Funke Akindele
Nigerian actress and producer (born 1977) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele // ⓘ (born August 24, 1977)[2][3] popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa,[4] is a Nigerian filmmaker, actress,[5] director, producer, politician and realtor.[6][7][8] Akindele starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002[9] and in 2009, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role,[10] for her role in Jenifa,[11] which brought her to fame. Akindele reprised the role in 2011 sequel The Return of Jenifa and 2015 soft reboot television series titled Jenifa's Diary,[12] for which she was named the Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 and 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.[13] Akindele won the same award in 2020 and 2022, making it her fifth win for the Best Actress in a Comedy category. Akindele is the most nominated actress/filmmaker at the AMVCA and holds the record for most wins for an actress with six.[14] She is the second director to gross over a billion naira at box office and is currently the Highest-Grossing Director in Nigerian Box Office with a total gross of over ₦4.7 billion.[15]
Funke Akindele | |
|---|---|
Funke Akindele at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | |
| Born | Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde 24 August 1977[1] |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Jenifa |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Political party | PDP |
In 2022, she was nominated by the People's Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos state governorship election.[16][17]
During the World AIDS Day commemoration in December 2024, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) appointed her as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria.[18][19] Her role will be key in driving positive impact and progress in promotion of HIV prevention across Nigeria.[20]
Early life and education
Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[21] She is a Yoruba woman. She is the second of three children (two girls and one boy). Her mother was a medical doctor while her father was a retired school principal.[4][22] She attended Grace Children's School, Gbagada, Lagos State. She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication (Masscom) from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. She earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.[23]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Akindele came into the limelight after starring in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002.[24] Funke Akindele played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Funke Akindele's big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the movie Jenifa.[25][26]
In 2010, she starred in gangsters two-parter film Omo Ghetto that became a cult-classic with massive influence on Yoruba pop-culture at the time. She has since gone on to produce and star in successful Yoruba films, establishing her status as an undisputed household name in the region
In 2013, Akindele ventured fully into what is known as the English part of the industry, amassing fans in the eastern part of the country and throughout the entire nation.
In an interview in July 2016, Funke Akindele stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.[13] Akindele played the lead character in the TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show was a soft reboot of the movie Jenifa.[12] The 2018 comedy film Moms at War starred Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli. In July 2019, Akindele started a new web series, Aiyetoro Town,[27] a spin-off from her popular TV series, Jenifa's Diary.[28] She was the former CEO of Scene One Film Production.[29]
She made her cinematic directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film, Your Excellency.[30]
Alongside Daniel K. Daniel and Blessing Egbe, Akindele was invited to join the 2022 membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences popularly known as the Oscars as voting member.
