out the performance. Especially now that the issue of piracy is beyond untameable, things have gone crazily out of control. Talking of production cost, which is very high, and the time factor to achieve it. To now say when such production is carefully sorted, to be bootlegged (piracy). So you can see that ‘the matter no be beans’, but I thank God, for life, and the continued interest in what I believe in.

Could you please share with us some of the challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

*laughs*, you guys will have to shoot me ni o! On a serious note, I can’t even tell which one

because both creative and artistic works resonate with me a lot. I’m okay with both. Even on set, when filming, I’m always humming one tune or the other, and it comes at every interval of when the director says ‘cut’. When I’m off set, I’m in a studio expressing my tunes, working with different producers from zone to zone. When I do my mirror exercise, right after re-mastering my facial and body expressions, I let out a musical performance with either of my hands folded like a mic and also dance to whatever melody, intended or fresh, that pops up. So I’ll suggest you just shoot me now!

What movie would you say brought you to limelight?

Madam Dearest – written, produced and directed by Tade Ogidan.

You once stated that playing a blind man would be a challenging role you’ll like to play. Tell me, what other challenging role would you be willing to play?

Yes I did say that. In as much I still look forward to growth, I’m all up for the challenge of any kind. Acting is a legacy. One is not to run but uphold it.

Could you tell us why you chose an Indian theme for the video of your latest song Awelewa?

I love my things simple. Guess that’s why Awelewa’s video came out that way. Nothing far-fetched, just a happy video, with a romantic man who set a trip with his lover by the sea side and also expresses his undying love. Beautiful choreography to lace it up and all was done. A typical lover’s video for all homes, within and outside. We shot the video on the wonderful Seychelles Island. Also, kudos to my brother Kunle Afolayan who directed the master piece.

How has the reception for the video and the song itself been?

It’s been a massive appreciation my brother. Everybody loves it all the way. I thank everybody who showed love and support to my movement from get go. You all made this happen.

You’ve described your style of music as ‘Afro n B’. Could you please explain further?

It’s simply an alternative sound with fresh appeal. It’s soulful and deeply rooted in African rhythm and melody. It explores the native culture and also reps the western ideal. We made sure there is balance. It is also folkloric, which tells for some of us who grew up on being told the ‘tortoise stories’. And not to forget the RnB flavour which is smothered all over the genre.

What are the factors that lead to you writing a song? Or better yet, what would you say inspires you?

Most of time I allow it to flow. I always feel some resonation within my spirit. God, nature and my sub-hub inspire me a whole lot. Lessons are everywhere to learn. One should be spirit filled. Even when you are making a dance record, you have to be in a good state of mind. You have to be happy before you make your people happy. That’s how it is with me.

Growing up, which entertainers influenced you?

My very first inspiration is my dad, and a couple of other foreign artists I grew up watching.

What should fans expect from you in the nearest future?

My people should expect some more materials from my stable and also some other features. We will keep improving on quality.

As an entertainer, what is your ultimate goal?

To have a memorable life time in my career. Lay upon a good legacy. That will be fulfilling for me.

If you were to meet our president elect one on one, what would you tell him to do concerning the entertainment industry?

First is to make Mr President Elect realize that “entertainment is the strongest PR of the nation”, one of our largest exports too, so it is worth investing on. Also, I’ll like him to help combat piracy in an ‘understanding way’ that won’t breed violence. Help give a good administration structure that will make entertainment pay the entertainers, likewise the government. The nation will be surprised at the level of turn around.

Amala or Eba?

Chai, Eba

Who is that one person or persons you would do absolutely anything for?

Of course myself (who else?)

What 3 songs are on constant rotation in your car?

Sleeping in my Bed – Dru Hill, Anything Can Happen – Wyclef, and I Can’t Make You Love Me – Boyz II Men.

Your best 3 movies of all time?

Devil’s Advocate (Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves), Black (Amitabh Bachchan), Blood Diamond (Leonardo Di Caprio, Djimon Hounsou)

What are your travel essentials?

I don’t joke with my toiletries

What is your secret career wish if you could be anything but a musician and actor?

I guess I’ll be a footballer. I loved soccer a lot as a child and I had a good time playing it.