Meet Gabriel Olasubomi Afolayan, widely known by his stage name G-Fresh, born on March 1, 1985. A talented Nigerian actor and singer, Gabriel is the son of the legendary Nollywood pioneer Adeyemi Afolayan, popularly known as “Ade Love.” Rising to prominence with his captivating performances in films like “Madam Dearest” and “Hoodrush”, Gabriel has solidified his reputation as a versatile actor with a flair for complex roles. Alongside his acting career, he has made his mark in the music industry with his soulful ballads and hit singles like “Kokoro Ife” and “Awelewa”, showcasing his unique blend of artistry across entertainment genres.
Wiki
Full Name: Gabriel Olasubomi Afolayan
Date of Birth: March 1, 1985
Place of Birth: Lagos
Origin: Kwara State
Profession: Singer, Actor, Entrepreneur
Notable Movies: Blood Sisters, House of Ga’a, The Betrayed
Notable Songs: Plug It, Chapterz, Club 09
Net Worth: $500,000
Early Life & Career
Gabriel Olasubomi Afolayan, born on March 1, 1985, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a multifaceted entertainer who has carved a niche for himself in both the Nigerian film and music industries. Raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Gabriel comes from a lineage deeply rooted in the entertainment world. His father, Adeyemi Afolayan, famously known as “Ade Love,” was a trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry and a pioneer of Nollywood, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Gabriel began nurturing his creative talents from a young age, developing a passion for music and acting. He pursued a degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, where his foundation in performing arts was solidified. Driven by an unrelenting commitment to perfecting his craft, he furthered his education at the Identity Drama School in Brixton, London, where he honed his skills in acting and performance.
Gabriel’s foray into music began in 1997 when he became a backup singer for Phoenix Studio in Ibadan. A member of his church choir during his early years, his deep appreciation for music fueled his journey into the industry. Over time, Gabriel developed a distinctive sound he describes as a “love ballad.” His musical influences include 2Face Idibia, Banky W, Aṣa, and Bez.
Throughout his music career, Gabriel has released several singles and albums, delivering hits such as “Kokoro Ife”, “Awelewa”,, “Chapterz”, “Plug It”, “Dayan Mo”, “Club 09”, “Kpasikona”, and “Put Your Money (Bebe Toh Duro)”. His heartfelt lyrics and melodious tunes have solidified his position as a celebrated artist within the Nigerian music scene.
Gabriel Afolayan’s journey into the acting industry is a testament to resilience, talent, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. His acting career began in 1990 with a debut role in “F Opawon”, a classic film by the legendary Baba Sala. This early exposure set the stage for a career defined by versatility and depth. Gabriel gained widespread recognition for his breakout performance in Tade Ogidan’s “Madam Dearest”, which cemented his status as a rising star in Nollywood. He further captivated audiences with his remarkable role in Wale Adenuga’s iconic TV series, “Super Story”, where his ability to embody complex characters won him critical acclaim.
Gabriel’s commitment to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Supporting Actor in 2013 for his role as Tavier Jambari in the musical drama “Hoodrush”. His performances, often lauded for their emotional depth and authenticity, have solidified his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most talented actors.
Beyond acting, Gabriel Afolayan’s artistic journey extends into the realm of music, where he is widely known by his stage name, G-Fresh. With a distinctive sound that blends soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Gabriel has made a significant impact on the Nigerian music industry. Hits like “Kokoro Ife” and “Awelewa” showcase his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. His music transcends genres, blending Afrobeat, R&B, and love ballads, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Gabriel’s versatility as both an actor and musician is matched by his entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Studio6, a multimedia company aimed at expanding his brand and promoting creative storytelling through various forms of media. Through Studio6, Gabriel has demonstrated his commitment to using art and media as tools for inspiration and entertainment, embodying a vision rooted in innovation and creativity.
In addition to his artistic and entrepreneurial achievements, Gabriel has ventured into brand ambassadorship. He proudly serves as the official Ambassador for Airtel Nigeria, lending his voice and influence to promote the telecommunications giant’s services and initiatives.
Notable Movies
2020 – For Maria Ebun Pataki (as Afolabi)
2021 – Gone (as Ayochukwu)
2021 – Hustle (as Baba Gee)
2021 – Besties (as Lenny)
2021 – Lugard (as Little)
2021 – Mamba’s Diamond (as Elenu)
2022 – Blood Sisters (as Femi Ademola)
2022 – U – Turn (as Chukwu)
2022 – Flawsome
2023 – Ijogbon (as Brother Kasali)
2023 – A Lot Like Love (as Mustapha)
2023 – Kanaani (as Gbovo)
2023 – This Is Lagos (as Stevo)
2024 – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre (as Akin)
2024 – Lisabi: The Uprising (as Odunbamitefa)
2024 – House of Ga’a (as Oluke)
2024 – Ambivalent (as Obi Wigwe)
2024 – The Betrayed (as Bala)
Notable Songs
“Kokoro Ife”
“Plug it”
“Kpasi Kona”
“Awelewa”
“Kokoro Ife”
Awards & Nominations
Gabriel Afolayan’s illustrious career has earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished talents in Nollywood. In 2012, he was honored as the “Most Promising Actor” at the Yoruba Movies Academy Awards, a recognition that highlighted his emerging talent in the Nigerian film industry. That same year, he received the “Rising Star” award at the Nollywood Movies Awards, a testament to his growing influence and exceptional performances on screen.
The following year, in 2013, Gabriel achieved one of the most significant milestones of his career by winning the “Best Supporting Actor” award at the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for his outstanding portrayal of Tavier Jambari in the musical drama “Hoodrush”. His performance was widely praised for its depth, emotional intensity, and nuance, solidifying his place as a versatile and gifted actor. In addition to this win, he was nominated for “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” and “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the Nollywood Movies Awards in the same year, further highlighting his dynamic range and talent.
Over the years, Gabriel’s career continued to flourish, earning him recognition on both local and international platforms. In 2019, he was awarded “Outstanding Actor” at the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) for his captivating performances. That same year, he was nominated for “Best Actor in a Leading Role (English)” at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards and later won “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), a crowning achievement in his career. His performance was not only celebrated within Nigeria but also gained him international attention. At the Five Continents International Film Festival (FCIFF), he received a “Special Mention Lead Actor Feature”, showcasing his global appeal and talent.
In addition to his acting awards, Gabriel Afolayan was named among YNaija’s ‘100 Most Influential Nigerians in Film’ in 2019, a recognition of his contributions to the growth and success of the Nigerian film industry. His influence extended to nominations at the Intellects Awards for “Best Actor (Male)” and at the Africa Choice Awards for “Actor of the Year”, both in 2019. These accolades reflect his unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences with compelling performances across diverse roles.
Social Media
Gabriel Afolayan’s charisma extends beyond the screen, making him a prominent figure on social media. With over 1.4 million followers on Instagram (@gabbylucciii) and over 169,000 followers on Twitter (@gabbylucciii), he has built a robust online presence that allows him to connect with fans and showcase his work.
Personal Life
In 2018, Gabriel Afolayan tied the knot with his wife, Adebanke (Banke) Afolayan, in a beautiful traditional wedding ceremony held in Ibadan. The couple’s love story, which began with 18 months of dating, culminated in a celebration attended by several notable figures, including Adeniyi Johnson, Adesua Etomi, Banky W, Tope Tedela, Tunde Demuren, Mo’Cheddah, and Wole Ojo. .
Net Worth
Gabriel Afolayan’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his entrepreneurial ventures and brand endorsements, has resulted in an estimated net worth of $500,000.
