A Trip To Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film Village & Resort

AZUH ARINZE 

Renowned filmmaker and intermittent actor, Kunle Afolayan, is ambitious. Not just ambitious, but very, very ambitious. The son of the legendary filmmaker, Adeyemi Afolayan, fondly known as Ade Love, is also brave, bold, and remarkably visionary. To understand this, one needs to just visit the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaiye, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Spread across multiple acres of land and surrounded by stunning rock formations on every side, the resort is a breathtaking masterpiece. We saw it firsthand between Sunday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when members of J9C, led by Kingsley James, converged there for our annual retreat.

Kunle, ever the perfectionist, revealed to me that he has already invested over ₦7 billion in KAP – and he’s still counting. The resort boasts numerous structures, including three massive interconnected buildings that dominate the landscape. I couldn’t resist plunging into the inviting pool, feasting on delicious local delicacies, and unwinding with a couple of bottles of my favourite drink, shared in good company. Each morning, we took long walks around the sprawling estate, returning to our rooms refreshed and re-energized.

Every corner of the resort tells a story. Relics from Kunle’s award-winning productions – Anikulapo, Phone Swap, October 1, The Figurine, Swallow, Ijogbon and others – adorn the space. Vintage cars, props, and movie set pieces dot the grounds. In a quiet section, horses, dogs, goats, and sheep roam freely, completing the village’s natural charm and calmness.

Before our departure, Kunle, born on September 30, 1974, personally took me on a tour of the new section – a fast developing area that already features a storey building with a bar and lounge, along with several one-and two-bedroom apartments for guests who desire privacy.

What’s even more remarkable is that Kunle built everything from scratch – every wall, every stone – infused with an authentic African touch. Evidence of ongoing road construction to and from the resort was visible, a development reportedly inspired by the visit of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Curious about how he discovered Igbojaiye, I asked. He adjusted his glasses, dabbed his face with a handkerchief, and said quietly, “My mother (Late Mrs Adeola Afolayan) is from Igbojaiye… So, this is like in her memory.”

As for the next phase of KAP Film Village and Resort, Kunle’s vision remains boundless: Get the buy-in of the state and federal governments, government parastatals and agencies, corporate organizations and associations, like J9C, which he belongs to. Others members of the association are Steve Ayorinde, Olumide Iyanda, Mike Dada, Gbenga Adeyinka, Jide Adediran, Abisoye Fagade, Layinka Oyedeji, Wole Olagundoye, Abiodun Oshinibosi, Loye Amzat, Michael Effiong, Seun Soyinka, Prince Aseperi Shonibare, Kunle Komolafe, Idowu Agarawu, Henry Alade, Oyedele Okelowo, Percy Ademokun, Detola Oshindero, Jire Anifalaje, Bolaji Durojaiye, Sola Fajobi, Debo Alexander, Niyi Adelaja, Adebayo Abolarin, Olumide Adeyemi, Biodun Kupoluyi, Lanre Kuponiyi, Fisayo Esan, Aare Olanrewaju, Akin Adeoya, Myke Ololo Akpe, Abiodun Awoyale, Jimmy Jatt Amu, Lanre Akintilo, Wale Ewedemi, Muniru Hakeem, Temmy Gold…

KAP Film Village and Resort was truly an unforgettable experience – a blend of art, nature, and culture. I look forward to visiting again soon. But before I do, I urge you to also see it for yourself. After all, like we say in Naija, a trial will convince you.

– Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story of Many Colours, etc.