Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Akindele at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | |
| Born | Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde 24 August 1977[1] Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Other name | Jenifa |
| Education | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1996–present |
Political party | PDP |
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele // ⓘ (born 24 August 1977)[2][3] popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa,[4] is a Nigerian filmmaker, actress,[5] director, producer, politician, and realtor.[6][7][8] She starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002[9] and in 2009 won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role[10] for her performance in Jenifa,[11] which brought her to fame. Akindele reprised the role in the 2011 sequel The Return of Jenifa and the 2015 soft reboot television series titled Jenifa's Diary,[12] for which she was named the Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 and 2017 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.[13] Akindele won the same award in 2020 and 2022, making it her fifth win for the Best Actress in a Comedy category. Akindele is the most nominated actress and filmmaker at the AMVCA and holds the record for most wins for an actress with six.[14] She is the second director to gross over a billion naira at the box office and the highest-grossing director in Nigerian box office with a total gross of over ₦4.7 billion.[15]
In 2022, she was nominated by the People's Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election.[16][17]
During the World AIDS Day commemoration in December 2024, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) appointed her as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria,[18][19] a role focused on promoting HIV prevention and awareness across the country.[20]
Early life and education
[edit]Akindele was born on 24 August 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[21] She is a Yoruba woman. She is the second of four children (three girls and one boy). Her mother was a medical doctor, while her father was a retired school principal.[4][22] She attended Grace Children's School, Gbagada, Lagos State. She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in mass communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. She earned a law degree from the University of Lagos.[23]
Career
[edit]
Akindele came into the limelight after starring in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002.[24] She played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Akindele's big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the film Jenifa.[25][26]
In 2010, she starred in the two-part gangster film Omo Ghetto, a cult-classic that influenced Yoruba pop-culture. She has produced and starred in several successful Yoruba films, establishing her as a household name in the region.
In 2013, Akindele expanded her career into English-language Nollywood films, earning wider recognition across Nigeria.
In an interview in July 2016, Akindele stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.[13] Akindele played the lead character in the TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show was a soft reboot of the film Jenifa.[12] The 2018 comedy film Moms at War starred Akindele and Omoni Oboli. In July 2019, Akindele started a new web series, Aiyetoro Town,[27] a spin-off from her popular TV series, Jenifa's Diary.[28] She was the former CEO of Scene One Film Production.[29]
She made her cinematic directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film, Your Excellency.[30]
Alongside Daniel K. Daniel and Blessing Egbe, Akindele was invited to join the 2022 membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, popularly known as the Oscars, as a voting member.
In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter named her among the most influential women in international film.[31]
Akindele is often compared to American actress Taraji P. Henson. This comparison recently stirred up reactions after Nigerian content creator and actor Enioluwa Adeoluwa spoke against the comparisons between the two actresses.[32]
In late 2025, Funke Akindele’s film *Behind The Scenes* became one of the fastest-grossing Nigerian movies of the year, surpassing ₦1 billion at the box office, in what was described as a milestone for contemporary Nollywood films.[33]
