Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele was born to parents Mr. and Dr. Banjo Akindele on August 24, 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The second of three children, Funke Akindele attended Grace Children School, Gbagada, before moving on to get her OND from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Funke Akindele further pursued a law degree from the prestigious University of Lagos.
Funke Akindele’s journey to stardom started with her character in the United Nations-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know.”. She played the role of a curious secondary school teenager from 1998 to 2002. The sitcom was created to increase awareness of the issues that teenagers face during puberty.
The ” Jenifa” actress pushed her career further by featuring in other movie productions, especially indigenous movies.
The young and vibrant Funke Akindele struck gold when she starred in her breakthrough comedy-drama, “Jenifer, “-where she played the character of a local girl attempting to put on a fake appearance of being born with a silver spoon. The hilarious drama received accolades for highlighting the societal issues with false living.
The movie gave birth to her TV series, “Jenifa’s Diary,” which has become a household show in Nigeria and the diaspora. “Jenifa’s Diary” has featured stars like Lota Chukwu (Kiki), comedian Lolo, Folarin Falana (Falz), and Olayode Juliana (Toyo Baby).
Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele, has recorded many successes in her acting career. In 2018, the award-winning actress was reportedly set to star in a Hollywood production, ” Marvel’s: Avengers Infinity War.”
The 45-year-old actress made her debut as a director in 2019 with the movie “Your Excellency”. Setting the bar higher, Funke Akindele co-produced her box office hit, “Omoghetto; The Saga.” The movie became the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time after raking in more than N468 million at the box office in one month, according to the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria.
Funke Akindele, last year, released her directed and produced Battle on Buka Street in December. According to reports, the movie has raked $60,000(N27m) in gross profits in the United States of America. The movie was distributed by FillmOne and Part Two Media in the United States with support from Amplify Africa.
According to box office reports, Battle on Buka Street had raked in a whopping N135m in Nigeria and West African Cinemas.
In her 25 years of being an actress, movie director and scriptwriter, Funke Akindele has been a recipient of numerous awards and recognition. She recently bagged an invitation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to join the 2022 membership of Oscar organisers. The actress announced her latest achievement in a post on Instagram. Other awards and recognitions received by Funke Akindele include the following:
In 2009 Funke Akindele won Best Actress Leading Role for her movie “Jenifa” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Best Actress at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In 2010 she was nominated for Best Actress at Best of Nollywood for her leading role in the Yoruba movie Oguni Aiku.
By 2012 Funke Akindele had clinched two awards at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Nollywood Movies Awards in the Best Actress category. The Nigerian actress and political aspirant have won about 20 awards in her career.
She is a three-time winner of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (2014, 2017, and 2020).
Based on her reputation as one of Nigeria’s richest and most talented actresses, Funke Akindele has landed several business deals that have increased her net worth in 2022.
In 2018, the actress got the Dettol and Iroko TV ambassadorial deal- that same year, Keystone Bank. And by 2019, she became a WAW ambassador for the detergent company.
On Thursday, 12th November 2020, the “Omoghetto” star actress was announced as Molfix ambassador for the diaper brand. She is also a brand ambassador to Kelloggs Nigeria, a cereal company, and Amen estate influencer.
The award-winning actress Funke Akindele is the third richest actress in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of about 7.6 million dollars. Based on her endorsement portfolio with international brands and proceeds from movie sales – Akindele has made a mark with her remarkable acting and impressive financial empire.
Funke Akindele’s net worth in 2022 puts her in the same category list as some of Nigeria’s richest actresses, such as Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, and others.
She is currently the CEO of Scene One movie productions, mentoring young and aspiring actors in the industry. Funke Akindele is a force in the Nigerian movie industry; her venture into the political space has confirmed her ability to wear multiple hats whenever the situation requires it.
The Nigerian star actress was nominated as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party for the upcoming 2023 election. Thus the actress now stands among celebrities that have ventured into Nigerian politics.
Funke Akindele ran for deputy governor of Lagos alongside Dr Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor). The Nollywood actress confirmed her political ambition on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in a thread post on Twitter.
Funke Akindele recently released a new movie project, “Battle on Buka street” And SHE
Her unreleased project is “A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH”
I’m excited to work on this biography ❤️🩹
Funke Akindele’s name has a weight in Nollywood. Her name has turned to be an household name with a symbolic reference that set her apart from her colleagues in the movie industry.
You’re a true legend who has done exceptionally well and your style of living is amazing and highly respected, valued and recommendable.
We love you so much ❤️🩹❤️
I wish you more outstanding success in all your endeavors. I salute and celebrate you.
Apart from OmO gettho and Jennifer diary what other movie have you watched by Funke??
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