The Nigerian movie scene is filled with talented actresses, actors, and filmmakers who have brought in their diversity. The entertainment industry in Nigeria, known as Nollywood, continues to grow and expand, and filmmakers are not ready to back down soon. Several actors and actresses have made it a mission to provide only the best films telling different stories about the ills of Naija, our great country. One such filmmaker currently dominating the entertainment scene in Nigeria is none other than Funke Akindele. She is a versatile actress and filmmaker who use her platform to tell great stories.
Funke Akindele Bello, affectionately known as “Jenifa” by her fans, is a Nigerian actress, producer, and filmmaker who have carved a unique niche in the entertainment industry. Her career, spanning over two decades, is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
This article from Naijassador will go in-depth to understand the life and achievements of a great movie star and director, Funke Akindele.
Early life
Funke Akindele was born Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. The second of three children, she grew up in a supportive family environment with a medical doctor mother and a retired school principal father.
Education
Funke’s early years were marked by her active participation in drama and entertainment activities. She attended Grace Children’s School, Gbagada, Lagos State, where she displayed a natural talent for performing arts. This passion led her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry despite her parents’ initial aspirations for her to study law. After secondary education, Funke enrolled in the Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) to study Mass Communication. This choice provided a solid foundation for her future career in the media and entertainment industry, equipping her with valuable communication and production skills. She further earned a degree in law from the University of Lagos.
Career
While still a student at the polytechnic, Funke began taking acting seriously. She participated in various stage productions and honed her craft through practical experience. Her talent and dedication caught the attention of industry professionals, paving the way for her early acting roles. Akindele came into the limelight when she starred in the Nigerian sitcom “I Need to Know”, sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The sitcom was very popular in Nigeria in the late 90s to early 2000s.
Funke Akindele played the character of Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. After the sitcom ended, Funke Akindele continued to aim for the bigger scene, and the big break came for the actress in 2008 when she appeared in the movie Jenifa. In 2016, Akindele starred in the series Jenifa’s Diary alongside actors like Folarin Falana (Falz), Juliana Olayode, Aderounmu Adejumoke, Fisayo Ajisola and a host of others. Many viewers in Nigeria widely received the TV series for its comedy and story aimed at different things going on in the country.
While Jenifa’s Dairy series was ongoing, Akindele also worked on film projects. She starred in the 2018 comedy movie Moms at War with fellow actress Omoni Oboli. Akindele has featured in lots of movies since she started her career. Her notable movies include the following:
SHE Must Be Obeyed
SHE Must Be Obeyed is a 2023 Nigerian mini-series that captivated audiences with its compelling story of ambition, betrayal, and the cutthroat world of the music industry. The show was created by Funke Akindele and her ex-husband, JJC Skillz, and premiered on Amazon Prime Video in September 2023. It quickly gained a loyal following.
The series revolves around three successful music stars: SHE (played by Funke Akindele), a fiercely ambitious singer determined to stay at the top; Tito (played by Veeiye), a rising star struggling to find her voice; and X-cite (played by Waje), a veteran singer facing the challenges of aging in the industry. As their lives intertwine, they embark on a thrilling journey of manipulation, exploitation, and revenge in their quest for fame and recognition.
The series delves into several thought-provoking themes, such as the power dynamics within the music industry, the struggle for female empowerment, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of fame. It also offers a critical commentary on societal expectations and women’s pressures to achieve success.
Omo Ghetto
Omo Ghetto (meaning “Child of the Ghetto”) is a 2010 Nigerian film that became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju and starring Funke Akindele, the film explores family, crime, and sisterhood themes within a Lagos ghetto setting. The film follows the story of Lefty (played by Akindele), a young woman who navigates life’s challenges in the ghetto. She leads a gang of women who engage in petty thievery and other illegal activities to survive. The story explores Lefty’s struggles to escape poverty, loyalty to her friends and family, and eventual redemption.
In 2020, Omo Ghetto received a sequel titled Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which further explored the characters’ lives and built upon the success of the original film. Omo Ghetto’s legacy lies in its ability to capture the realities of life in the ghetto while offering a relatable and entertaining story. It has inspired other Nollywood filmmakers to tackle social issues and cemented Funke Akindele’s status as a leading Nigerian actress.
Battle on Buka Street
Battle on Buka Street is a 2022 Nigerian comedy-drama film directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde. The film, co-produced by Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network and FilmOne Studios, explores themes of family rivalry, female empowerment, and the competitive nature of business. The film follows the story of Yejide (played by Funke Akindele) and Joke (played by Mercy Johnson), two half-sisters who inherit their late father’s buka (restaurant) on Buka Street. However, a long-standing rivalry between their mothers forces them into a hilarious and competitive battle for dominance in the bukas business. The chemistry between Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson is delightful, adding another layer of humor to their competitive rivalry.
Battle on Buka Street is a well-made comedy with a heart. It blends humour with social commentary, offering entertainment and a message of empowerment. The film’s vibrant characters, engaging plot, and talented cast make it a memorable addition to the Nollywood comedy genre.
