Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has paid a heartfelt tribute to Kunle Afolayan at the official opening of the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye, Oyo State, describing the achievement as the fulfilment of a long-held dream and a continuation of a powerful legacy.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, April 12, the 77-year-old, who has long served as a mentor and father figure to Kunle, said his presence was symbolic.
“I am not here by myself—I stand as a representative of our ancestors, who entrusted us with a culture so rich, so vibrant, it continues to inspire generations,” he said.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Kelani spoke about the power of traditional art forms that shaped his youth.
“One of my favourites remains the Egungun masquerade—those mystical performers under masks who not only thrilled us, but also fed us, clothed us, and united us during the festivals of our youth.”
He paid tribute to the Yoruba Travelling Theatre, noting how the movement laid the foundation for modern Nigerian film.
“Today, I salute the Heroes of the Yoruba Travelling Theatre—men, women, and even children—who journeyed across the country, using their art to entertain, enlighten, and awaken political consciousness long before Nollywood was conceived.”
Speaking about the significance of the newly launched KAP Film Village and Resort, Kelani described it as the realisation of a long-held ambition.
“The opening of the KAP Film Village and Resort is the realisation of a long-held dream. It is a bold testament to the vision of our forebears, and a beacon of what is possible when we embrace and invest in our intangible heritage.”
He ended with a direct message to Kunle Afolayan, speaking of how proud the filmmaker’s late father, Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as Ade Love, would be.
“Congratulations, Kunle Afolayan, on this monumental achievement. I have no doubt that somewhere, Adeyemi Afolayan is smiling and saying, ‘Ayodeji Akande, I told you; this is just the beginning.’”
Saturday’s launch was attended by dignitaries including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, NFVCB executive director Shaibu Husseini, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri and QED.ng publisher Olumide Iyanda.
Others at the event included actors Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Akintola, Saga Deolu, Gbenga Adeyinka, and other key players in the Nigerian film industry.
A collaboration between Kunle Afolayan, the Oyo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the KAP Film Village and Resort is expected to serve as a hub for film production, cultural preservation and tourism in Nigeria.
