ANALYSIS OF KUNLE AFOLAYAN’S AESTHETIC CHOICES AND NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES

This study examined selected films produced by Kunle Afolayan to see how certain aesthetic choices and narrative techniques at his disposal were used to make them. It explored different aesthetic elements such as scenery, lighting, sound, characters and characterisation, graphics, special effects, editing, camera distances and angles, and the various narrative techniques employed in Afolayan movie productions. The research objectives were to identify the basic elements used by Kunle Afolayan to construct reality in his films; to unravel how these elements are used individually and collectively to convey his ideas and emotions; and to ascertain the dominant themes that make Kunle Afolayan's movies stand out. Concept like the concept of aesthetics and the construction of reality was reviewed as well as related studies. Symbolic interaction theory and social construction of reality theory were used to provide the framework for the study and a qualitative method of research, particularly semiotics analysis as a method of inquiry was adopted while researcher served as the instrument of data collection for this study of which the researcher read and analysed three selected movies of Kunle Afolayan’s filmography. purposive sampling technique was used to carefully select subset of Kunle Afolayan's filmography. The data collected were analyzed using syntagmatic analysis and paradigmatic method of data analysis. Finding indicated that in Kunle Afolayan movies, the setting is used to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, issues facing modern Nigeria and to expose the impact of colonialism. Sound was used to create a sense of tension, suspense, and nostalgia, the characters were strong and complex, with well-developed motivations and backstories, while costume and props were used to create a sense of authenticity and realism. Therefore, the study recommended that, Kunle Afolayan should continue to employ unique cultural elements in his films as it adds to the unique identity of his films.