Discussing the work behind Behind The Scenes, during a conversation with media personality Morayo Afolabi-Brown at a Wema Bank International Women's Day event, Akindele said she gave up her social life for almost two years, avoiding parties and public outings while she focused on the film, a period of isolation that led some colleagues to call her a "sadist" before they understood what she was building.[34] In a separate interview with BellaNaija, she said she had similarly neglected her personal grooming and social engagements throughout production, adding that the film's commercial success followed sustained overwork, sleepless nights, and personal sacrifice.[35] The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) subsequently honoured Akindele in recognition of her record-breaking box office achievements.[36]
Political career
[edit]Akindele was nominated as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections.[37] Justifying her nomination, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran noted that the actress added more value to his candidacy in the 2023 general elections.[38] The actress confirmed her deputy governorship candidacy and stated that her acting career must be "necessarily put on hold".[39][40]
Charity initiative
[edit]Akindele established a non-governmental organization, the Jenifa Foundation, which aims to provide young people with vocational skills.[41][42]
Endorsements
[edit]Akindele has endorsement deals. These include being a signed Ambassador to Dettol and Irokotv.[43][44] In 2018, she was signed as a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.[45] In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with WAW Nigeria, a company that manufactures washing detergent and bar soap.[46]
Personal life
[edit]On 26 May 2012, Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede.[47][48] The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.[49] Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.[50] Her pregnancy rumours were among the top-searched results on the Google search engine in August 2017. JJC Skillz announced the end of their marriage, which lasted six years, via his official Instagram handle on June 30, 2022.[51] Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.[52][53][54]
In April 2020, Akindele was arrested along with JJC Skillz, her husband at that time and charged for having a birthday party for her husband during a mandated lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.[55] She later appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness about the virus[56] Akindele and her husband were sentenced to a 14-day community service after pleading guilty to violating the lockdown order.[57][58]
Accolades
[edit]
In 2025, her film Behind The Scenes became the highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time, breaking the record of Everybody Loves Jenifa.[59]
Akindele has the most wins at award shows such as AMVCA and Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
She also produced and directed the five highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time: Behind The Scenes, Everybody Loves Jenifa, A Tribe Called Judah,[59] Battle on Buka Street, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Final Whistle | Angela | Directed by Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi |
| Final Whistle 2 | Angela | Alongside Bukky Ajayi, Padita Agu | |
| 2002 | Sharon Stone | Dupe | Directed by Adim Williams |
| Sharon Stone 2 | Dupe | Alongside Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji | |
| 2003 | Egg of Life | Isioma | Directed by Andy Amenechi |
| Egg of Life 2 | Isioma | Alongside Nkiruka Sylvanus | |
| 2004 | Kádàrá Mi | Secretary | Directed by Abiodun Olanrewaju & Yinka Quadri |
| Atlanta | Kudirat | Directed by Charles Novia | |
| Botife | Bisola | ||
| 2005 | Agbara Ifẹ | Directed by Bakare Adeoye | |
| 13th Day: Ọjọ Kẹtala | Directed by Sunday Ogunyemi | ||
| 13th Day: Ọjọ Kẹtala 2 | Directed by Sunday Ogunyemi | ||
| 2006 | Narrow Path | Wunmi | Directed by Kunle Kelani |
| Kosefowora | Folashade | Directed by Tajudeen Mobolaji Arotambo | |
| Oṣuwọn Ẹda | Directed by Yomi Fash-Lanso | ||
| Agbe Fo | Yẹmisi | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju | |
| Agbe Fo 2 | Yemisi | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju | |
| Oreke Mulero | Directed by Bakare Adeoye | ||
| Ọdún Nbaku | Moji | Directed by Ibrahim Chatta and Dele Ogundipe | |
| 2007 | Maku | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju and Yinka Quadri | |
| Ẹdujọbi | Taiye/ Kehinde | Directed by Abiodun Olanrewaju | |
| Ẹdujọbi 2 | Taiye/ Kehinde | ||
| B'aye Ṣe Nlọ | Alongside Toyin Abraham | ||
| Ọba Irawọ | |||
| Okùn Ìfẹ Yí | Bimpe | ||
| Egun | Directed by Yinka Quadri | ||
| Akandun | |||
| 2008 | Kàkàkí L'oku | Kàkàkí's wife | Directed by Anthony Ogundimu |
| Kàkàkí L'oku 2 | Kàkàkí's wife | ||
| Taiwo, Taiwo | T.girl | ||
| Taiwo, Taiwo 2 | T.girl | ||
| Ajẹ̀ Mẹtta | Molayo | ||
| Ajẹ̀ Mẹtta 2 | Molayo | ||
| Apoti Orogún | Bola | ||
| Jenifa | Jenifa | ||
| Àtànpàkò Mẹta | |||
