Aníkúlápó Season 2 has kicked off the year in spectacular fashion, climbing to the number-one spot on Netflix Nigeria within 24 hours of its release, a clear sign that Nigerians are embracing the fantasy drama series.
The show’s success was highlighted by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan during a Tv appearance, where he reflected on the project’s journey from its initial conception as a series to Netflix’s suggestion that he start with a feature film before expanding into multi-season storytelling. He also revealed that Aníkúlápó Seasons 2 and 3 were shot back-to-back, with Season 3 already completed and waiting for Netflix’s scheduling.
Behind the Buzz: Afolayan on Film Promotion
While celebrating Aníkúlápó’s quick ascent on the streaming charts, Afolayan found himself at the centre of a lively industry debate sparked by comments he made about how films are promoted. In a film business forum later shared online, he spoke candidly about how physically and creatively “draining” it can be for filmmakers to rely on energetic, dance-driven social media campaigns to market movies, especially when discussing whether returning to cinema releases is financially sustainable.
Although he stated repeatedly that his remarks were about his personal preferences and the economics of theatrical distribution, the clip stirred reaction from colleagues across Nollywood. Afolayan explained the context of his remarks was a professional conversation with cinema operators, not a personal attack and that he never mentioned names in the original forum.
Funke Akindele Weighs In
One of the most talked-about responses came from award-winning actress and producer Funke Akindele, known for her blockbuster film marketing successes, who reportedly called Afolayan after the clip went viral. According to Afolayan, Akindele was upset and said to him on the phone, “I know you don’t like me, don’t mention my name in your interviews,” before ending the call abruptly.
Afolayan called the reaction “weird,” noting the long-standing personal and professional ties they share, including memories from their days at the University of Lagos and mutual friendships. He insisted he respects her work and that if his remarks hit a nerve, he apologized for any misunderstanding.
A Respectful Clarification
In subsequent interviews, Afolayan has reiterated that there is no personal animosity between him and Akindele. He highlighted that during recent industry events, including a masterclass at the Kaduna Film Festival, he praised Akindele’s rise and acknowledged her promotional strategies as a model younger filmmakers might study, even as he clarified that such approaches don’t suit his own creative style.
Beyond Akindele, Afolayan also reached out to other industry figures whose names appeared in online comment threads, including actress Toyin Abraham, who reportedly had no issue with his commentary once context was provided.
What This Means for Nollywood
The strong debut of Aníkúlápó Season 2 underscores both the global appetite for high-quality Nigerian stories and the ongoing evolution of Nollywood’s promotional and distribution strategies. As debates continue around the best ways to market films from traditional cinema runs to social media engagement, industry veterans like Afolayan and Akindele are at the forefront of shaping how the conversation unfolds.
Through it all, Afolayan remains focused on creative growth and audience connection, celebrating the milestone while encouraging honest conversations about sustainability in the business.
