Murphy Afolabi | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 5, 1974 Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria |
| Died | May 14, 2023 (aged 49) Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1990s–2023 |
| Known for | Yoruba-language Nollywood films |
Murphy Afolabi (5 May 1974 – 14 May 2023) was a Nigerian actor, screenwriter, film director and film producer who worked primarily in Yoruba-language Nollywood productions. He appeared in over 60 films across a career that began in the early 1990s and gained wider recognition through his role in Omo Rapala. He was also the chief executive officer of Fatuns Films Production. He died on 14 May 2023 at the age of 49, nine days after his birthday, following a fall in the bathroom of his residence in Ikorodu, Lagos. In 2024, he was among several deceased Nollywood figures selected to receive a posthumous award at the inaugural Nollywood Legends Award.
Afolabi was born on 5 May 1974 in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, in the area of Oroki Asala. His father was a Babalawo, a practitioner of the Yoruba divination tradition, and Afolabi stated in an interview with Modern Ghana that his father's knowledge assisted his research into Yoruba culture and language for film productions. He identified the late Yoruba theatre practitioners Duro Ladipo and Yemi Eleburuibon as influences on his interest in acting from his secondary school years.
He obtained a Diploma in Theatre Arts and Film Production from Osun State Polytechnic in Iree, graduating in 2001.
Afolabi came to Lagos in the early 1990s and began working under the actor Fasasi Olabanke, also known as Dagunro. His early film appearances included Eti Kunkun and Oba Mewa, which were not widely released. The third film he worked on in this period, Omi Oku, brought wider attention to both him and Dagunro. Further productions including Akaba Idena, Ijangbara Mekunu and Osa Eleye followed.
His earlier television work included appearances in episodes of Ifa Olokun, an old drama series on the NTA.
Afolabi produced his first film as a producer under the title Igba Aye, which he described as not widely circulated. A subsequent production, Balogun Kujenyo, followed before Omo Rapala, which he identified as the production that established his profile as a producer. Premium Times reported that his rise to recognition as an actor also came through Omo Rapala.
His acting credits across his career included Ifa Olokun, Olokiki Oru, The Midnight Sensation, Basira Badia, Olukoti, Idera, Wasila Coded Reloaded, Osun the Goddess, Queen Lateefat, Mafi Wonmi, Four Lions, Blackout, One Blood, Owowunmi, Porshe Babes, Omowunmi, Jimi Bendel, Bi a se b'eru, The Ghost and the Tout and others, totalling more than 60 films. He also produced films including Enu, Gbolahan, Owo Ale, Asake and Igbekun, among others.
He was the CEO of Fatuns Films Production. Modern Ghana described his specialisation as deep cultural and traditional Yoruba films, a focus he attributed to a strong personal interest in Yoruba culture and oral tradition.
Afolabi died on 14 May 2023 in Ikorodu, Lagos. Premium Times reported that he had slipped in the bathroom of his home and sustained a head injury from which he did not recover. The Economic Times, citing industry reports, confirmed the fall and head injury as the cause of death. His death occurred nine days after he had celebrated his 49th birthday on 5 May 2023.
His death was confirmed by the Chairman of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan. It followed closely upon the deaths of other Nigerian film industry figures including Saint Obi, Adedigba Mukaila and sound technician Techno Sound within the same period.
Afolabi was the father of three children: Afolabi Olamilekan, Afolabi Fathia Moyosore, and Okikiola Afolabi.
In September 2024, Afolabi was listed among deceased Nollywood figures selected to receive a posthumous award at the inaugural Nollywood Legends Award, an event held in Enugu on 13 and 14 September 2024, organised by the Nigeria Nollywood Forum.