| Ọmọ Pupa | |||
| 2009 | Bolode O'ku | Funmi | |
| Farayola | Oyinkansola | ||
| Jenifa 2 | Jenifa | ||
| Anointed Liars | Flora | Directed by Innocent Chinagorom | |
| Anointed Liars 2 | Flora | ||
| Iro Funfun | Tomilola | Directed by Muhydeen S. Ayinde | |
| Iro Funfun 2 | Tomilola | ||
| Ija Ọla | |||
| Ija Ọla 2 | |||
| Ọmọ Ìyá Kan | Directed by Daniel Ademinokan | ||
| Apaadi | |||
| Apaadi 2 | |||
| 2010 | Omo Ghetto | Ayomide & Shalewa/Lefty | |
| Omo Ghetto 2 | Ayomide & Shalewa/Lefty | ||
| Sherikoko | Angelina | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | |
| White Hunters | Peggy | Directed by Afam Okereke | |
| Ogun Àìkú | Directed by Muyiwa Ademola | ||
| 2011 | Maami | Maami | Directed by Tunde Kelani |
| The Return of Jenifa | Jenifa | ||
| Jelili | Betty | Directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Salami | |
| The Perfect Church | Sister Angela | ||
| Ladies Gang | Samantha | Directed by Afam Okereke | |
| Ladies Gang 2 | Samantha | ||
| Kujenra | Kujenra | Directed by Adebayo Tijani | |
| Kujenra 2 | Kujenra | ||
| 2012 | Married but Living Single | Kate | Directed by Tunde Olaoye |
| A Wish | Directed by Elvis Chuks | ||
| Dirty Diamond | Peace/Uju | Directed by Okey-Zubelu Okoh | |
| Wisdom of Thomas | Ihunna | Directed by Tchidi Chikere | |
| Emi Abata | Tinuke | Directed by Adebayo Salami | |
| 2013 | Living Nightmares | Monica | Directed by Okey-Zubelu Okoh |
| Oga On Top | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| Jujuwood | Crystal | Directed by Tchidi Chikere | |
| Agnetta (O'mpa) | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| Angelina | Angelina | Directed by MacCollins Chidebe | |
| The Fighter | Monica Lewisky | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | |
| Barren Women | Directed by Morgan Ukaegbu | ||
| Azonto Babes | |||
| The Return of Sherikoko | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| 2014 | New Horizons | Sadie | |
| Pretty Liars | Cleo | ||
| Madam Tyson | |||
| Chibundu | Chibundu | ||
| Mr Potosky | |||
| Love Wahala | Katrine | ||
| 2015 | Fight For Peace | Aduke | |
| One Fine Day | |||
| Uncle Oyibo | |||
| 2016 | A Trip to Jamaica | Bola | Robert Peters |
| 2017 | Isoken | Agnes | |
| Double Trouble | Modebola | Directional debut | |
| 2018 | Moms at War | Olaide Adetola | Directed by Omoni Oboli |
| Chief Daddy | Tinu Breecroft | Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan | |
| 2019 | Unmendable | Rachael | |
| Your Excellency | Kemi Ajadi | Cinematic directorial debut | |
| 2020 | Who's The Boss | Hauwa | Directed by Chinaza Onuzo |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Ayomide & Shalewa/Lefty | Directed by Funke Akindele, Abdulrasheed Bello | |
| 2021 | Dwindle | Officer Tolani | Kayode Kasum, Dare Olaitan |
| 2022 | Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke | Tinu Breecroft | Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan |
| Battle on Buka Street | Yejide | Directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde | |
| 2023 | No Way Through | Jolade Okeniyi | Directed by Chinaza Onuzo |
| A Tribe Called Judah | Jedidah Judah | Directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu | |
| 2024 | House of Ga'a | Ayinba | Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters |
| Everybody Loves Jenifa | Jenifa | Co-directed by Tunde Olaoye | |
| 2025 | Reel Love | Tomide's mother | Directed by Kayode Kasum |
| Finding Me[60] | Tinuke Olowoporoku | Directors Funke Akindele and Isioma Osaje | |
| Behind The Scenes | Adetutu Fernandez | Co-directed by Tunde Olaoye | |
| 2026 | The Return of Arinzo | Directed by Iyabo Ojo | |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2004 | I Need To Know | Bisi | |
| 2004 | Super Story: Campus Babes | Pat | |
| 2009 | Family Ties: Friends Forever | Shade | |
| 2014 | Screen Divas | Herself | |
| 2015–2022 | Jenifa's Diary | Jenifa | |
| 2017–2019 | Industreet | Francesca | |
| 2018–2023 | My Siblings and I | Vivian Aberuagba | |
| 2019–present | Aiyetoro Town | Jenifa | |
| 2021 | Jenifa on Lockdown | Jenifa | |
| 2022 | Far From Home | Patricia Bello | |
| 2023 | She Must Be Obeyed | She/Siyanbola Adewole | |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Pakurumo | Wizkid |
| 2016 | A Da | JJC ft Justina Lee Brown |
| Bad | Tiwa Savage ft Wizkid | |
| 2020 | Deceive | Yemi Alade ft Rudeboy |
| Askmaya Anthem | Chioma Chukwuka, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Thomas | |
| 2024 | "Everybody Loves Christmas" | Cast of Everybody Loves Jenifa |
| 2026 | eko | Folapondis |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Event | Prize | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Jenifa | Won | [61][62] |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Won | |||
