Mike Afolarin

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.^[4]

In 2013, Afolarin had his first experience with acting in a stage play, Magic Time during his time in the University of Lagos.^[5]

In 2018 Afolarin made his cinema debut as one of the lead characters in Emamode Edosio’ Kasala starring Chimezie Imo, Tomiwa Tegbe and Emeka Nwagbaraocha.^[6]

In 2022, Afolarin gained wide attention with his lead role in the Netflix television series, Far From Home.^[7] The five-part series tells the story of Afolarin’s character, Ishaya, a talented and charismatic teenager from a poor family who is determined to become a famous artist, even if at the expense of his new found friendships and the safety of his family.^[7]

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.^[8] 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.^[9][10]

Additional movies Afolarin has starred in include, Your Excellency (2019), Soólè (2021), The Wait, Adire (2023) and House of Ga'a (2024), Asiri Ade (2024) directed by Adeoluwa Owu, and the crime thriller Red Circle (2025), directed by Akay Mason.^{[11][12][13] [7]}

• List of Yoruba people
• List of Nigerian actors