Ayodele Olawumi
Ayodele Olawumi is a Nigerian film critic whose writing blends cinematic craft analysis with cultural insight. Known for honest, structured reviews, he helps audiences understand how films work — from story logic to performance, editing, and emotional resonance.
A Critic Who Writes With Clarity and Cultural Awareness
His reviews often feel like conversations, breaking down visual choices, character motivations, and thematic intentions in ways that help readers evaluate not just how a film looks, but what it is trying to say. Ayodele writes with precision, clarity, and a respect for cinema as both art and cultural memory.
Where His Work Has Appeared
Ayodele publishes frequently on What Kept Me Up, where his byline appears across film reviews, opinion essays, festival commentary, and critic roundups. He also expands his thoughts on cinema through essays on
Medium, engaging with themes such as the purpose of criticism and the evolution of Nollywood storytelling.
Critical Voice and Style
His writing is analytical yet accessible, avoiding hype or sensationalism. Instead, he evaluates films by examining intention, execution, and narrative coherence — making him a trusted voice for readers seeking meaningful, text-first film criticism.
Influence in Nigeria’s Film Conversation
Beyond reviewing individual films, Ayodele contributes to a healthier critical culture. He encourages audiences to view cinema with depth, to demand stronger storytelling, and to appreciate film as an art form capable of shaping cultural understanding.
Read His Work on What Kept Me Up
