Kunle Remi

Kunle Remi
Remi in 2023
Born	Oyekunle Opeyemi Oluwaremi Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian
Alma mater	University of Ibadan New York Film Academy
Occupation	Actor
Years active	2010–present
Spouse	Tiwi ​ (m. 2024)​

Oyekunle Opeyemi Oluwaremi , known professionally as Kunle Remi, is a Nigerian actor, producer, and model. He appeared in the films Falling and Aníkúlápó, the television series Tinsel, and won the 7th edition of Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010. While studying at the New York Film Academy, he was simultaneously hosting an Internet Television Channel, Celebville 360. He hosted the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills. In 2012, he was cast in his first movie, Heavy Beauty, produced by Grace Edwin Okon and directed by Stanlee Ohikhuare. Though he graduated in 2014, he returned to study filmmaking and directing, and graduated in 2015.

Early life and education

Olawaremi was born on 18 October in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria on 18 October. His family relocated to Ibadan when he was a child. As a teenager, he discovered a passion for acting and became a youth drama teacher.

He studied Fisheries and Wildlife Management at the University of Ibadan, in Oyo State, Nigeria. He then attended Sheffield University and studied Tourism and Hospitality Management. Once his degrees were completed, he moved to New York City to study acting, filmmaking, and directing at the New York Film Academy and graduated in 2014.

Early work

Remi started acting professionally in 2011, after winning Gulder Ultimate Search in 2010. His first on-screen appearance was in 2012's Heavy Beauty. In 2014, he began performing stunts in Kpains: The Frest of Souls. He spent 2015 landing roles in the short films Sister's Keeper, Sting, and Hex, and being cast in the television series The Getaway, where he played Oliseh. He then played roles in Out of Luck, Deluded and Mrs. & Mrs. Johnson. His breakthrough role came from Falling, where he played a husband left in a coma after a tragic accident.

Career

2016

On 5 February 2016, Any Other Monday was released. It portrays the trials and tribulations of love and marriage. Remi went on to star in a similar film – highlighting the struggle and illusions of love – which was released 9 September. Throughout the year, he starred in two television series. The first, Lincoln's Clan Evolution, depicts a Nigerian billionaire and his family. He played Eric and completed his role in 2017. The second was Tinsel, a Nigerian soap opera and Africa's longest-running television series that began filming in 2008. Remi was cast in 2016 as a day player and continued with his role of Zane into 2017.

2017

Remi accepted various alternate roles throughout 2017. He took on the role of Lolu in Tiwa's Baggage, about an abandoned woman with a child. On 12 April, Sobi's Mystic was released; he played a slightly lighter role in this romantic drama. Sobi, the actor's character, finds his promiscuous tendencies land him in trouble when the woman he finds and becomes drawn to doesn't reciprocate his feelings. Digging him deeper into who she is. The film received a rating of 4/5 from the Nollywood Reinvented for its unpredictability and details.

On 24 July, Alter Ego was released. Written by Jude Martins, the film tells the story of a lawyer who prosecutes sex offenders and the lengths she will go to find justice in whatever she sees fit. Yet, as a fellow victim herself, she is driven by her own sexual drive and power, no matter the time and place. The film was nominated for Best Film with Social Messages and Film with Best Production Design at the Best of Nollywood Awards. As well as leading roles, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Remi were nominated for Best Kiss in a Film. In September, Surprise Wedding, telling the story of an arranged marriage.

Remi, who plays Tunde, is surprised on his birthday with a wedding rather than a birthday party. He is forced to walk the aisle as his inheritance is tied to his marital status. To finish off his diverse on-screen roles, he took on the breast cancer awareness film Purple Hearts.

2018

Remi began his year starring in Stronger Together, as Jide, a pediatrician who contemplates suicide due to his family pressuring him into marriage. This leads to a late-night sorrowing session in a bar and meeting a new connection that could very much alter his path. By 3 February, Forbidden was released and was a hit. He played a role in this television series that follows forbidden lovers who are outed by an ex. The Eve, released on 30 March 2018, was considered "the most colorful and beautiful shot film," with an eye-pleasing cast. The romantic comedy features Remi as Audu and Adeolu Adefarasin as Funsho. The storyline follows Funsho's risky decisions when he meets someone else at his bachelorette party. The film appeared on Netflix on 12 October 2020.