| City People Awards | Actress of the Year | Won | |||
| The Future Awards Africa | Acting | Won | |||
| 2010 | 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) | Ogun Aiku | Nominated | |
| 2012 | 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | The Return of Jenifa | Won | |
| 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Indigenous) | Emi Abata | Won | ||
| 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress (English) | Married but Living Single | Nominated | ||
| Zulu African Film Academy Awards | Best Actress | Maami and The Return of Jenifa | Won | ||
| Yoruba Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Won | |||
| Screen Nation Awards | Pan Africa Best Actress | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Maami | Nominated | |
| Best Actress (Indigenous) | Won | ||||
| 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Drama) | Maami | Nominated | ||
| Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Jenifa | Nominated | |||
| Yoruba Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Ife Gbona | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Agnetta O’Mpa | Won | |
| 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Sheri Koko | Won | ||
| ELOY Awards | Brand Ambassador of the Year | Omo | Won | [63] | |
| 2015 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actress-English | One Fine Day | Nominated | |
| 2016 | 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress In Comedy Role | Jenifa's Diary | Won | |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress Series | Nominated | |||
| Naija FM Awards | Sitcom Of The Year | Won | |||
| Best Actress in Comedy | Won | ||||
| Africa Entertainment Legend Awards | Best Actress of the Year | Won | [64] | ||
| 2016 Ghana Movies Awards | Best Actress Africa Collaboration | A Trip to Jamaica | Won | [65] | |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best TV Series | Jenifa's Diary | Won | [66] |
| Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series | Won | [67] | |||
| A Trip to Jamaica | Nominated | ||||
| 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Lead Actress | Won | |||
| 2020 | 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress in a comedy | Moms At War | Won | [68] |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | ||
| Most Searched Actress | Nominated | ||||
| Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actress in A Comedy | Won | [69][70] | |
| Best Costume Designer | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie West Africa | Nominated | ||||
| Best Overall Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Best Television Series | Jenifa's Diary | Nominated | |||
| Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series | My Siblings & I | Nominated | |||
| NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | [71] | ||
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actress In A Comedy Movie/TV Series | Battle on Buka Street | Nominated | [72] |
| Best Writer | Nominated | ||||
| Best Overall Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Africa International Film Festival | Globe Award Honoree | Won | |||
| NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | |||
| Most Searched Actress | Won | ||||
| Legit.ng's Readers' Choice Awards | Best Actress in 2023 | Won | |||
| 2024 | 2023 Silverbird Man of The Year Award | Special Achievement Award | Won | ||
| 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Lead Actress | A Tribe Called Judah | Nominated | ||
| Best Writing (Movie) | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Legit.ng Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Won | |||
| Africa Cinema Summit Legacy Awards | Honorary Award | Significant Contributor to the Africa Film Industry | Won | ||
| Africa Choice Awards | Female Movie Star of the Year | Pending | |||
| National Film and Video Censors Board | Box Office Champion | Won | |||
| 2025 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Special Recognition | Won | ||
| 2026 | National Film and Video Censors Board | Personality of the Year | Won | ||
| Audience Choice Awards | Everybody Loves Jenifa | Won | |||
| Box Office Champion | Won | ||||
| Box Office Champion | Behind The Scenes | Won | |||
| Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |||
| Best Movie | Nominated | ||||
| CerAwards | Nollywood Icon | Won | |||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Sanusi, Hassan (11 September 2016). "Just like Funke Akindele, everyone got Eniola Badmus' age wrong". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017.
- ↑ Njoku, Benjamin (2 January 2010). "I didn't snatch anybody's husband – Funke Akindele". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ↑ "Full name & Date of Birth". IMDb. Retrieved 8 October 2009.
