Gabriel Afolayan: Acting Is My Calling, Not Just Family Legacy
Nigerian actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan has opened up about his journey into acting, insisting that his career choice was inspired by a personal calling rather than pressure from his family’s celebrated legacy in the entertainment industry.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Afolayan addressed the weight of expectations that often come with belonging to a prominent acting dynasty.
While acknowledging the influence of growing up in a creative household, he maintained that his decision to pursue acting stemmed from an inner conviction.
“Being inspired is one thing. Having your own inner core is another,” he said, explaining that only a few members of his family chose careers in the arts, while others ventured into entirely different fields.
According to him, his passion for acting was evident from an early age and developed independently of his father’s accomplishments.
“I grew up strictly feeling that this is exactly what I wanted… It was within me. For me, I’ll say for a fact that it’s also what I would love to do. I think this is more of a calling than a job,” he stated.
Afolayan admitted that carrying a famous surname comes with its challenges.
He noted that beyond the family reputation, each individual must carve out their own identity and prove their uniqueness.
“It’s a big weight… because one thing is the legacy. Then another thing is what spice do you have as a person? People already know what your dad had done. So what about you? Who are you?” he said.
The actor added that while it may be difficult to separate oneself from a well-known family name, authenticity and consistency eventually define an individual’s path.
“You can’t rule out your legacy. No matter how astute you are with your craft, people will tag you to that legacy. But as time goes by, your own personal dream will start revealing itself… People will know if you’re different,” he said.
Afolayan’s remarks offer insight into the balancing act faced by second-generation entertainers — honouring family heritage while forging a distinct identity in Nigeria’s competitive creative industry. Read More
