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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 Listen, 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

Television

Awards and nominations

See also

• List of Nigerian actors

References

1. BellaNaija.com (17 September 2015). ""Falling" to Premiere Tomorrow with Adesua Etomi, Blossom Chukwujekwu & Kunle Remi | Watch the Trailer". BellaNaija. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
2. "Yvonne Nelson, Kafui Danku, Kunle Remi & More star in "Any Other Monday". Bella Naija. 5 August 2016.
3. "Tinsel Now Officially Nigerias Longest Running Tv Series". Premium Times Nigeria. 22 December 2022.
4. "Sobi's Mystic". Nollywood Reinvented. 12 August 2017.
5. "Alter Ego – Watch Now on Netflix". Netflix.
6. "BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss". Premium Times.
7. "Cancer awareness movie, Purple Hearts premieres in Abuja". PM News Nigeria. 13 October 2017.
8. "Hauwa Allahbura's Debut Movie 'The Eve' joins Exclusive List of Nigerian movies on Netflix from October 12th". Bella Naija. 12 October 2020.
9. "28 years after conception, Tade Ogidan births Gold Statue". The Gurdian. 26 May 2019.
10. "Gold for Afolayan, Ogidan's Gold Statue at BON awards". The Guardian. 21 December 2019.
11. "Quagmire". Nollywood Reinvented. 9 January 2020.
12. "JOCA Movie Review". Nollywood Insider. 29 April 2020.
13. "Kunle Remi: Top 10 movies". Nollywood Rated. 28 October 2022.
14. "Introducing The Kujus Makes Strong Opening At Nigerian Box Office". Independent. 5 December 2020.
15. "Daniel Ademinokan's feature film "Gone" selected to screen at Calgary Black Film Festival". Bella Naija. 24 May 2021.
16. "MOVIES & TV'April Showers' Movie set to hit the Cinemas Nationwide from October 15th". Bella Naija. 12 October 2021.
17. "Watch April Showers On Amazon Prime". Amazon.
18. "Movie Review: Kunle Afolayan's 'A Naija Christmas', Stream or skip?". Premium Times. 25 December 2021.
19. "Anikulapo tops Netflix ranking in first week". PunchNg. 16 October 2022.
20. "Zimbabwe Film Festival".
21. ."Oscar Nomination Announcements". Celebville360. 15 January 2013.
22. "GUS: Actor Kunle Remi unveiled as taskmaster". punchng.com. 10 September 2021.
23. "Born In Blackness" Truth, Lies and X". Sterling Leadership Series. 14 October 2022.
24. "Culturati Summit".
25. ^ "The Creative Youth & Community Development Research Initiative".
26. "Stanbic IBTC Pension Launches Youth Talent Development Initiative". This Day.
27. "'I almost took my life in 2017' – 'Anikulapo' star, Kunle Remi". Vanguard Nigeria. 16 December 2022.
28. "Nollywood actor, Kunle Remi, gets married". Daily Trust. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
29. Ayodele, Racheal (1 January 2024). "Actor Kunle Remi marries his US-based lover". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
30. "Any Other Monday". Nollywood Reinvented. 5 February 2016.
31. "Tiwa's Baggage". Nollywood Reinvented. 18 May 2017.
32. "AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR, ANDY AMENECHI RETURNS TO NOLLYWOOD WITH 'PURPLE HEARTS'". Information Nigeria. 16 September 2016.
33. "Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Remi attend premiere". Puls Nigeria. 25 March 2018.
34. "RMD, Sola Sobowale, Alibaba, Kunle Remi star in Tade Ogidan's "Gold Statue"". BellaNaija. 28 July 2017.
35. "Gidi Box Office's '13 Letters' Set For October 1 Cinema Release – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
36. Kennedy, Lisa (16 December 2021). "'A Naija Christmas' Review: Honoring a Mother's Wish – The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
37. "Lincoln's Clan Evolution". IMDb.
38. "Get the Scoop on New Series 'Forbidden' starring Theresa Edem-Isemin, Kunle Remi, Toni Tones, Tina Mba & Nobert Young". BellaNaija. 27 June 2018.
39. Bada, Gbenga (15 December 2019). "BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
40. Augoye, Jayne (7 December 2020). "BON Awards: Laura Fidel, Kunle Remi win Best Kiss (Full List of Winners)". Retrieved 13 June 2021.

• Living people
• 21st-century Nigerian male actors
• New York Film Academy alumni
• Nigerian Christians
• Nigerian male film actors
• Nigerian male models
• Participants in Nigerian reality television series
• Yoruba male actors
• Yoruba male models
• Nigerian male television actors
• University of Ibadan alumni