Akinola Davies Jr. is a British-Nigerian filmmaker, visual artist, and storyteller who blends West African and UK cultural influences. His stylized, magical-realist style explores identity, memory, and community themes. He rose to prominence with the short film Lizard (2020) and his feature debut My Father’s Shadow (2025), which achieved historic success at major festivals.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Akinola Ogunmade-Davies Jr. |
| Date of Birth | April 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Hammersmith, London, UK |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, Visual Artist, Writer |
| Net Worth | $2-5 million (est. 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Akinola Ogunmade-Davies Jr. entered the world in April 1985 in Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom. At age three, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria, raised by his mother and grandmothers after losing his father at 20 months old—an event that shaped his later films.
He returned to the UK in his mid-teens for secondary school in Kent, earned a media degree from the University of Brighton, and attended a New York Film Academy workshop in 2009.
Career
Davies started as a runner for photographers like Tim & Barry before directing fashion campaigns for Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, and Acne Studios, plus music videos for Blood Orange, Neneh Cherry, and Kae Tempest.
His narrative breakthrough arrived with Lizard (2020), co-written with brother Wale, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021.
In 2025, My Father’s Shadow, a semi-autobiographical tale of brothers in 1993 Lagos starring Sope Dirisu, premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, earning a Caméra d’Or Special Mention, and took Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards.
Personal Life
The filmmaker shares a close bond with brother Wale Davies, rapper “Tec” of Show Dem Camp, often collaborating on projects. He keeps family matters private, with no public details on a partner or children. Davies divides time between London and Lagos, staying connected to both roots.
Net Worth
Akinola Davies Jr.’s net worth is estimated at $2-5 million as of late 2025. This figure accounts for earnings from luxury brand campaigns, award-winning films, and festival successes.
Filmography
Feature Films
- My Father’s Shadow (2025) – Director, Co-writer
Short Films
- Lizard (2020) – Director, Co-writer
- Black to Life (2019) – Director, Writer (BBC Series)
- Contactless (2018) – Director, Writer
- Marks of Worship (2016) – Director
Music Videos & Commercials
- Videos for Blood Orange, Kae Tempest, Neneh Cherry, Larry B.
- Campaigns for Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Mulberry.
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Film Festival (2025): Caméra d’Or – Special Mention (My Father’s Shadow) [Winner]
- British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) (2025): Best Director (My Father’s Shadow) [Winner]
- Gotham Independent Film Awards (2025): Breakthrough Director (My Father’s Shadow) [Winner]
- Sundance Film Festival (2021): Grand Jury Prize for Short Film (Lizard) [Winner]
- BAFTA Awards (2021): Best British Short Film (Lizard) [Nominated]
