The movie, penned by the late Professor Akinwunmi Isola, featured Afolayan as “Aresejabata,” which marked the commencement of his remarkable journey in the Nigerian film industry.
In a recent interview, Afolayan shared insights about his audition for the role, emphasizing that it was a pivotal moment in his life.
He noted that the chance to collaborate with Tunde Kelani, one of Nigeria’s most respected filmmakers, was a dream realized.
“I was relatively unknown at the time, but I was eager and passionate about acting. When I got the role of Aresejabata, it felt like the stars were aligning for me,” Afolayan said.
Saworoide is a political satire that cleverly weaves traditional Yoruba folklore into its critique of corruption and governance in Nigeria. This film quickly became a classic and is still one of the standout productions in Nollywood. Afolayan’s role as Aresejabata, a young and hopeful drummer fighting for justice and leadership, struck a chord with viewers and earned him significant recognition.
Looking back, Afolayan gives a lot of credit to Tunde Kelani for his guidance during the making of the film. “Working with Tunde Kelani was like attending a masterclass. He not only directed the film but also taught us to value culture, discipline, and the art of storytelling. I learned so much from him, lessons that have shaped my career and the way I approach filmmaking today.” he shared.
Although Afolayan started out in Nollywood as an actor, his love for storytelling soon pushed him toward directing. He mentioned that his time on Saworoide was a key factor in his decision to dive deeper into the creative side of filmmaking.
Now, Afolayan is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most groundbreaking filmmakers, with acclaimed projects like The Figurine, Citation, and Anikulapo under his belt.
The character of Aresejabata holds a special place in Afolayan’s heart, as he sees it as the cornerstone of his career. He reflected on how the film’s success opened doors for him in the industry, leading to more acting roles and eventually his transition into directing and producing.
“It all started with Saworoide. That role gave me visibility and the confidence to believe I could do more in the industry,” he explained.
Fast forward over twenty years, and he’s now a well-known figure in Nollywood, recognized for his commitment to showcasing African culture through film. Even with his international acclaim, he remains grateful for his beginnings and the opportunities that shaped his journey. “It started off great and continues to go well,” he said, appreciating the path that began in 1998.