- 1 2 "ABOUT FUNKE AKINDELE – Funke Akindele – Official Website of Olufunke Akindele". olufunkeakindele.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele celebrates 14 years of playing 'Jenifa'". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ↑ Olowolagba, Fikayo (12 July 2022). "2023: Funke Akindele puts acting career on hiatus, confirms PDP deputy governorship nomination [VIDEO]". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele Archives". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ↑ Funsho Akinwale, Funke Akindele gives first glimpse of her twins, The Guardian
- ↑ "Funke Akindele: Breaking Boundaries, Ascending New Heights". This Day. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ↑ "AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009". Africa Movie Academy Awards. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ↑ The Return of Jenifa (2011) – IMDb, retrieved 23 September 2021
- 1 2 ""Jenifa's Diary" Watch Funke Akindele in season 4 trailer". Pulse.ng. Chidumga Izuzu. 26 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- 1 2 Awojulugbe, Oluseyi (18 July 2016). "Funke Akindele: I'm not producing Yoruba movies for now". TheCable. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
- ↑ DailyTimesNGR (11 January 2024). "Funke Akindele, the supernova in Nigeria's film industry". Daily Times. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ↑ "Seven Wonder Women Awards: And the winners were..." The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ↑ Jonathan, Oladayo (13 July 2022). "Lagos 2023: How Funke Akindele and I will defeat Sanwo-Olu, APC — PDP gov candidate – Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ↑ Nwachukwu, John Owen (12 July 2022). "2023: Why I picked Funke Akindele as running mate – Lagos PDP guber candidate, Adediran". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ↑ "'Jenifa' appointed UNAIDS' goodwill ambassador for HIV prevention". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ↑ Fasan, Yewande (3 December 2024). "UNAIDS appoints Funke Akindele as national goodwill ambassador for Nigeria". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ↑ Samuel, Omowumi (4 December 2024). "FG urges stakeholders to scale up HIV prevention among children". Voice of Nigeria. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ↑ Olivia Kabir, January 2019 Funke Akindele's state of origin, Legit.ng
- ↑ Bodunrin, Sola (25 August 2015). "10 Things You Need To Know About Funke Akindele ▷ NAIJ.COM". naij.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ "Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham lifestyles". BBC News Pidgin. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele Loses Dad". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ↑ Akindele, Funke (11 July 2019). "Watch: Funke Akindele – My Best Friend Can Only Call My Husband On His Birthday". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ↑ "Nollywood's Funke Akindele turns 40 years today". Ghanaweb.com. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- ↑ "Aiyetoro town: Funke Akindele has kicked off 'Jenifa's Diary' spinoff, and it's hilarious". Pulse Nigeria. 10 July 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
- ↑ 24 July 2018 Here's when Omoni Oboli's new film will be released in cinemas, Pulse Nigeria
- ↑ Mosope Olumide, 14 September 2018 Poverty And Failure: Funke Akindele Reveals Her Greatest Fears In Life, The Net
- ↑ "'Your Excellency': Funke Akindele's directorial debut makes N17.5 million in 2 days". Pulse Nigeria. 17 December 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
- ↑ Vlessing, Patrick Brzeski, Kevin Cassidy, Lily Ford, Scott Roxborough, Georg Szalai, Etan (9 May 2025). "The Most Influential Women in International Film". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ RITA (4 March 2025). "Enioluwa slam fans comparing Funke Akindele to Taraji P. Henson". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele's 'Behind The Scenes' Becomes Fastest Nollywood Film to Gross ₦1bn". BellaNaija. 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "I Stopped Partying To Make My Movie Gross ₦2.7bn — Funke Akindele". Leadership. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "I Stopped Partying To Make My Movie Gross ₦2.7bn — Funke Akindele". Leadership. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "I Stopped Partying To Make My Movie Gross ₦2.7bn — Funke Akindele". Leadership. Retrieved 6 August 2026.
