Actress Funke Akindele has attributed her remarkable success in the industry to a combination of hard work, perseverance and divine intervention.
At the 2025 Media Sales Conference in Lagos hosted by MIPAN, Akindele shared insights into her journey, emphasising that her rise to stardom was the result of her relentless effort and God’s grace.
She reflected on the pivotal moment in her career, which came with the release of her breakthrough film ‘Jenifa’ in 2009.
Akindele also expressed gratitude for the support of singer D’banj, who encouraged her to broaden the ‘Jenifa’ brand and provided financial backing that enabled her to continue her work as a writer.
“Nobody made me a star, only God,” Akindele stated. “I wrote my script, and that was it. The first Jenifa was released in 2009, and that was the turning point.
“Amidst the buzz, a club owner reached out to host me at his club, and I met D’banj there. He asked what I was doing with the ‘Jenifa’ brand. I said, ‘I have moved on. I will do another thing.’ He said, ‘No. You have to milk it. It should not go like that. That’s a brand. Go and write another script.’ He gave me some money, and I went back and continued writing.”
Funke Akindele’s journey to stardom began with her notable role in the popular sitcom ‘I Need to Know’, which aired from 1998 to 2002.
However, it was her role in the 2009 film ‘Jenifa’ that truly launched her career, propelling her into the limelight and solidifying her as one of the biggest stars in Nollywood.
Today, Akindele holds the record as the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema, further cementing her position as a leading figure in the industry.
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