Tayo Faniran is a prominent Nigerian actor, model, and entrepreneur known for his remarkable career reinvention in Nollywood. His journey from international modeling and reality TV fame to leading film roles showcases resilience and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Akintayo John Faniran |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Oyo State |
| Partner | Amaka (known as “Ife”) |
| Children | 3 (Toye, Akintobi Kenzo, Oreoluwa) |
| Occupations | Actor, Model, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $400,000 – $500,000 USD (2024-2025) |
Early Life and Education
Tayo Faniran grew up in Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria, immersed in Yoruba traditions. From childhood, he showed performance talent through school plays and church events.
He attended First Baptist Primary School, Olivet Baptist High School, and Sped International High School in Oyo State, then earned a Higher National Diploma in Shipping Management and Logistics from Stars Maritime Academy. This choice balanced family expectations for stability with his entertainment passion, building discipline for his career.
Career
Faniran’s career launched in modeling; in 2008 at age 22, he moved to South Africa, joining Boss Models and later starring as Akan Bassey in Netflix’s “Looking for Love” (2018).
In 2014, he became Big Brother Africa Season 9 runner-up, gaining fame but facing post-show hurdles that sent him back to South Africa for business ventures like his clothing line.
His Nollywood breakthrough hit with “Gangs of Lagos” (2023) as Nino, a Prime Video smash that grossed over ₦230 million and redefined his talent. Recent roles span “Ada Omo Daddy” (2023) with Omowunmi Dada, “Labake Olododo” (2025), “Family Brouhaha” (2025), “The Fire and the Moth” (2025), and upcoming “Anikulapo 2.”
He produced “Man Like Jimmy” (2021) and owns Nsuku Food & Chillz beach lounge, selecting projects for cultural and artistic impact.
Personal Life
Faniran shares life with Amaka, an Igbo partner named “Ife” by him, in a committed unmarried union. They have three children: Toye (2014), Akintobi Kenzo (March 13, 2017), and Oreoluwa (July 17, 2019). Toye’s birth during Big Brother fueled his drive.
As the youngest of seven siblings (two brothers, five sisters), family shaped him deeply. His father’s 2015 passing was profound; his mother and sisters remain key supports.
Faniran prizes his “original Oyo boy” roots, rejecting roles clashing with Yoruba values. In South Africa, he preserved Yoruba language and proverbs. He sees hardships as refining forces, like polishing gems, fueling selective career choices.
Net Worth
Tayo Faniran’s net worth sits at $400,000-$500,000 USD as of 2024-2025. Earnings stem from acting, modeling, production, clothing line, and Nsuku Food & Chillz beach lounge (2019). Recent Nollywood rise boosted fees and ventures significantly.
Filmography
| Year | Film Title | Character/Role | Platform/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Fire and the Moth | Saba | Thriller |
| 2025 | Family Brouhaha | Ensemble/Braimoh Grandchild | Director: Femi Adebayo; AMVCA nominations |
| 2025 | Labake Olododo | Lead Role | Yoruba-language emphasis |
| 2023 | Gangs of Lagos | Nino | Prime Video; ₦230M+ box office |
| 2023 | Ada Omo Daddy | Victor | Co-star: Omowunmi Dada |
| 2023 | Beautiful Scar | Random Guy | |
| 2023 | The One Who Got Away | ||
| 2023 | Adele Oba | African Magic Original | |
| 2021 | Man Like Jimmy | Jimmy | Producer & Actor; IbakaTV |
| 2021 | The Donor | Tony | As Akintayo Faniran |
| 2020 | Who’s the Boss | Dream Guy | |
| 2018 | Looking for Love | Akan Bassey | Netflix; Pan-African film |
| 2018 | JJC: Johnny Just Come | Kingsley | |
| 2017 | Descent | Akinwunmi Donald |
Upcoming Productions:
- Anikulapo 2 (Netflix)
- 19 – Lambo (Filming)
Awards and Nominations
- 2024 BON Awards: Best Kiss nomination for “Ada Omo Daddy” (with Omowunmi Dada)
- 2023 AMVCA: Nominations tied to “Gangs of Lagos” ensemble
- 2023 Africa Movie Academy Awards: “Gangs of Lagos” recognition
- Big Brother Africa Season 9 (2014): Runner-up
Elite casting by directors like Kunle Afolayan signals strong peer respect, with wins likely ahead.
