Comic actor Olaniyi Afonja, aka Sanyeri, has recalled how he lured one of his colleagues, Femi Adebayo, into playing comic roles.
According to him, Adebayo never believed he could play such until he invited him for the purpose.
“Whenever I write a story, I always like to feature people I had never used before, so that there would be new faces. I remember in 2009, when I wanted to start acting comic movies, I was not popular then but Femi Adebayo was already famous. I went to him and told him I wanted him to act in a comic movie, but he rejected my idea, saying he could never do comedy. However, I managed to convince him and he eventually agreed. After that time, we have done so many comic movies together. When I met Antar Laniyan, he also rejected the idea of acting in a comic movie. He told me he was the director of the Papa Ajasco sitcom and he did not act in any of the scenes. I convinced him too and after that, he has also been doing comedy. I always like to cast actors for roles that the audience wouldn’t expect them to play. That is why you see a lot of comedians in my films.”
Sanyeri revealed this in an interview with ‘Sunday Punch where he also countered the claim that he plays comic roles.
He said, “Anybody that criticises me for making only comic movies is actually blind— the person doesn’t know how to judge (assess) a movie. In a particular movie, I played the role of a character who had a hunchback. It was a very hard and wicked character. Those who watched that movie would know that I don’t just rely on comedy; I also make serious movies.”
“One thing about our producers and directors is that once they see that you played a particular role, they will always call you to act such parts. They don’t like to try new things. For example, it is believed that in every love movie, if a beautiful lady or a handsome guy is not featured, the message of that movie would not be passed across. They don’t try new characters.
Born in Oyo State as the first child of his parents, Olaniyi had his formal education at St. Michael Primary School, Oke-Ibo, Oyo State and Durbar Grammar School, Oyo Town, Oyo State where he completed his secondary school education.
His acting ca
Films he has acted in/produced include:
Obakeye
Awero
Edun Ara
Jenifa
Opa Kan
Omo Carwash
Sekere
Mawe Ku
Sanyeri in London
Ibale
Apaadi
Olu Omo
Koboko
Salako Alagbe
Omo Iya Meji
Mama Do Good
Osole
Sanyeri Oloka
Area Boys
Ise Awako
Waheed Kolero
Afoju Meta
Were Merin
Kosi Tabi sugbon
