Born on March 1, 1985, Gabriel Afolayan is a Nigerian actor and singer also known by his stage name G-Fresh. He was raised by his father, Adeyemi Afolayan, and has three siblings: Moji Afolayan, Kunle Afolayan, and Aremu Afolayan (brother). Gabriel Afolayan was a native of Agbamu, which is a local government in Nigeria's Kwara State called Irepodun. His primary and secondary schools' names are still a mystery. The University of Ibadan awarded him his first degree in theater art, and he continued his education by enrolling in a drama school in London to study performing arts.
He began acting in 1990, with the film F Opawon serving as his debut feature. He then became well-known for his performance as Akin in the Super Story Series NNENNA. He is a member of the well-known Afolayan entertainment family, which also includes Aremu, Ade Love, Moji, and Kunle Afolayan. He got the Best Supporting Actor prize for his performance as "Tavier Jambari" in Hoodrush (2012). He is most known as a musician for the songs "Awelewa" and "Kokoro Ife." He identified his preferred musical subgenre as "Love ballad" in an interview with The Punch. Afolayan made his acting debut in Baba Sala's F Opawon.
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In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, he stated that his music career started in 1997, while he was part of a group in Ibadan. He also stated that he has always been part of the choir. He has cited 2face, Banky W., Aṣa and Bez as influences.
Gabriel Afolayan got married to Adebanke on April 5th, 2018 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Movies and FIlm Feature/Releases by Gabriel Afolayan
A Veteran actor and movie producer, Gabriel Afolayan has featured in the following movies
- King Invincible
- Code Wilo
- Gold Statue
- Ojuju
- Madam Dearest
- Ija Okan
- Hoodrush
- Heroes and Zeros
- 7 Inch Curve
- Okafor's Law
- Citation (film)
- Closet (TV Series)
- Kasala
- Tatu
- Tomi has a gun
- Nnenna
- Gone
- Coming from Insanity
- For Maria Ebun Pataki
- Blood Sisters
- Citation
- Tatu
- Gold Statue
- Alakada Reloaded
Gabriel Afolayan's Songs and Music Features
Gabriel Afolayan, being an actor, also sings, and he started his music career in Ibadan in a music group in 1997 and later became a backup singer for Phoenix studio.
- Kokoro Ife
- Plug it
- Kpasi Kona
- Awelewa
- So fine
- Amoke
- Sugar Daddy
- Meta
- Heaven do come quick
Gabriel Afolayan's Awards and Nominations
Gabriel Afolayan has been nominated for the following:
- He was nominated and won the 2013 Africa Movie Academy Awards as the Best Supporting Actor in the movie, Hoodrush.
- He was nominated in the Nollywood Movies Awards as the Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
- He was nominated as Best Actor in a Leading Role in the movie, First Cause.
- He was nominated in the 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards as the Best Actor in a Lead role (English category) in the movie, Tatu
- He was nominated as the Best Actor in a Lead role (Yoruba category) in the movie, False Flag
- He was nominated and won the Best Supporting Actor (Yoruba category) in the movie, Ailatunse.
- He was nominated and won the Best Kiss in a Movie category.
- He was nominated in the 2019 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards as Actor of the year for the movie, Coming From Insanity.
- He was nominated in the Intellects Awards as Best Actor (Male)
- He was nominated in the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) as the Best actor in a leading role for the movie, Gold Statue.
- Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actor in a Lead role English Won
- International Film Festival (AIFF) Outstanding Actor at the Abuja Won
13. 2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Actor in a Drama (Movie or TV Series) Coming From Insanity Nominated
14. 2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Actor in A Drama For Maria Ebun Pataki Pending
Gabriel Afolayan is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official social media handles on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.