My comment not targeted against Funke or Toyin — Kunle Afolayan declares

By Elegbede Abiodun

Nollywood director and producer, Kunle Afolayan, has cleared the controversy about his recent comments on film promotion and cinema releases, saying his comments were misunderstood and never directed at his colleague, Funke Akindele.

Speaking on Arise TV earlier today, Afolayan explained that the viral video was taken from a film business forum where industry stakeholders were discussing cinema economics and sustainability.

“I am a product of travelling theatre and travelling cinema,” Afolayan said. “Our parents would go into the streets to tell people to come and watch films. I don’t see anything bad in going to the cinema or promoting films. For me, it is just draining.”

The filmmaker said his comments were made in response to a direct question from cinema operators who wanted to know when he would return to theatrical releases. According to him, the conversation focused on whether cinema releases still make financial sense for filmmakers after deductions.

“At that forum, I told them you have to promise me that I will make substantial money,” he said. “If a film makes ₦2 billion, after sharing, taxes and other deductions, what may come back to you is about ₦500 million. If you have more than two or three investors, what is left at the end of the day?”

Afolayan noted that several key industry figures were present at the event, including the owner of EbonyLife Cinemas, Mo Abudu. He said the discussion was open and factual, not an attack on any filmmaker’s strategy.

The controversy gained momentum after fans on social media linked his comments to Funke Akindele, whose films have broken box-office records and crossed the ₦2 billion mark.

Afolayan also revealed that Akindele called him shortly after the video began circulating online.

“She called me yesterday and said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he said. “She was yelling and then dropped the phone. I texted her afterwards and explained things to her. I honestly don’t know what caused the reaction.”

He stressed that he never mentioned Akindele’s name in the original conversation and has no personal issues with her.

“I have absolutely nothing against Funke,” he said. “I did not say people should not dance to promote their films.”

He also pointed out that he reached out to actress Toyin Abraham, who has also been linked to the debate online, and she had no problem with his comments.

Afolayan further revealed that just a week earlier, he had openly praised Akindele’s career and business model during a masterclass at the Kaduna Film Festival.

“I told them clearly, if you want to adopt a model that works, follow Funke Akindele’s model,” he said. “She started at a younger age with Jenifa and look at her brand today. It is consistent growth.”

He explained that while Akindele’s approach works, it does not suit everyone.

“I can’t do what they are doing because they have the energy and it works for them,” he said. “I do many things today, but film gave birth to all of them.”

Afolayan maintained that his comments were aimed at encouraging honest conversations about sustainability in Nollywood, not creating division.

“Ask our colleagues, I support people’s projects,” he said. “I don’t know what got into Funke, but I have nothing against her.”

The filmmaker also promised to share the video from the Kaduna masterclass to further clarify his position.