Mike Afolarin Reflects on His Challenging Role in Netflix’s ‘House of Ga’a’
Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin has opened up about his transformative experience working on the new Netflix film House of Ga’a. In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Afolarin revealed that the biopic pushed him to new creative heights, unlike any other project he has tackled in his acting career.
Afolarin, who plays a significant role in the Bolanle Austen-Peters-directed film, described the project as the most creatively fulfilling journey he has ever embarked on as a performer. “This was different from anything I have done before,” Afolarin shared. “It intrigued me to get involved on a deeper level and find myself within the character. It’s been the most creatively fulfilling journey I’ve ever had as a performer.”
The actor, known for his roles in Ajosepo, Soólè, Ajuwaya, Freedom Way, and the Netflix series Far From Home, also discussed the challenges he faced during production, particularly the unexpected shift to rehearsing in Yoruba. Afolarin recounted, “When we did the read, I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to prepare in English or Yoruba, and somewhere in between, we were asked to switch to Yoruba. I was shocked. A few of us struggled initially, but that’s what drove me to dig deeper into the character.”
House of Ga’a is set in the 18th-century Oyo Empire and tells the intense story of Ga’a, a power-hungry political figure who betrays a succession of kings in his ruthless quest for dominance. The film’s rich narrative is supported by a stellar cast, including Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Seun Akindele, Jide Oyegbile, Tope ‘Teddy A’ Adenibuyan, Bamike ‘Bambam’ Olawunmi, Ibrahim Chatta, Adedimeji Lateef, William Benson, Femi Adebayo, Yemi Blaq, Juliana Olayode, Bimbo Manuel, Gbenga Titiloye, Kunle Coker, Dele Odule, Adeniyi Johnson, Gabriel Afolayan, and Stan Nze.