2019

Remi starred in Boys Will Be Boys, released on 14 February, where Mike lies to his soon-to-wed wife about the wild bachelor party that comes back to haunt him. On the same day, Sin City was released. He and co-star Yvonne Nelson play a couple who decide a vacation is the best way to boost their relationship but are tested in unexpected ways. While he played significant roles in these productions, Gold Statue, released on 17 May 2019, had the actor leading alongside Gabriel Afolayan. Director Tade Ogidan, CEO of OGD Pictures, came out of an eight-year hiatus to see the project through after it was written in 1991.

It was nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Nigerian Film, and won Best Actor in a Lead role, Best Sound, and Best Use of Makeup and of Nigerian Costume in a film. It was also nominated for Best Movie of The Year, Director of the Year and Best Production Design. The film follows Wale (Afolayan) and Chike (Remi) who go in search of the treasured gold statue which is believed to be a deity inherited by their generation. Quagmire, released 3 December, was another film Remi starred in alongside actress Matilda Obaseki. His character, Kolade, receives a shocking surprise when his wife invites another woman into their home to spice up their love life. This was considered a great acting piece as he was able to let the "character shine through him."

2020

Despite the coronavirus pandemic starting, Remi featured in lead or supporting roles in upwards of 14 films. His first significant role was in JOCA (Just A Call Away), which was a push to help those needing to exercise the necessary precautions during the pandemic. Remi plays Richard who has just come home from overseas and is showing symptoms of the virus. His pregnant wife, played by Bolaji Ogunmola, is worried and wants him to be properly tested, but he would rather trust the Lord's help than take responsibility. The short 35-minute film looked to help those in isolation centers and bring ease to the process needing to take place. Mama Drama is considered one of his top ten films. The Nigerian drama film hosts a mecca of film stars and explores the experience of a woman who undergoes many miscarriages and hires her assistant as her surrogate. Later that month, Remi co-produced and was a part of fellow Nollywood actress, Joy Idoko, new film Lemonade. The actress turned producer, wanted to highlight toxic relationships as a single mother in following her dreams. With plenty of short film experience, 12 Seasons was another notch on his belt as the movie highlights the struggles of newlywed couples. However, his role in Introducing the Kujus (now streaming on Amazon Prime Video) grossed ₦10 million and went on to win Best Writing at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

2021

The Prophetess, released on 2 April, follows Ajoke the prophetess and his Lagos-based OAP, Dipo, played by Remi. His first major film of the year was Gone. Initially screened at the Calgary Black Film Festival, it officially came out to the public on 16 July 2021. In his first Netflix film, he plays a supporting role as a stockbroker. The film is considered one of the best in Nollywood for 2021. Though his following role, as playboy turned lover Akinola ‘Owoblow’ Owolabi, would give him a run for his money. 13 Letters show the backlash sleeping around can get you. Once all the women got together to shame his name, a public relations agent (PR) must help him fix himself. The Nollywood crime thriller Hide and Seek, directed by Tolu Awobiyi and Adekunle-Bryan Oyetunde, follows Remi's lead role as James. Later that month April Showers was released. Currently out on Amazon Prime Video, the film sits at a 4.5/5 rating and was enjoyed by its audience. His first Christmas film, A Naija Christmas by Kunle Afolayan, was released on 16 December and was Remi's first official leading role in a Netflix original film. He plays Ugo, one of three brothers who have been sent into a competition by their mother's wish. Who can find a wife first?

2022

Throughout the year, Remi landed roles in Saint Oyinda, Borrowed Wealth, Treasury, the television series Deserted, and Anikulapo. Saro, played by Remi, is a simple traditional textile weaver who becomes intertwined with Queen Arolake who is played by previous co-star Bimbo Ademoye. In its first week, it became one of the top 10 films in 24 countries on Netflix, and was listed as the number one film in Nigeria in its first week. On top of this, the movie was awarded with Best Indigenous Language (Yoruba), Best Overall Movie, Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV series), Best Writer (Movie/TV series), and Best Sound Track (Movie/TV series) at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMCVA). He finished the year with the release of the crime thriller Woke, released on 4 November. The movie is about a P.I.’s mission to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of a renowned Kingpin. On 23 December, Ijakumo was released. The story follows the daughter of a powerful spiritualist, Asabi, who is going to destroy her ex's life. Remi plays the shady Pastor Jide, who she is trying to destroy.

