Funke Akindele

Full Name: Funke Akindele-Bello

●  Born: August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

●  Profession: Actress, Filmmaker, Producer, and Politician

● Nickname: Jenifa, The Queen of Nollywood Comedy Early Life and Education

●  Funke Akindele was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

●  She attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, where she studied Mass Communication.

●  Funke’s passion for acting began in her early years, and she pursued it alongside her education.

Acting Career

●  Funke Akindele began her acting career in the late 1990s, gaining recognition for her roles in Nigerian television dramas and soap operas.

●  She rose to fame in 2008 with the release of the movie “Jenifa”, where she played the titular character. The movie was a massive success and earned her the nickname “Jenifa”, which became her stage name.

●  Funke has starred in numerous Nollywood movies, including “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, “The Return of Jenifa”, and “A Trip to Jamaica”.

●  She is known for her versatility, comedic timing, and ability to portray strong, relatable female characters.

Major Achievements

●  Awards:

○  Won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards

(AMAA) for “Jenifa” (2009).

○  Won Best Actress in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

(AMVCA) for “The Return of Jenifa” (2016).

○  Received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards

(AMAA) in 2019.

●  Filmography:

○  Has starred in over 100 Nollywood films, including “Jenifa”, “Omo Ghetto: The

Saga”, and “A Trip to Jamaica”.

○  Known for her iconic roles in comedy movies that have become classics in

Nollywood.

● Global Recognition:

○  Funke Akindele is regarded as one of the most influential actresses in Nollywood,

with a career spanning over two decades.

○  Her movies have been enjoyed by audiences across Africa and beyond.

Filmmaking and Production

●  Funke Akindele is the founder of Scene One Productions, a film production company

that has produced several Nollywood movies.

●  She made her directorial debut with the 2020 movie “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, which was a critical and commercial success.

Political Career

●  In 2022, Funke Akindele ventured into politics, becoming the running mate of Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State.

●  Although the ticket was unsuccessful, Funke’s foray into politics showcased her versatility and commitment to public service.

Personal Life

●  Funke Akindele was married to Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz), a Nigerian musician and filmmaker. The couple had twins. Their marriage turned sour, which led to its end in June 2022.

●  She is known for her humility, grace, and dedication to her craft. Recent Updates

●  Funke Akindele continues to be active in Nollywood, starring in recent films like “Battle on Buka Street” (2022) “A tribe called Judah (2023).

●  She remains a mentor to young actors and filmmakers, often sharing her experiences and insights on social media.

●  Funke is also involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria.

Legacy

● Funke Akindele is widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in Nollywood.

●  Her contributions to Nigerian cinema have helped shape the industry and inspire a new generation of actors and filmmakers.

●  Funke’s success as an actress, filmmaker, and politician has made her a role model for many Nigerians.

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