Funke Akindele is often times compared to American actress, Taraji P. Henson. This comparison recently stirred up reactions after Nigerian content creator and actor, Enioluwa Adeoluwa spoke against the comparisons between both actresses.[31]
Political career
Akindele was nominated as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under Peoples Democratic Party (Nigeria) in the 2023 elections.[32] Justifying her nomination, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran monikered "Jandor", noted that the actress added more value to his candidacy in the 2023 general elections.[33] Confirming her deputy governorship candidacy, the actress stated that her acting career must be “necessarily put on hold”.[34][35]
Charity initiative
Akindele established a non-governmental organization known as the Jenifa Foundation, which aims at providing young people with vocational skills.[36][37]
Endorsements
Akindele has endorsement deals. These include being a signed Ambassador to Dettol and Irokotv.[38][39] In 2018, she was signed as a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.[40] In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with WAW Nigeria, a company that manufactures washing detergent and bar soap.[41]
Personal life
On 26 May 2012, Funke Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede.[42][43] The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.[44] Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.[45] Her pregnancy rumours were among the top searched results on Google search engine in August 2017. JJC Skillz announced the end of the union between him and the popular actress which lasted six years via his official Instagram handle on June 30, 2022.[46] Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.[47][48][49]
In April 2020, Akindele was arrested along with JJC Skillz, her husband at that time and charged for having a birthday party for her husband during a mandated lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.[50] She later appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness about the virus[51] The actress and her husband were sentenced to a 14-day community service after pleading guilty to violating the lockdown order.[52][53]
Record holdings
In 2025, Her movie Everybody Loves Jenifa became the highest grossing Nigerian movie of all time, breaking the record of her movie A Tribe Called Judah.[54]
Akindele has the most wins at award shows like AMVCA and Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
She is the producer and director of the four highest grossing Nollywood movies of all time; Everybody Loves Jenifa, A Tribe Called Judah,[54] Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | I Need To Know | Bisi | Soap Opera |
| 2000 | Final Whistle | Angela | Directed by Ifeanyi Ikpoenyi |
| Final Whistle 2 | Angela | Alongside Bukky Ajayi, Padita Agu | |
| 2002 | Sharon Stone | Dupe | Directed by Adim Williams |
| Sharon Stone 2 | Dupe | Alongside Jim Iyke, Genevieve Nnaji | |
| 2003 | Egg of Life | Isioma | Directed by Andy Amenechi |
| Egg of Life 2 | Isioma | Alongside Nkiruka Sylvanus | |
| 2004 | Kádàrá Mi | Secretary | Directed by Abiodun Olanrewaju & Yinka Quadri |
| Atlanta | Kudirat | Directed by Charles Novia | |
| Atlanta | Kudirat | ||
| Botife | Bisola | ||
| 2005 | Agbara Ifẹ | Directed by Bakare Adeoye | |
| 13th Day: Ọjọ Kẹtala | Directed by Sunday Ogunyemi | ||
| 13th Day: Ọjọ Kẹtala 2 | Directed by Sunday Ogunyemi | ||
| 2006 | Narrow Path | Wunmi | Directed by Kunle Kelani |
| Kosefowora | Folashade | Directed by Tajudeen Mobolaji Arotambo | |
| Oṣuwọn Ẹda | Directed by Yomi Fash-Lanso | ||
| Agbe Fo | Yẹmisi | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju | |
| Agbe Fo 2 | Yemisi | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju | |
| Oreke Mulero | Directed by Bakare Adeoye | ||
| Ọdún Nbaku | Moji | Directed by Ibrahim Chatta and Dele Ogundipe | |
| 2007 | Maku | Directed by Abiodun Olarenwaju and Yinka Quadri | |
| Ẹdujọbi | Taiye/ Kehinde | Directed by Abiodun Olanrewaju | |
| Ẹdujọbi 2 | Taiye/ Kehinde | ||
| B'aye Ṣe Nlọ | Alongside Toyin Abraham | ||
| Ọba Irawọ | |||
| Okùn Ìfẹ Yí | Bimpe | ||
| Egun | Directed by Yinka Quadri | ||
| Akandun | |||
