Funke Akindele says she not getting roles in English language films frustrated her

The actress says that it was hard finding her way in Nollywood in the early days.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has opened up about her early career struggle in acting and her self-taught journey into movie production.

In an interview with Arise News, Akindele, known for her roles in both English and Yoruba films, revealed that her journey wasn’t always smooth. The turning point in her career she said came when she worked on a project with the actress Ayo Adesanya.

She said, “When I didn't get roles in English I got frustrated. So I was on a project with Ayo Adesanya, and I told her that I don't have roles and she said, 'I'll talk to a producer, and I will have you on board for Yoruba movies.' And she spoke to the producer and I was invited to come and act in Oshogbo then.”

It was from there that Akindele met key industry figures such as Fathia Balogun, and Iyabo Ojo.

“From there, I met with Fathia Balogun. I met Iyabo Ojo and I told them I need roles and Iyabo said, 'Okay, come come.' She took me to the Odun Fakoko where you have the Yinka Quadri and Taiwo Hassan. She said, 'This is my friend. Give her a job,'” Akindele said.