Mike Afolarin

Michael Oladapo Afolarin (born 1 September) professionally known as Mike Afolarin is a Nigerian actor, Aerial photographer and Filmmaker. Born in Lagos State, Mike grew up in Ibadan with his grandparents, where he started his education and eventually moved back to Lagos at the age of 7.

Personal Life
Mike Afolarin attended Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos State for his secondary school. He then proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2016.

Career
In 2013, Afolarin had his first experience with acting in a stage play, Magic Time during his time in the University of Lagos.

As though foreshadowing his future in a 2021 interview with NTA, Afolarin stated that there are more stories being told about young people and it’s really an exciting time to be part of that.

Not long after, Afolarin gained more popularity with his lead role as Ishaya, in Netflix’ young adult series - Far From Home. The five-part series tells the story of Afolarin’s character – Ishaya, a talented and charismatic teenager from a poor family who is on a mission to actualize his dreams of becoming a renowned artist, even at the expense of his new found friendships and safety of his family.

Afolarin also had a cinema release on the same date (December 16,2022) with his role as Akinzo in Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde’s – ‘Battle on Buka Street’. Akinzo is portrayed as a comedic but upright and well-respected Youth leader of Otanwa community. The Nigerian comedy drama film has become the second highest grossing Nigerian film in the box office, while also setting the record of grossing N135m in one day, according to the Vanguard.

In an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on February 1, 2021, Afolarin shared that personal projects are a good way to get into the industry – either behind the scenes or being on screen. He explored opportunities behind the scenes as an Associate Producer, Aerial Cinematographer and Set Designer in movies like Ajuwaya, Couple of Days, Director in two Short Films - An Interview Story and Peace.

Afolarin also curated all aerial shots in a Comprehensive Investment Documentary directed by Tolu ‘Lord Tanner’ for the Oyo State Government in 2018.

In the same year, Afolarin came into the limelight with his cinema debut as one of the lead characters (Chikodi) in Emamode Edosio’s – ‘Kasala’ starring Chimezie Imo, Tomiwa Tegbe and Emeka Nwagbaraocha.

Prior to his ‘Far From Home’ success, Afolarin is also well known for his comedic roles as Kinto, in Africa Magic’s internationally acclaimed TV Series – ‘Brethren’, starring Akin Lewis, Daniel Etim-Effiong and Demola Adedoyin – and Idris in Red TV’s web series ’Inspector K’.

Popular streaming platform - Netflix, is home to some of Afolarin’s works like Far From Home, Soólè, The Wait, Kasala, Adire, House of Ga’a and Your Excellency.

Upcoming projects for Afolarin include Asiri Ade directed by Adeoluwa Owu, ‘House of Ga’a’ directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, set to premiere on Netflix and ‘Red Circle’, directed by Akay Mason which is set to be released soon by Rixel Studios, who announced the completion of the movie with a heartfelt message to their cast and crew.