Kolawole Ajayi

EARLY LIFE

Akorede Ajayi is a Lagos-based performer of Yoruba heritage. As the first and only boy, he was not allowed into the kitchen to cook whenever he was with his mum. The best he did in the kitchen was to change the stove threading that linked to the kerosene compartment. Another thing he did best was to stand behind his mum while she was cooking. He remembers watching every move she made from peeling the seasoning, to adding, lowering the heat and stirring. Sometimes, he was very curious, he would ask questions and she would answer. One day as she was off to work, the opportunity came. He had his sisters with him and they found nothing to eat at home after school. He took his chance to cook brown beans for his sisters and his mum. The end result was fantastic with a marshy finish. His mum came back and was very impressed and sang his praises. That really made him proud and made his confidence grow in the kitchen. He was only 9 years old at the time. He trained formally in theatre arts, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Redeemer’s University, and later obtained specialized screen-acting training at the EbonyLife Creative Academy under Drikus Volschenk. He is fluent in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, and works with a range of accents.

CAREER

CHEF KOLAWOLE AJAYI IS A SEASONED NIGERIAN CHEF. HE IS A PASSIONATE PROMOTER OF AFRICAN FOOD. HIS STRONG BELIEFS LIE IN SHOWING THE WORLD THE BEAUTY OF AFRICAN FOOD AND HELPING OTHERS LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT. HE STARTED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO SHOWCASE HIS GIFT AND SKILLS TO THE WORLD WHICH LATER GREW FASTER THAN HE EXPECTED. CURRENTLY, HE IS THE MOST POPULAR NIGERIAN BORN MALE CHEF YOU CAN WATCH ON YOUTUBE WITH OVER 30 MILLION VIEWERS ACROSS HIS CHANNEL AND OVER 170,000 SUBSCRIBERS AND FOLLOWERS ACROSS ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM. A SELF TAUGHT CHEF THAT HAS RISEN AMONG HIS PEERS TO STAND OUT WITH A UNIQUE STYLE OF TEACHING HOW TO COOK NIGERIAN FOOD. YOU CAN’T BUT WANT TO LEARN FROM HIM AS HE MAKES COOKING NIGERIAN FOOD LOOK SO SIMPLE RATHER THAN COMPLICATED AS PEOPLE THINK. Whilst in university in 2001, his uncle (Diran and Kemi Oguntoye) opened an eatery in Osun State. He hired a Chef who transferred the skills of cooking and baking to him for 2 years. That was where he learnt how to make Nigerian Meatpie. Ajayi is also a multi-talented performer known for screen, stage, and voice work as well as online content. He gained popularity through online skits and videos, often under the name Korexx / The Korexx, collaborating with creators such as Mr Macaroni, Sydney Talker, Bae U, and Taooma. His film and television credits include: One Lagos Night (2021, Netflix comedy) – Police Officer / Inspector Kasamu, Brotherhood (2022, Jade Osiberu blockbuster) – Daju, Itura (2022, Africa Magic series, approx. 260 episodes) – Sijuade (lead/principal role as an arrogant prince/heir), Small Talk (2023) – Bus Driver, Unscripted (Africa Magic series, 2024), The Yard (2025, TV series, extensive run of episodes) – Tega. Additional credits include Gingerrr (2025), Enemy Lovers (2025), Captured (2025), Sanctum (2025), shorts such as Stupid Finder, Once Upon A Perfect Murder, Hers, Mine, Ours, and others. He has also appeared in stage productions including The Journey to One and The Gods Are Not To Blame. He is noted for strong vocal ability, character range, and the ability to portray elaborate or varied personalities. He continues to work across independent films, short films, TV series, voice-over/animation projects, and digital content.

PERSONAL LIFE

Ajayi balances multiple creative pursuits and has described interests in cooking (as a chef), writing, portrait art, and video games, which he says inspire his creativity. He occasionally works as a freelance content writer for other creators.

Beyond acting, Ajayi works as a chef, portrait artist, and freelance writer. He has been involved in projects highlighting everyday Lagos life (including recent short-film work related to traffic hawkers). He remains active on social media, sharing career updates and creative work under The Korexx brand.