Producing

Sting, a short film released in 2013, was produced by Remi and screened at the Zimbabwe Film Festival. Later, in 2019, Lemonade was produced and distributed across multiple streaming platforms in Nigeria, including DStv and YouTube.

TV hosting

While studying at the New York Film Academy, Remi worked as a host for an internet TV channel, Celebville 360. In 2013, he attended his first appearance reporting live at the Academy Awards nomination event in Beverly Hills, California. As his work on the screen expanded, his next hosting job was not until 2021. As a taskmaster, he returned to the Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12 with fellow host Toke Makinwa. The following year, he had the opportunity to be the green carpet host of the 2022 Glo Dance Battle of the Year with Moet Abebe. He also had a judging role in Dance Naija Dance by Zee World alongside Sashin Kandhaj, Kenneth Agabata, Uraysha Ramrachia and hosts Daniel K. Daniel and Pelumi Busari. Starting 6 August, the show ran every Saturday and Sunday for 10 weeks. Later that same year, on 3 and 4 November 2022, Remi anchored the Woman in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Africa where author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi was a keynote speaker. Remi then appeared on 23 November as the moderator at the Sterling Leadership Series: Born in Blackness, where the series interviewed journalist and author Howard French. Then to the Culturati, the largest art and cultural event in Nigeria, where they partnered with Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) – Solution17 to create the "Lagos Green Economy in Arts and Culture." The 27 November 2022, event was hosted by Remi, Osas Ighodaro, Bianca Ugowanne, and Princess Marinay. By 21 December, Remi went back to the creative side and hosted the Fuze Talent Hunt. Produced by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Pension Managers Limited, the talent hunt sought out "indigenous talents and help them explore their creativity and business prowess through the initiative."

Modelling

Remi began his modeling career with ISIS models at the age of 24. He has since been featured in ad campaigns for brands like Airtel (formerly Zain), ARISE Magazine, DStv, MTN Nigeria, The Reele Magazine, and Diamond Bank (now Access Bank).

Personal life

Remi spoke in December 2022 about depression, stating how overwhelmed he felt at various points on his journey as an actor. "I was thinking too much of my career, am I doing enough, am I enough, am I with the right person, so many thoughts in my mind."

On January 1, 2024, Remi married his girlfriend Tiwi, announcing their marriage on his Instagram page.

Future projects

Remi is co-founder of 1810 Empire Studios, founded in 2012 and previously listed as The 7th Media Entertainment. Their three verticals, 1810 management, 1810 Studios, and 1810 Impact, all have projects in the works. 1810 Studios has two feature films currently active – a limited series on love chronicles with the youth demographic and a talk-variety show. 1810 Impact looks to help those in need. Remi is the founder of Men Against Rape and Violence (MARV), a social imperative bringing awareness of the impact sexual assault has on men, women, and youth through visual stories.

