Renowned Nollywood Yoruba actor Murphy Afolabi tragically passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 49. The actor, known for his exceptional performances and significant contribution to the Nigerian film industry, suffered a fatal head injury after accidentally falling in his bathroom at home in Ikorodu, Lagos. Born on May 5, 1974, Murphy Afolabi started his acting career in 2001 after obtaining a Diploma in Theatre Arts and Film Production from Osun State Polytechnic in Iree.
With a successful career spanning over two decades, Afolabi acted in more than 60 movies, including popular films such as ‘Ifa Olokun,’ ‘Omowunmi,’ ‘Jimi Bendel,’ ‘Wasila Coded,’ ‘Olokiki Oru,’ ‘Idera,’ ‘Osun the Goddess,’ ‘Bi a se Peru,’ ‘The Ghost and the Tout,’ ‘Mafi Wonmi,’ and ‘Blackout.’ Though primarily private, Murphy Afolabi’s personal life revealed that he was born Olalekan Olatunbosun Afolabi in Osun State, Nigeria. He was raised in a traditionalist family practicing the Muslim faith.
Murphy was the third child of his father and the eldest son of the Afolabi family. He spent most of his early years in the capital of Osun State, Osogbo, and attended Ansar-ud-u-deen Islamic Boys Junior and Senior Secondary High School. Later, he pursued a Theatre Arts and Film Production diploma at Osun State Polytechnic in Iree, followed by a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Iree Poly.
Afolabi’s success extended beyond acting, as he excelled as a fantastic director and movie producer. He owned the popular YouTube channel Murphy Afolabi TV. Additionally, he managed a successful travel agency called Schemelink. Afolabi was also a talented moviemaker, scriptwriter, and CEO of Fatuns Films Production. His creative abilities and commitment to the industry were evident in his work, and he had a significant impact on the Nollywood entertainment industry.
Some of Afolabi’s most notable movies included ‘Idera,’ ‘Wasila Coded,’ ‘Omo Rapala,’ ‘Ifa Olokun,’ ‘Jimi Bendel,’ ‘Olokiki Oru,’ ‘Omowunmi,’ and ‘Malaika Dudu.’ These films showcased not only his talent for acting but also celebrated the cultural heritage and beliefs of the Oduduwa people.
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Nollywood Yoruba Star Murphy Afolabi Passes Away
The tragic news of Murphy Afolabi’s death spread through a popular WhatsApp platform among filmmakers, and it was shared by Seun Olaiya, a renowned filmmaker and the president of the Yoruba Movies Directors Guild. Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, the Managing Director of Corporate Pictures Nigeria Limited, a famous movie marketing company, also confirmed this heartbreaking information.
Seun Olaiya, in a state of shock and disbelief, shared his sentiments by saying, “I can’t believe it. Moments ago, I was praising him. This news has completely caught me off guard.” Murphy’s sudden death is a massive loss to the Nollywood industry.
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Murphy Afolabi faced a life-threatening incident in 2021 when he survived a robbery where he was shot while others tragically lost their lives. Despite this horrifying experience, he continued to contribute to the film industry, inspire fellow actors and filmmakers, and gain appreciation from his fans. Following the news of Afolabi’s untimely passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the Nigerian film industry, reflecting the impact he had on his colleagues and fans alike.
Social media platforms were flooded with heartfelt messages expressing gratitude and honoring his talent, legacy, and contributions. The news of Murphy Afolabi’s passing deeply saddened the Nollywood industry and fans worldwide. His distinct talent, characterized by his humorous Osun accent and H-factor, made him a prominent figure in the industry.
While his distinctive Osun accent and dialect became his renowned trademarks, his acting skills and street credibility further solidified his position as a highly respected actor and producer. Throughout his career, Afolabi accumulated considerable wealth, owning multiple properties and recognition from diverse people.
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