Renowned Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele, has proudly described herself as a self-made star, emphasizing that her success in the film industry is solely the result of her hard work and determination.
Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference organized by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, Akindele credited her achievements to divine guidance and relentless effort. She insisted that no individual was responsible for her rise to stardom, except God.
“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first Jenifa was released in 2009, and that was the turning point,” she stated.
While asserting her self-made status, Akindele acknowledged the role veteran singer D’banj played in her career growth. She revealed that during the peak of Jenifa’s success, a club owner invited her for an event, where she crossed paths with D’banj.
Recounting the encounter, she said, “I met D’banj at the club, and he asked what I was doing with the Jenifa brand. I told him I had moved on and planned to work on something else. But he insisted, ‘No, you have to milk it. That’s a brand. Go and write another script.’ He even gave me some money, which motivated me to continue the project.”
Akindele’s career in the entertainment industry began with her role in the popular educational TV series I Need to Know, which aired from 1998 to 2002. However, her major breakthrough came in 2008 when she starred in the blockbuster movie Jenifa, which became a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria.
Over the years, she has cemented her place as one of the most successful filmmakers in Nollywood, holding the record as the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema. Through her movies, Akindele has consistently pushed boundaries, blending humor with social commentary while creating unforgettable characters that resonate with audiences.
Despite facing challenges in the highly competitive film industry, she has remained a dominant force, producing and starring in several box office hits. Her resilience, business acumen, and ability to evolve with industry trends have kept her at the top of her game.
Akindele’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers, proving that talent, hard work, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success. While she acknowledges the support and advice she received along the way, she maintains that her rise to fame was the result of her own dedication and strategic choices.