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref
2015	Falling	Imoh	Produced by Uduak Isong Oguamanam and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.
2016	Any Other Monday	Greg	Produced by Kafui Danko and directed by Pascal Amanfo.
2017	Tiwa's Baggage	Lolu	Written and directed by Biodun Stephen.
2017	Sobi's Mystic	Sobi	Written and directed by Biodun Stephen.
2017	Alter Ego	Daniel	Produced by Sidomex Universal. Written by Esther Eyibio. Directed by Moses Inwang.
2017	Surprise Wedding	Tunde	Written by Tunde Apalowo and Nkechi Okere. Directed by Chris Eneaji Eneng.
2017	Purple Heart	Ademola	Written by Awotedu. Directed by Andy Amenechi.
2018	Stronger Together	Jide	Written by Emmanuel Anyaka. Directed by Austin Nwaolie.
2018	The Eve	Audu	Produced by Cut24. Directed by Tosin Igho. Available on Netflix.
2019	Boys Will Be Boys	TJ	Written by Rita Onwurah. Directed by Chris Eneaji Eneng.
2019	Sin City	Phil	Written and directed by Pascal Amanfo.
2019	Gold Statue	Chike	Written, produced and directed by Tade Ogidan.
2019	Quagmire	Kolade	Written by Frances Okeke. Directed by A.N.U.
2020	JOCA (Just One Call Away)	Richard	Short film. Written by Umanu Elijah and Christian Nzekwe. Directed by Umanu Elijah.
2020	Mama Drama	Gboyega	Written by Bimbo Akinbode, Temitope Bolade and Diche Ununwa. Produced by Joy Grant-Ekong. Directed by Seyi Babatope.
2020	Lemonade	Uyi Eromosele	Written by Lummie Edevbie, Alexandra Kureave Hul and Joy Idoko. Produced by Joy Idoko and Remi. Directed by Lummie Edevbie.
2020	Introducing the Kujus	Mauyan	Written by Mannie Oiseomaye, Biodun Stephen and Donald Tombia. Directed by Biodun Stephen.
2020	Maybe Mine	Eric	Written by Gift Collins. Directed by Chris Eneaji Eneng.
2020	No More Secret	Isaac	Written by Temitope Bolade, Diche Enunwa, Chinneylove Eze. Directed by Saheed Apanpa.
2020	Camouflage	Wilson	Written by Ezinne Akam. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu.
2020	Volcano	Tim	Written by Ovi Odiete. Directed by Onesoul.
2021	The Prophetess	Dipo	Written by Niyi Akinmolayan, Yusuf Carew, Amaka Chidioka. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.
2021	13 Letters	Akinola ‘Owoblow’ Owolabi	Written by Pearl Agwu and Kikelomo Moronkeji. Directed by Kayode Peters.
2021	Hide ‘N’ Seek	James Kokori	Written by Bode Asiyanbi. Directed by Tolu Lordtanner and Adekunle Bryan Oyetunde.
2021	April Showers	Derek	Written by Pacass Adebayo. Directed by Richards Omos-Iboyi.
2021	A Naija Christmas	Ugo	Written by Kemi Adesoye. Directed by Kunle Afolayan. Available on Netflix.
2022	Treasury	Shina	Written by Leo Orji. Directed by Chris Eneaji Eneng.
2022	Aníkúlápó	Saro	Written by Shola Dada. Directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan.
2022	Ijakumo (The Born Again Stripper)	Pastor Jide	Written by Anthony Kehinde Joseph. Directed by Adebayo Tijani.
2023	The Kujus Again	Mauyan	Directed by Biodun Stephen.
2023	Love, Lust, & Other Things]p	Soji	Directed by Kayode Kasum.
2023	Purple		Directorial debut by Kunle Remi.
2023	Untamed	Muyiwa	Directed by Biodun Stephen, Written by Mannie Oiseomaye.
2023	Chaos Calling	Kamoru	Directed by Biodun Stephen, Written by Biodun Stephen
2023	Baby Maker	Mofe	Directed by Orimz, Written by Adaora Udeh
2023	Playing By Heart		Directed by Chinedu Omorie	o
2023	Flaws	Sevi Brown	Directed by Diana Childs and Uyoyou Adia.
2023	Something Like Gold	Tunde	Directed by Kayode Kasum
2024	Shining Star	Philip	Directed by Great Valentine Edochie
2024	Muri & Ko	Muri	Directed by Biodun Stephen
2024	What About Us	David	Directed by Kayode Kasum,
2024	Aníkúlápó (Rise of Spectre)	Saro	Written by Shola Dada. Directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan.

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref
2014	The Getaway	Oliseh
2016–2017	Lincoln's Clan	Eric
2016–2017	Tinsel	Zane	Aired on Africa Magic.
2018	Forbidden	Demilade Doregos	Aired on Africa Magic.
2022	Deserted	Chijioke	Written by Udezeh Onyinye. Directed by Adaeze Ibechukwu.

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Result	Ref
2019	Best of Nollywood Awards	Best Supporting Actor – English	Nominated
2020		Best Kiss in a movie	Won
2022	Yoruba Movie Gist Awards	Best Cinema Actor	Won
2023	Cine Paris Film Festival	Best Actor in a Feature Film	Won
2023	Nigeria Achievers Awards 2023	Nollywood Best Lead Actor	Won
2023	AFRICON 2023	African Excellence for outstanding achievement in the field of Media & Entertainment	Won
2023	Scream All Youth Award 2023	Best Actor in a Lead Role - Anikulapo	Won
2023	Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2023	Best Actor - Flaws	Won
2023	African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2023	Globe Award Honoree - Anikulapo	Won
2024	Silverbird Man of the Year 2023	Nollywood Trailblazer	Won

See also

• List of Nigerian actors