- ↑ "Jenifa: Funke Akindele named PDP Lagos deputy gov candidate". dateline.ng. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ↑ "Lagos PDP gov candidate justifies Funke Akindele's appointment". dateline.ng. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ↑ "Running mate: Funke Akindele suspends acting career". The Punch. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele: 'Jenifa as deputy gov, PDP dead in Lagos,' Nigerians react". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ↑ "Nollywood/ Nigeria No.1 movies/ films resources online". nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ ""Why I am focusing on educating the next generation" – Funke Akindele-Bello tells CNN's 'African Voices'". BellaNaija. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ↑ "Actress Funke Akindele becomes brand ambassador for Dettol – The Cable". TheCable. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- ↑ "Actress Funke Akindele, Signed As Ambassador To Iroko TV – INFORMATION NIGERIA". informationng.com. 13 March 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ 27 August 2018 Keystone Bank signs Actress, Funke Akindele as brand ambassador, Vanguard Nigeria
- ↑ 6 November 2019 , "The Nation"
- ↑ "BN Exclusive: It's Official, "Jenifa" Star Funke Akindele is a Married Woman! Photos & Details of the Beautiful Union with Her Beau Kehinde Oloyede Only On BN". bellanaija.com. 28 May 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ "How I got news of my first failed marriage – Funke Akindele". Premium Times. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele: "Yes, My Marriage has Crashed" – Nollywood Star confirms Split – Read the Official Statement + Her Recent Interview". bellanaija.com. 20 July 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ↑ "Marriage to Funke Akindele: JJC breaks silence". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. 28 May 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ↑ "Funke Akindele's pregnancy, JAMB dominate Google searches". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 25 August 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ↑ "JJC reveals who convinced him to marry Funke Akindele". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. 2 August 2017.
- ↑ Fikayo Olowolagba, 22 December 2018. Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele defies prophecy, welcomes twins, Daily Post
- ↑ Seun Durojaiye, 13 January 2019 Actress Funke Akindele stuns in native owambe outfit, Legit.ng
- ↑ "Nigerian actress fined over lockdown party". BBC News. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
- ↑ "Coronavirus: Nigerian actress Funke Akindele arrested for Lagos party amid lockdown". BBC. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ↑ Press, Fellow (7 April 2020). "Coronavirus: Funke Akindele, husband sentenced to community service". Fellow Press. Archived from the original on 22 May 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ↑ "Nigerian actress Funke Akindele under fire for Lagos party amid lockdown". Dateline Nigeria. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
- 1 2 "Sanwo-Olu Felicitates Funke Akindele On 'A Tribe Called Judah' Box Office Record". GlitzVibes. 7 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ↑ "Nigerians Are Loving Funke Akindele's 'Finding Me' | See Their Reactions". BellaNaija. 17 March 2025. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "African Movie Academy Awards (2009)". www.imdb.com. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "AMAA Winners – Africa Movie Academy Awards". Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, Omawumi: All the winners from the 2014 ELOY awards – Lifestyle – Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ↑ "Winners List – Ael Awards (Aela)". Aelaawards.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ↑ "Ghana Movie Awards 2016: Funke Akindele wins best actress African collaboration – Movies – Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ↑ Adeleke Afolayan (4 March 2017). "AMVCA 2017: See the full list of winners". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria.
- ↑ Chidumga Izuzu (4 March 2017). "Funke Akindele wins Best Actress in a Comedy". Pulse.Ng.
- ↑ "Full List Of Winners At The 7th AMVCA | Channels Television". www.channelstv.com. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ↑ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
- ↑ "Stan Nze, Osas Ighodaro win big – Full list of all di winners from 2022 AMVCA". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
- ↑ Abiosun, Anjolaoluwa (1 July 2022). "NET Honours: Full List of Class of 2022 Winners". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
- ↑ "Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees". AMVCA – Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees. Retrieved 23 April 2023.[permanent dead link]
Further reading
[edit]- "Funke Akindele Net Worth: Biography, Wikipedia, Career, Earnings, Personal Life, Lifestyle & Assets". Cikihow. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
External links
[edit]
Media from Commons
Quotations from Wikiquote
Data from Wikidata
- Funke Akindele at IMDb
- Funke Akindele at Twitter
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
- Best Actress Africa Movie Academy Award winners
- 1977 births
- Actresses from Lagos State
- Yoruba actresses
- Living people
- University of Lagos alumni
- 21st-century Nigerian actresses
- Nigerian film actresses
- Nigerian television actresses
- Participants in Nigerian reality television series
- Actresses in Yoruba cinema
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic alumni
- Nigerian film producers
- Nigerian film directors
- Nigerian actor-politicians
- Nigerian television personalities
- Women in Lagos politics
- 21st-century Nigerian politicians
- Nigerian women comedians