Early life and education
Funke Akindele, one of Nigeria’s most iconic entertainers, was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Proudly Yoruba, she is the second of three children, an elder brother, and a younger sister. Her upbringing was shaped by her parents, who placed a strong emphasis on education and discipline. Her mother, a medical doctor, instilled values of hard work and care, while her father, a retired school principal, emphasized the importance of academic excellence.
Akindele’s early education began at Grace Children’s School, located in Gbagada, Lagos State, where she demonstrated an early interest in creativity and storytelling. Her academic journey took her to Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, where she obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication. This period was pivotal, as it laid the foundation for her passion for media and communication.
Continuing her quest for knowledge, she pursued a Law degree, at the University of Lagos, combining her love for the arts with a solid legal education. Although she didn’t ultimately practice law, her legal background has significantly contributed to her business acumen and strategic approach, to the entertainment industry.
Her multifaceted educational experiences, spanning communication and law, have become integral to her career, enabling her to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian film industry. Akindele’s journey from Ikorodu to becoming a trailblazing producer, director, and actress showcases her resilience and determination to excel against all odds.
Career
Funke Akindele, a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry, first rose to prominence in the late 1990s with her role in the United Nations Population Fund – U.N.F.P.A -sponsored sitcom I Need to Know. This family-oriented television series aired on the Nigerian Television Authority – N.T.A from 1998 to 2002. The show, which also starred Uche Ejiogu as Ngozi, Taiwo Lesh as Hauwa, and Amaka Egwuatu as Essien, revolved around the lives of teenagers navigating societal issues. Akindele portrayed Bisi, a curious, highly intelligent secondary school student. The role not only showcased her exceptional talent, but also laid the groundwork for her future, in the entertainment industry.
Akindele’s big break came in 2008 with her performance in the movie Jenifa, where she played the titular character. The film, a comedic yet insightful story, of a young woman’s quest for success and identity, became an instant hit. It was so impactful that it spawned a franchise, including the highly successful TV series Jenifa’s Diary. This series, a soft reboot of the original movie, featured Akindele as the lead character alongside stars like Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. Jenifa’s Diary not only cemented Akindele’s status as a versatile actress but also demonstrated her ability to create relatable content that resonated with audiences across Nigeria.
In 2010, Akindele further showcased her creative range by starring in the two-part film Omo Ghetto. The movie, a gangster-themed drama, quickly became a cult classic, influencing Yoruba pop culture and solidifying her dominance in the industry. Recognizing her growing influence, she began expanding her career beyond Yoruba-language films. By 2013, she had ventured fully into Nigeria’s English-speaking film industry, gaining a substantial following in the eastern part of the country and nationwide. This strategic move allowed her to bridge cultural divides and broaden her audience base.
Despite her success, Akindele faced challenges in the Yoruba film industry, including the pervasive issue of piracy. In a 2016 interview, she revealed that she was acting less in Yoruba films at the time, due to the detrimental effects of piracy on filmmakers’ livelihoods. Nevertheless, her adaptability and resilience, saw her thriving in other aspects of the industry. That same year, she starred in Moms at War, a 2018 comedy film where she shared the spotlight with Omo-ni Obo-li. Her performance further demonstrated her ability to excel in diverse genres.
In July 2019, Akindele launched a new web series titled Aiyetoro Town, a spin-off of Jenifa’s Diary. The show was another testament to her knack for creating engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. Beyond acting, Akindele also ventured into filmmaking. She made her cinematic directorial debut in 2019 with the political drama film Your Excellency. The movie was well-received and marked her transition into a multifaceted role within the industry.
Akindele’s contributions to Nigerian cinema, have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences A.M.P.A.S, popularly known as the Oscars, as a voting member. This recognition placed her among an elite group of international filmmakers and underscored her influence on the global stage.
Throughout her career, Akindele has remained a trailblazer, consistently breaking barriers and setting new standards, in the Nigerian entertainment industry. As the former CEO of Scene One Film Production, she has contributed significantly to the growth of Nollywood, producing and starring in numerous successful projects. Her journey, from her breakthrough role in I Need to Know to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers, reflects her dedication, creativity, and resilience.
Today, Funke Akindele is not just an actress but a cultural icon whose work continues to inspire and entertain millions across Africa and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Awards:
Funke Akindele’s illustrious career is adorned, with numerous awards and nominations that showcase her exceptional talent and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her recognition spans various genres, affirming her versatility as an actress, producer, and director.
In 2009, Akindele gained widespread acclaim after winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Jenifa. This pivotal recognition marked the beginning of an impressive streak of accolades. That same year, she won the Best Actress category at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was named Actress of the Year at the City People Awards.
Akindele’s ability to captivate audiences earned her consistent nominations and wins in the following years. In 2010, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards for her role in Ogun Aiku. By 2012, she had won the Best Actress award at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for The Return of Jenifa, the Nollywood Movies Awards for Best Actress (Indigenous) in Emi Abata, and the Zulu African Film Academy Awards for her performances in Maami and The Return of Jenifa.
Her dominance continued with multiple wins at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), where she secured Best Actress in Comedy for The Return of Sheri Koko in 2014, and for Jenifa’s Diary in 2016 and 2017. She also won the Best TV Series category for Jenifa’s Diary at the 2017 AMVCAs. Other highlights include her wins at the Ghana Movies Awards for Best Actress Africa Collaboration for A Trip to Jamaica and the ELOY Awards for Brand Ambassador of the Year.
