# Mike Afolarin

Michael Oladapo Afolarin (born 1 September) professionally known as Mike Afolarin is a Nigerian actor, aerial photographer and filmmaker.

## Early life

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.

## Career

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.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes/Ref |
| 2017 | Ajuwaya | Set Design | Directed by Tolu Lord Tanner |
| 2018 | Oyo State Investment Documentary | Aerial Cinematographer | Directed by Tolu 'Lord Tanner' |
| 2018 | We Tha Boyz | | Directed by Ema Edosio |
| 2018 | Kasala! | Chikodi | Directed by Ema Edosio |
| 2018 | Ajoche | Young Odumu | Directed by James Omokwe |
| 2018 | The Accused | | Directed by Muyiwa Aluko |
| 2018 | An Interview Story | Francis | Directed by Mike Afolarin |
| 2019 | Fortunately Ridiculous | Nnamdi | Directed by Olutobi Odunubi |
| 2019 | Your Excellency | Tunde Ajadi | Directed by Funke Akindele |
| 2019 | Brethren | Kinto | Directed by Lanre Olupona |
| 2019 | Peace | | Directed by Mike Afolarin |
| 2019 | Stuck In Deep Mud | Tamuno | Directed by Charles Obi Emere |
| 2019 | Blast | Cameo | Directed by Tosin Ibitoye |
| 2019 | The 3rd Rule | | Directed by God'spower Okoh |
| 2020 | Inspector K | Idris | Directed by Abiola Sobo |
| 2020 | AARGH! | Femi | Directed by Kelvinmary Ndukwe |
| 2020 | Penance | Benjamin | Directed by Biodun Stephen |
| 2021 | The Olive (TV series) | David | Other casts are Theresa Edem, Joke Silva |
| 2021 | The Wait | Essien | Directed by Fiyin Gambo, Yemi Morafa |
| 2021 | Soole | Maxwell | Directed by Kayode Kasum |
| 2022 | Battle on Buka Street | Akinzo | Directed by Funke Akindele |
| 2022 | Far From Home | Ishaya Bello | Netflix series directed by Catherine Stewart and Kayode Kasum |
| 2022 | Miss Bamidele's Girls | Ezekiel | Directed by Desmond Elliot |
| 2023 | Adire | Deji | Directed by Adeoluwa Owu |
| 2023 | Anchor | Gideon | Directed by Ozioma B. Nwughala |
| 2024 | Ajosepo | Dapo | Directed by Kayode Kasum |
| 2024 | Water and Garri | Mide | Directed by Meji Alabi, other casts include Tiwa Savage, Jemima Osunde |
| 2024 | House of Ga'a | Oyemekun | Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters |
| 2024 | Boy Trouble | Henry | Directed by Taiwo Shittu |
| 2024 | Bottom Line | Steve | Directed by Bryan Adekunle |
| 2024 | Asiri Ade | | Directed by Adeoluwa Owu TBD |

## Awards and nominations

Nominations :
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result |
| 2018 | 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards | Revelation of the Year – male | Mike Afolarin | Nominated |
| 2020 | 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards | Revelation of the Year – male | Mike Afolarin | Nominated |
| 2022 | 2022 The Future Awards Africa | Acting | | Nominated |