Prioritise mastery over validation, Gabriel Afolayan advises actors

Popular actor and singer, Gabriel Afolayan, has said the growing recognition of Yoruba-language films is a natural outcome of consistency, hard work, and dedication within the industry.

Reacting to the increasing visibility of Yoruba films, he said there was nothing unusual about the development, noting that sustained effort within the industry was finally yielding results.

“There is nothing strange about it because we have put in the work. If one works hard, one should get the dividends for it. If we are seeing the feedback, it’s worth it. So there is nothing strange about it because we have put in the work,” he said.

Explaining the meaning behind his nickname, Gabbylucciii, the actor and singer said it reflects both his identity and ambition.

“Lucci means leader, Luciano, boss…someone at the top. And Gabby is coined from my name, Gabriel,” he explained.

On his most challenging roles, Afolayan noted that every character comes with unique demands and creative pressure.

“All the roles stretch me. Maybe I don’t take things to heart too much. I see it for what it is and do it for what it should be. I am a student of the art and I am still learning as well, so for me everything is quite challenging. Different roles have different landscapes of approach. The thoughts, the mindset, the research; they are always on different levels. So you can’t really say this is above the other. I put myself through everything I have to go through to achieve every role,” he said.

Speaking on versatility in acting, he advised creatives to prioritise mastery over external validation.

“Just love what you do, you can’t be scheming. Understand what you are supposed to do and do it. Let the audience give you the feedback. Yours is to get into the character, give it what it needs and let the audience feed you back on that,” he added.