Funke Akindele: Queen of Nollywood – From Omo Ghetto to Box Office Billions

Funke Akindele Bello, fondly nicknamed “Jenifa,” is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian film industry. Her journey from acting prodigy to award-winning director and producer is an inspiring tale of talent, resilience, and an unwavering love for storytelling. Recently she redefined Nollywood with her box office billions in her latest movie. 

In this blog post we will explore the powerhouse talent of Funke Akindele, director, producer, and Nollywood’s box office queen!

Funke Akindele Biography

Early Life and Education

Born in 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, Funke’s creative spark ignited early. Her parents, a medical doctor and a retired school principal, nurtured her artistic inclinations. She obtained an OND in Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and later earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.

Acting Beginnings

Funke’s acting career began in the late 1990s with appearances in sitcoms like “I Need to Know.” Her breakout role came in 2008 with the movie “Jenifa,” a hilarious yet poignant portrayal of a street-smart hustler trying to navigate life’s challenges. The film spawned the popular television series “Jenifa’s Diary,” solidifying Funke’s status as a comedy queen.

Beyond Jenifa

While Jenifa cemented her comedic chops, Funke showcased her versatility in films like “Maami” (2016), a heart-wrenching drama about motherhood, and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2020), a gangster drama critically acclaimed for its social commentary.

Directing and Producing

Funke’s ambition extends beyond acting. She ventured into directing and producing with films like “The Return of Jenifa” (2011) and “Industreet” (2017). Her directorial prowess reached new heights with the record-breaking box office success of “A Tribe Called Judah” (2023), solidifying her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing female director.

Impact and Accolades

Funke’s contributions to Nollywood have earned her numerous accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress, several Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and the prestigious BON Awards. More importantly, she has inspired a generation of aspiring filmmakers and actors, particularly women, to pursue their dreams in the industry.

Beyond Cinema

Funke is a multifaceted personality actively involved in philanthropy and advocacy. She has lent her voice to various causes, including women’s empowerment and healthcare initiatives. Akindele runs a non-governmental organization known as the Jenifa Foundation, which aims at providing young people with vocational skills.

Today and Beyond

Funke Akindele continues to push boundaries and break records. Her passion for storytelling shows no signs of waning, promising even more captivating narratives and cinematic triumphs in the years to come.

Funke Akindele is more than just a celebrated actress; she is a symbol of Nollywood’s excellence and a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself. Her story is one that continues to inspire and entertain audiences across the globe.

Funke Akindele Husband

As of January 12, 2024, Funke Akindele isn’t officially married. However, she was previously married twice:

1. Adeola Kehinde Oloyede (2012-2013)

Funke’s first marriage was to Adeola Kehinde Oloyede in 2012. However, the union was short-lived, lasting only about a year before they divorced in 2013 due to “irreconcilable differences.”

2. Abdul Rasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) (2016-2022)

Despite their separation, Funke and JJC Skillz have maintained a cordial relationship and have even been seen together at public events, including the premiere of Funke’s movie “She Must Be Obeyed” in September 2023. So, while they aren’t officially married anymore, it’s possible they might work things out in the future.

Funke Akindele Bello, a name synonymous with Nigerian cinema, has captivated audiences for over two decades. Her journey transcends acting, encompassing directing, producing, and writing, making her a true powerhouse in the Nollywood industry. Let’s delve into the world of Funke Akindele’s movies, exploring her versatility and the impact she’s made on the big screen.

Now that we have considered her biography and a bit of her family life, let’s check out her latest movie

Funke Akindele’s Latest Movie

Funke Akindele just made Nollywood history! Her latest movie, A Tribe Called Judah, smashed box office records by becoming the first-ever Nigerian film to earn over N1 billion! That’s right, over a billion naira!

Now that we have seen her latest movie, let’s have a look at her numerous movies and films.

Funke Akindele Movies

Funke Akindele’s Cinematic Adventures: From Comedy Queen to Box Office Powerhouse

Early Days and Comedy Breakthrough:

• Jenifa (2008): Akindele’s breakout role! This hilarious film introduced the world to Jenifa, a street-smart hustler navigating life’s challenges with wit and humor. It spawned the popular television series “Jenifa’s Diary,” solidifying Funke’s comedic queen status.

• 

  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Funke Akindele in Jenifa (2008)

• Omo Ghetto (2010): A shift from lighthearted comedy, “Omo Ghetto” showcased Akindele’s dramatic range. The film tackled social issues like poverty and prostitution, earning critical acclaim and establishing her as a versatile actress.

  

  Opens in a new windowwww.imdb.com

  Funke Akindele in Omo Ghetto (2010)

Beyond the Laughs: Showcasing Versatility:

• Maami (2016): A heart-wrenching drama, “Maami” explored the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter. Akindele’s powerful performance as a struggling single mother earned her numerous awards and accolades.

