Mike Afolarin

Michael Oladapo Afolarin (born 1 September) professionally known as Mike Afolarin is a Nigerian actor, aerial photographer and filmmaker. 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. In 2013, Afolarin had his first experience with acting in a stage play, Magic Time during his time in the University of Lagos. Not long after, Afolarin gained attention with his lead role as Ishaya, in the television 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 the same year, Afolarin made his cinema debut as one of the lead characters in Emamode Edosio’ Kasala starring Chimezie Imo, Tomiwa Tegbe and Emeka Nwagbaraocha. Afolarin has starred in movies such as Far From Home, Soólè, The Wait, Kasala, Adire, House of Ga'a and Your Excellency. Other projects for Afolarin include Asiri Ade directed by Adeoluwa Owu, and Red Circle, directed by Akay Mason which was released by Rixel Studios, who announced the completion of the movie with a heartfelt message to their cast and crew.