Funke Akindele Declares Herself Self-Made, Credits God and D’banj for Career Success
Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has described herself as a self-made star, emphasizing that her rise to the top was purely a result of hard work, dedication, and divine intervention.
Speaking at the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) 2025 Media Sales Conference in Lagos, the award-winning actress and producer made it clear that no one single-handedly made her famous. However, she acknowledged that veteran singer D’banj played a key role in shaping her career trajectory.
How ‘Jenifa’ Changed Everything
Recounting her journey, Akindele revealed that after her 2008 breakout role in ‘Jenifa’, she initially considered moving on to other projects. However, a chance encounter with D’banj at a club changed her mindset.
“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first ‘Jenifa’ was released in 2009, and that was the turning point,” she said.
“Amidst the buzz, a club owner invited me, and I met D’banj there. He asked what I was doing with the ‘Jenifa’ brand. I told him I had moved on, but he insisted that I should ‘milk it’ because it was a brand. He even supported me financially to continue the story.”
Taking D’banj’s advice, she expanded the Jenifa brand, creating sequels and eventually launching the hit TV series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, which became a household name.
From ‘I Need to Know’ to Box Office Queen
Funke Akindele’s journey in Nollywood dates back to the late ‘90s, when she gained recognition for her role in the educational TV series ‘I Need to Know’ (1998–2002). However, her defining moment came with ‘Jenifa’ in 2008, a film that showcased her comic brilliance and relatable storytelling.
Over the years, she has solidified her status as Nigeria’s highest-grossing movie producer, with blockbuster films like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Battle on Buka Street breaking cinema records.
A Testament to Hard Work and Reinvention
Funke Akindele’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering belief in one’s craft. While she credits God for her success, her ability to reinvent herself, take risks, and listen to valuable advice has played a crucial role in keeping her at the top.
Her experience with ‘Jenifa’ is a lesson in maximizing opportunities—a simple idea that became a cultural phenomenon. For young filmmakers and creatives, her journey serves as proof that talent alone isn’t enough—persistence, strategy, and the right guidance can make all the difference.
With Akindele still dominating the Nigerian film industry, the question remains: What’s next for Nollywood’s queen of the box office?