My Siblings and I
My Siblings and I is a popular Nigerian family comedy series created and produced by Funke Akindele. The show aired on Africa Magic Urban from 2018 to 2021 and garnered a dedicated fan base, praising its humour, relatable characters, and heart-warming family dynamics.
The series revolves around the Aberuagba family, a lively and diverse group living in Lagos. It follows the hilarious antics and heart warming moments of the parents, their children, and their domestic staff. The show tackles relatable themes like family conflicts, sibling rivalry, cultural traditions, and navigating life’s challenges in a bustling city.
“My Siblings and I” is a delightful family comedy that captured the hearts of audiences in Nigeria and beyond. Funke Akindele’s creative vision and talented cast brought relatable characters and heart warming stories to life, making the series a cultural phenomenon and a valuable addition to the Nigerian television landscape.
A Tribe called Judah
This is the latest movie by a Nigerian actress, featuring notable actors like Timini Egbuson, Olumide Owuro, Funke Akindele, Julianna Oloyede, Tobi Makinde, Ebele Okaro, and many others. According to Naijassador, this movie is expected to be released on December 15, 2023. This movie has a compelling story that revolves around a family of boys who decide to rob a small mall with the help of their mother. However, on getting to the mall, they face a bigger problem when they meet armed robbers.
Political career
In 2022, Funke Akindele declared her ambition to go into politics. She was nominated as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2023 elections. Her principal and governorship aspirant for the PDP, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, explained that the choice of nominating the actress as his running mate will add more value to his candidacy for the 2023 general elections.
Awards and nominations
- 2009 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role Jenifa (Won)
- 2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress (Won)
- 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) Ogun Aiku (Nominated)
- 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress The Return of Jenifa (Won)
- 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards for Best Actress (Indigenous) Emi Abata (Won)
- Zulu African Film Academy Awards for Best Actress Maami and The Return of Jenifa (Won)
- 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards for Best Actress (Leading Role) Maami (Nominated)
- 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actress (Drama) Maami (Nominated)
- Best Actress (Comedy) for The Return of Jenifa (Nominated)
- 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress (Leading Role) Agnetta O’Mpa (Won)
- 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actress (Comedy) The Return of Sheri Koko (Won)
- ELOY Awards for Brand Ambassador of the Year Omo (Won)
- 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actress In Comedy Role Jenifa’s Diary (Won)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress Series (Nominated)
- Naija FM Awards for Sitcom Of The Year (Won)
- Africa Entertainment Legend Awards Best Actress of the Year (Won)
- 2016 Ghana Movies Awards for Best Actress Africa Collaboration A Trip to Jamaica (Won)
- 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best TV Series Jenifa’s Diary (Won)
- Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series (Won)
- 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Lead Actress (Won)
- 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Moms At War (Won)
- 2021Net Honours for Most Popular Actress (Won)
- Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role Omo Ghetto: The Saga (Nominated)
- 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in A Comedy (Won)
- Best Television Series Jenifa’s Diary (Nominated)
- Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series My Siblings & I (Nominated)
- NET Honours for Most Popular Actress (Won)
- 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress In A Comedy Movie/TV Series Battle on Buka Street (Nominated)
Personal life
Funke Akindele has been married twice. Her first marriage was with Adeola Kehinde Oloyede, and the former married on May 26, 2012. However, their marriage did not last long, and they got divorced the following year, in July 2013, after only a few months together. Their reason for divorce was said to be due to irreconcilable differences.
In 2016, Akindele found love again and married Nigerian rapper Abdulrasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz. Their wedding was held in May 2016 in London, the United Kingdom. Rumours of her pregnancy were all over the internet in 2017, and the actress gave birth to twin boys in December 2018. After spending about six years together as a married couple, Akindele’s husband, JJC Skillz, announced their marriage’s end. This was a great shock to fans who believed all was well in the couple’s camp.
Funke Akindele was enmeshed in a controversy when she was arrested alongside her husband in April 2020 for hosting a birthday party at their Lagos home. This was because they floated the COVID-19 lockdown order imposed by the government in 2020. Funke and her husband, JJC Skillz, were sentenced to 14 days of community service after pleading guilty to violating the lockdown order. She later appeared in a Nigerian Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness of COVID-19.
On Tuesday 07 February 2023, Funke Akindele lost her mother, DR. R B ADEBANJO-Akindele. Her mother’s death was announced by her older sister, Olubunmi Akindele. Her father a retired school principal died earlier in December 2019 after a brief illness.
Funke Akindele is a social butterfly and has a very active social media presence. The following are her social media handles:
Funke Akindele is a true icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her journey from aspiring actress to successful filmmaker and businesswoman serves as an inspiration to many. Her talent, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of her dreams have paved the way for other aspiring actors and filmmakers in Nigeria. Funke Akindele’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unwavering belief in one’s potential. She continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian entertainment industry and beyond, inspiring and captivating audiences with her talent and multifaceted personality.
Things you should know about Funke Akindele, a Nigerian actress.
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Written by Sarah Aboje
