Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria – Funke Akindele, wey pipo sabi as Jenifa, don become Nollywood royalty, dem say wetin she carry reach ground fit make any actor start to dey shine. Born on August 24, 1977, her story no be small wahala. From her early days wey no show say she go blow, Funke don rise from nobody to big name for film industry wey dey take over the world.
She start her education journey with OND for Mass Communication for Ogun State Polytechnic, then she enter University of Lagos, where she study Law. But na acting dey call her. Na for late 1990s, she start dey gather fans wetin dem no fit forget, especially as she play Bisi for UNFPA sitcom, I Need to Know. But na her blockbuster film, Jenifa, for 2008 come make her shine pass most stars.
Jenifa no just make her collect Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress, e also turn her into legend as fans dey quick chop her slang like say na their birthright. She no stop for there; she drop The Return of Jenifa and Jenifa’s Diary wey don carry many awards come her house and the hearts of many viewers.
Funke no only dey act, she dey direct too, and she hold record as the second Nigerian female director wey don gross over ₦1 billion for box office. Everything wey she create na blockbuster, with total earnings wey dey over ₦4.7 billion. E clear say she go fit represent Nigeria well for international standard without cutting off wetin wey make we unique.
Her strength no dey only for acting; she also dey push for better society, working with Lagos State Government on projects wey go boost arts and culture. Funke dey use her powerful platform to talk about important issues for society, from gender to class wahala. She dey show how she fit influence next generation, especially young women and creatives wey need mentorship.
With her long run for Nollywood, Funke don win many awards, and she dey inspire so many young ones, wey dey see her as proof say talent plus hard work fit carry you to the top. As Nollywood dey grow globally, Funke Akindele be like shining star wey dey carry our stories go everywhere. Her life dey teach us one big lesson: no be only for film wey she dey shine; she be movement wey inspire others to chase their dreams.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
