Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and politician, Funke Akindele, is one of the most successful entertainers in Nollywood. Best known for her role as Jenifa in the hit series Jenifa’s Diary, she has built a career spanning decades. However, beyond the fame and accolades, there are some lesser-known facts about her. Here are things you probably didn’t know about Funke Akindele.
- She Studied Law
Many know her as a talented actress, but Funke Akindele actually studied Law at the University of Lagos. However, her passion for entertainment led her to pursue a career in acting instead of practicing law. - She Started as a TV Presenter
Before making it big in Nollywood, Funke worked as a TV presenter, hosting a show that focused on health education for children. This early experience helped shape her confidence in front of the camera. - I Need to Know Was Her Breakthrough Role
Funke rose to fame in the late 90s after playing Bisi, a curious and intelligent teenager, in I Need to Know, an educational series sponsored by the United Nations. The show ran from 1998 to 2002 and introduced her to the Nigerian audience. - She Was Once Married to a Politician & a Singer
On 26 May 2012, Funke Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. Her pregnancy rumours were among the top searched results on Google search engine in August 2017. - She’s a Record-Breaking Filmmaker
Her 2022 movie, Battle on Buka Street, became the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time, surpassing Omo Ghetto: The Saga, another blockbuster she produced. She is the only Nigerian filmmaker to have two of the highest-grossing movies in the country’s history. - She’s a Private Person. Despite being one of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities, Funke is highly private about her personal life. She rarely shares details about her family and relationships on social media
- She develope most of her ideas in the bathroom. She draw inspirations from things happening around her. She could have an idea and when she is in the bathroom taking a shower, she develop it.
- She Ventured into Politics
In 2022, Funke Akindele made a bold move into politics when she was selected as the running mate for the Lagos State governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although they didn’t win the election, the experience showcased her influence beyond the entertainment industry. - She Owns a Production Company
Funke Akindele is the founder of Scene One Productions, a film and television production company responsible for hit projects like Jenifa’s Diary, Industreet, and several Nollywood blockbusters. - She’s Passionate About Youth Empowerment
Beyond entertainment, Funke is committed to empowering young talents. Through her Jenifa Foundation, she provides training in various skills, including acting, makeup artistry, and fashion designing, to help young Nigerians build sustainable careers.
Funke Akindele remains a powerhouse in Nollywood, constantly breaking records and setting new standards. Whether in entertainment, business, or politics, she continues to inspire many with her resilience and creativity.