  

  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Funke Akindele in Maami (2016)

• A Trip to Jamaica (2016): A rom-com with a twist, “A Trip to Jamaica” saw Akindele playing a dual role – a shy Nigerian teacher and her flamboyant Jamaican doppelganger. The film’s box office success solidified her commercial appeal.

  

  Opens in a new windowwww.imdb.com

  Funke Akindele in A Trip to Jamaica (2016)

Breaking Records and Directing Prowess:

• Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020): Returning to her roots, Akindele directed and starred in this critically acclaimed gangster drama. The film broke box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time, showcasing her talent behind the camera.

  

  Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org

  Funke Akindele in Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020)

• A Tribe Called Judah (2023): Raising the bar even higher, “A Tribe Called Judah” became the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, surpassing “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.” Akindele directed and starred in this poignant story about family, faith, and overcoming adversity.

  

  Opens in a new windowwww.imdb.com

  Funke Akindele in A Tribe Called Judah (2023)

A Legacy of Laughter, Tears, and Empowerment:

Funke Akindele’s filmography is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and dedication to storytelling. She has not only entertained audiences but also tackled social issues, challenged stereotypes, and empowered women both on and off-screen. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and actors across the globe, solidifying her position as a true icon of Nollywood.

This is just a glimpse into Funke Akindele’s vast cinematic contributions. With numerous other films under her belt, including “My Siblings and I,” “Chief Daddy,” and “Dwindle,” her legacy continues to grow, promising even more captivating narratives and cinematic triumphs in the years to come.

In addition to the movies, let’s check out Funke Akindele’s numerous other films listed in alphabetical order;

Funke Akindele Filmography

The films of Funke Akindele are listed in alphabetical order:

Funke Akindele Record Holdings

Her movie A Tribe Called Judah is currently the highest-grossing movie of all time in Nigeria, breaking the record of her movie Battle on Buka Street.

Akindele has the most wins at award shows like AMVCA and NEA Awards.

She is the producer and director of the three highest grossing Nollywood movies of all time, A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto: The Saga.

Funke Akindele Awards and Nominations

Funke Akindele’s Accolades

Lauded Actress and Director:

• 2009: Won Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (“Jenifa”)
• 2010: Won Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (“Omo Ghetto”)
• 2014: Won Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Comedy Actress (“The Return of Jenifa”)
• 2016: Won Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Comedy Actress (“Jenifa’s Diary”)
• 2018: Won African Film & Television Awards (AFRIFA) for Best Comedian (“My Siblings and I”)
• 2020: Won Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Comedy Actress (“Moms at War”)
• 2020: Won Golden Movie Award for Best Actress (Comedy) (“Moms at War”)
• 2021: Won Net Honours for Most Searched Actress

Directorial Prowess Recognized:

• 2021: Nominated Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Director (“Omo Ghetto: The Saga”)
• 2021: Nominated Africa Movie Academy Award for Best First Feature Film by a Director (“Omo Ghetto: The Saga”)

Beyond the Numbers:

These awards and nominations showcase Funke Akindele’s exceptional talent and versatility across acting and directing. Her recognition extends beyond trophies, reflecting the impact she has made on audiences and the film industry. She continues to inspire and entertain, leaving an indelible mark on Nollywood and beyond.

In addition to her numerous awards, there are endorsements deals, lets see them

Funke Akindele Endorsements 

Akindele has endorsement deals such as her being signed as an Ambassador to Dettol and Irokotv. In 2018, she was signed as a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank. In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company that manufactures detergent and bar soap

A look at all her achievements will spark some anxiety into her net worth, let’s have a peak into it.

Funke Akindele Net Worth

Estimating Funke Akindele’s net worth precisely is challenging due to various factors like private investments, endorsements, and fluctuations in exchange rates. However, reliable sources provide estimations within a certain range:

Statista, December 2023: Lists Funke Akindele as the third highest-paid Nollywood actress, with an estimated net worth of 7.6 million U.S. dollars.

Net Honours, January 2024: Awarded Funke Akindele the title of “Most Searched Actress” in Nigeria, indicating significant online popularity and potential brand value.

Other sources: Mention estimates ranging from 3.5 million to 10 million U.S. dollars, highlighting the uncertainty but reflecting her considerable success in the film industry.

Additional factors to consider:

• Funke Akindele’s film “A Tribe Called Judah” became the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever in 2023, potentially boosting her income through box office success and future projects.
• She is a successful director, producer, and brand ambassador, generating income beyond acting salaries.

While determining Funke Akindele’s exact net worth is difficult, available information suggests she is one of the wealthiest actresses in Nollywood, with estimates placing her net worth between 7.6 million and 10 million U.S. dollars. Her recent box office success and diversified career ventures promise continued financial growth in the future.

The Funke Akindele Network (FAAN)

Funke Akindele – Frequently Asked Questions