Kunle Afolayan Clarifies Relationship with Ibrahim Chatta at Anikulapo Watch Party
Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has publicly addressed and dismissed ongoing reports of a rivalry between his film village and that of fellow filmmaker Ibrahim Chatta. The clarification came during a watch party for Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, held on Wednesday, January 28, in Igbojaye, Oyo state. The event, which was attended by Chatta himself, served as a platform for Afolayan to set the record straight on their professional relationship.
Event Highlights and Star-Studded Attendance
The watch party attracted a host of notable Nollywood personalities, including veteran actors Sola Sobowale, Saidi Balogun, and Fathia Balogun. Other stars in attendance were Kiekie, Broda Shaggi, Papi Luwe, Sola Kosoko, and Gabriel Afolayan, making it a significant gathering in the Nigerian film industry. Videos from the event have since surfaced online, capturing the celebratory atmosphere and Afolayan's key remarks.
Afolayan's Statement on Cultural Preservation
In his address, Afolayan emphasized that his work and that of Ibrahim Chatta are focused on preserving culture and heritage, rather than engaging in competition. He stated, "We are both doing everything possible to uplift the glory of all, not just our ancestors, but the lineage and where we are from, from the root. There’s Afri Chatta in Oyo. If you haven’t been there, you should go. Many of the films you’ve seen, like Ageshinkole, were shot at Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Studio. There is no competition! We are not even doing the same thing." Afolayan also noted that this was Chatta's first visit to his film village, despite previous invitations, adding a personal touch to their collaboration.
Remarks on Cinema Projects in Nigeria
Beyond addressing the rivalry rumors, Afolayan made a pointed comment about cinema projects in Nigeria, highlighting financial concerns in the industry. He remarked, "I don't want 2 billion or 1 billion in cinema, if I wouldn’t be able to take N10 million." This statement underscores the challenges filmmakers face in monetizing their work within the local cinema landscape, sparking discussions among attendees and online commentators.
Background on Film Villages and Industry Impact
Kunle Afolayan is the founder of KAP Film Village and Resort, while Ibrahim Chatta runs Afri Chatta Resorts and Film Village, both located in Oyo state. These facilities have become hubs for film production in Nigeria, contributing to the growth of Nollywood by providing dedicated spaces for shooting and cultural storytelling. The alleged rivalry had been a topic of speculation among fans and industry observers, making Afolayan's denial a significant moment for promoting unity in the sector.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Following the event, fans took to social media to express their support for the camaraderie between Afolayan and Chatta. Comments included:
- tolux_07 praised, "These Egbon’s too sabi love and light, no need for beef healthy and progressive competition is allowed."
- irenimoyan2012 reacted, "Ibrahim shatta is a very gentle man."
- seyirants commented, "My favourites. There’s def a competition tho but a very healthy one. life is all about competition."
These responses highlight the positive reception to Afolayan's message of collaboration over competition.
Broader Context in Nollywood
This event comes at a time when Nollywood is experiencing rapid growth and increased attention both locally and internationally. Initiatives like film villages play a crucial role in supporting this expansion by offering infrastructure for production. Afolayan's emphasis on cultural preservation aligns with broader trends in the industry, where filmmakers are increasingly focusing on telling authentic Nigerian stories to showcase heritage and attract global audiences.
In summary, the Anikulapo Season 2 watch party not only celebrated a new release but also served as a platform for Kunle Afolayan to reinforce the importance of unity and cultural dedication in Nollywood, effectively quashing rumors of rivalry with Ibrahim Chatta.