In 2020, she won Best Actress in a Comedy for Moms at War at the AMVCAs. Her record-breaking performance in Omo Ghetto: The Saga earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2021.
Recent years have seen Akindele continue to dominate, with multiple wins at the NET Honours Awards as Most Popular Actress and Legit.ng’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress. Her groundbreaking achievements were recognized at the 2023 Silverbird Man of the Year Awards, where she received a Special Achievement Award. The Africa Cinema Summit Legacy Awards also honored her with an Honorary Award for her significant contributions to African cinema.
In 2024, Funke Akindele was nominated for Best Lead Actress at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) for her outstanding performance in A Tribe Called Judah, further solidifying her legacy with additional nominations for Best Writing and Best Movie, alongside receiving the Africa Cinema Summit Legacy Honorary Award for her significant contributions to African cinema and being named Box Office Champion by the National Film and Video Censors Board.
With her unmatched portfolio of work and recognition, Funke Akindele has cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in Nollywood, continually pushing the boundaries of storytelling and representation in the African film industry.
Political Career.
In 2023, Funke Akindele ventured into the political arena when she was nominated as the Lagos State deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the general elections. Her nomination was championed by Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as “Jandor,” who emphasized that her inclusion added significant value to his candidacy. Jandor highlighted Akindele’s widespread appeal, noting her influence and connection with diverse demographics across Lagos State, making her a strategic choice for the ticket.
Confirming her acceptance of the role, Akindele expressed her commitment to serving the people, stating that her acting career would be “necessarily put on hold” to focus on the demands of the political campaign and potential governance. This move marked a bold shift in her career, reflecting her dedication to community development and leadership beyond the entertainment industry. Although the election was fiercely contested, her candidacy underscored her versatility and willingness to impact society positively.
Charity.
Funke Akindele founded the Jenifa Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young people through vocational training and skill development. The foundation’s primary goal is to equip individuals, particularly youth, with the tools they need to succeed in various fields, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. By offering courses and resources that focus on practical skills, the Jenifa Foundation plays a crucial role in addressing unemployment and underemployment among young Nigerians. Akindele’s initiative reflects her commitment to creating lasting change and providing opportunities for young people to build sustainable careers and futures.
Endorsements.
Funke Akindele has established herself as a prominent brand ambassador, securing multiple endorsement deals with top companies across various sectors. She became the face of Dettol, a leading health and hygiene brand, reflecting her status as a trusted public figure. Akindele also entered a partnership with Irokotv, a leading African streaming service, further strengthening her influence in the entertainment and digital space. In 2018, her growing appeal led her to sign an endorsement deal with Keystone Bank, positioning her as a key representative of the financial institution.
In November 2019, Akindele added another major endorsement to her portfolio by partnering with WAW Nigeria, a well-known brand specializing in washing detergents and bar soap.
Additionally, Akindele has expanded her portfolio to include partnerships with real estate companies like Amen Estate, further diversifying her business ventures.
Funke Akindele has also launched her own real estate project, Jenifa Gardens, located in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating opportunities in the housing sector.
Marriage life.
Funke Akindele’s personal life has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. On May 26, 2012, she married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede in a ceremony that garnered much public attention. However, the union was short-lived, as the couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the setback, Akindele found love again and tied the knot with Nigerian rapper Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, in a private ceremony in London in May 2016.
The marriage to JJC Skillz brought with it a blended family, as she became a stepmother to his children from previous relationships. In December 2018, the couple welcomed twin boys, a joyous milestone that followed months of speculation and high public interest, making her pregnancy rumors one of the most searched topics on Google in Nigeria in August 2017.
After six years of marriage, JJC Skillz announced the end of their union via his official Instagram handle on June 30, 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the separation, Funke Akindele continues to prioritize her role as a mother to her twin boys and her stepchildren, balancing her personal life with her thriving career in the entertainment industry. Her resilience and dedication remain sources of inspiration to many.
Controversy.
In April 2020, Funke Akindele and her then-husband, JJC Skillz, were arrested for hosting a birthday party during a COVID-19 lockdown. They were charged, pleaded guilty to violating the lockdown order, and were sentenced to 14 days of community service. Akindele later participated in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to promote COVID-19 awareness.
Records.
Funke Akindele has solidified her status as a powerhouse in Nollywood, achieving remarkable commercial success and critical acclaim. In 2024, her movie A Tribe Called Judah achieved a historic feat by becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time. This accomplishment was particularly significant as it surpassed the record previously held by her own film, Battle on Buka Street.
Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry extends beyond box office success. She holds the record for the most wins at prestigious award shows such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards A.M.V.C.A and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. This recognition highlights her exceptional talent and contributions to the industry.
Notably, Akindele has produced and directed the three highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time: A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga. This unprecedented achievement underscores her influence and impact on the Nigerian cinematic landscape.
Adding to her impressive list of accomplishments, her movie Everybody Loves Jenifa has also set new records. It became the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024 and the fastest Nollywood film to surpass N500 million at the box office. These achievements further cement Funke Akindele’s position as a leading force in Nollywood.
Summary
Funke Akindele is a leading figure in Nollywood, renowned for her acting, producing, and directing talents, and celebrated for creating some of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films. Her work, including the record-breaking “A Tribe Called Judah” and the popular “Jenifa” franchise, has earned her numerous awards and solidified her status as a major force in the Nigerian film industry.
