Inspiring Creatives
Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, is a multifaceted Nigerian filmmaker, actress, director, producer, and politician. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name in Nollywood is nothing short of remarkable and serves as an inspiring story for both young and old.
Funke was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She attended Grace Children’s School in Gbagada and later pursued a Mass Communication Ordinary National Diploma (OND) at the former Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic). She furthered her education by obtaining a Law degree from the University of Lagos. Her “Made in Lagos” educational background laid a strong foundation for her dynamic career as her dreams extended beyond textbooks and lecture halls.
The Breakthrough
From a humble start, Funke Akindele’s rise to stardom began with her role in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know,” which aired from 1998 to 2002. This show highlighted issues affecting young people and brought her into the limelight. Having featured in lesser roles in other Yoruba and English movies, in 2008, Funke Akindele’s life took a dramatic turn. She starred in a movie titled “Jenifa” where she played the lead role. The film introduced audiences to a character named Jenifa, a vibrant, street-smart young woman navigating life’s challenges. Funke’s portrayal was magnetic, and soon, “Jenifa” became a cultural phenomenon. The movie’s success catapulted her into the limelight, and she emerged as a rising star in Nollywood.
Jenifa’s Diary
Funke’s innovative storytelling style advanced the “Jenifa” movie into a series. Recognizing the power of storytelling, she decided to expand Jenifa’s world. In 2015, she created the television series “Jenifa’s Diary.” The show followed Jenifa’s hilarious escapades, weaving humour, drama, and relatable moments. Audiences fell in love with the character all over again, and Funke’s distinctive comical performance earned her accolades, including multiple Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Her versatility extends to various genres in her acting career, including comedy, drama, romantic comedy, and action-comedy. Her filmography exhibits her ability to perform excellently in different roles, from the comedic character of Jenifa to more dramatic performances in films like “Maami” and “Isoken.”
Box Office Hits
Funke Akindele did not stop at acting but ventured into film production. She started with co-owning SceneOne Productions. Recently, she introduced her new production house called “The Funke Akindele Network” (FAAN). FAAN embodies a 360-degree approach to filmmaking and production, focusing on providing PR solutions for films. Her commitment to quality content led to box office hits like “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” which grossed over a billion naira. She became the second director to achieve this feat in Nigeria. Currently, she holds the title of the Highest Grossing Nigerian Director in the Nigerian Box Office, with a total gross of over ₦2.9 billion. Her films resonated with audiences, blending action, comedy, and heartwarming moments.
Story(abridged) sourced from dawncommission.org