| 2008 | Kàkàkí L'oku | Kàkàkí's wife | Directed by Anthony Ogundimu |
| Kàkàkí L'oku 2 | Kàkàkí's wife | ||
| Taiwo, Taiwo | T.girl | ||
| Taiwo, Taiwo 2 | T.girl | ||
| Ajẹ̀ Mẹtta | Molayo | ||
| Ajẹ̀ Mẹtta 2 | Molayo | ||
| Apoti Orogún | Bola | ||
| Jenifa | Jenifa | ||
| Àtànpàkò Mẹta | |||
| Ọmọ Pupa | |||
| 2009 | Bolode O'ku | Funmi | |
| Farayola | Oyinkansola | ||
| Jenifa 2 | Jenifa | ||
| Anointed Liars | Flora | Directed by Innocent Chinagorom | |
| Anointed Liars 2 | Flora | ||
| Iro Funfun | Tomilola | Directed by Muhydeen S. Ayinde | |
| Iro Funfun 2 | Tomilola | ||
| Ija Ọla | |||
| Ija Ọla 2 | |||
| Ọmọ Ìyá Kan | Directed by Daniel Ademinokan | ||
| Apaadi | |||
| Apaadi 2 | |||
| 2010 | Omo Ghetto | Ayomide & Shalewa/Lefty | |
| Omo Ghetto 2 | Ayomide & Shalewa/Lefty | ||
| Sherikoko | Angelina | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | |
| White Hunters | Peggy | Directed by Afam Okereke | |
| Ogun Àìkú | Directed by Muyiwa Ademola | ||
| 2011 | Maami | Maami | Directed by Tunde Kelani |
| The Return of Jenifa | Jenifa | ||
| Jelili | Betty | Directed by Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Salami | |
| The Perfect Church | Sister Angela | ||
| Ladies Gang | Samantha | Directed by Afam Okereke | |
| Ladies Gang 2 | Samantha | ||
| Kujenra | Kujenra | Directed by Adebayo Tijani | |
| Kujenra 2 | Kujenra | ||
| 2012 | Married but Living Single | Kate | Directed by Tunde Olaoye |
| A Wish | Directed by Elvis Chuks | ||
| Dirty Diamond | Peace/Uju | Directed by Okey-Zubelu Okoh | |
| Wisdom of Thomas | Ihunna | Directed by Tchidi Chikere | |
| Emi Abata | Tinuke | Directed by Adebayo Salami | |
| 2013 | Living Nightmares | Monica | Directed by Okey-Zubelu Okoh |
| Oga On Top | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| Jujuwood | Crystal | Directed by Tchidi Chikere | |
| Agnetta (O'mpa) | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| Angelina | Angelina | Directed by MacCollins Chidebe | |
| The Fighter | Monica Lewisky | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | |
| Barren Women | Directed by Morgan Ukaegbu | ||
| Azonto Babes | |||
| The Return of Sherikoko | Directed by Amayo Uzo Philips | ||
| 2014 | New Horizons | Sadie | |
| Pretty Liars | Cleo | ||
| Madam Tyson | |||
| Chibundu | Chibundu | ||
| Mr Potosky | |||
| Love Wahala | Katrine | ||
| 2015 | Fight For Peace | Aduke | |
| Jenifa's Diary | Jenifa | Tv series | |
| One Fine Day | |||
| Uncle Oyibo | |||
| 2016 | A Trip to Jamaica | Bola | Robert Peters |
| 2017 | Isoken | Agnes | |
| Industreet | Francesca | Web Series | |
| Double Trouble | Modebola | Directional debut | |
| 2018 | My Siblings and I | Vivian Aberuagba | Tv series |
| Moms at War | Olaide Adetola | Directed by Omoni Oboli | |
| Chief Daddy | Tinu Breecroft | Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan | |
| 2019 | Aiyetoro Town | Jenifa | Web series |
| Unmendable | Rachael | ||
| Your Excellency | Kemi Ajadi | Cinematic directorial debut | |
| 2020 | Who's The Boss | Hauwa | Directed by Chinaza Onuzo |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Ayomide &Shalewa/Lefty | Directed by Funke Akindele, Abdulrasheed Bello | |
| 2021 | Dwindle | Officer Tolani | Kayode Kasum, Dare Olaitan |
| Jenifa on Lockdown | Jenifa | Web series | |
| 2022 | Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke | Tinu Breecroft | Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan |
| Far From Home | Patricia Bello | Tv Series | |
| Battle on Buka Street | Yejide | Directed by Funke Akindele and Tobi Makinde | |
| 2023 | She Must Be Obeyed | She/Siyanbola Adewole | Limited series |
| No Way Through | Jolade Okeniyi | Directed by Chinaza Onuzo | |
| A Tribe Called Judah | Jedidah Judah | Directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu | |
| 2024 | House of Ga'a | Ayinba | Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters |
| Everybody Loves Jenifa | Jenifa | Co-directed by Tunde Olaoye | |
| 2025 | Reel Love | Tomide's mother | Directed by Kayode Kasum |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Africa Movie Academy Award | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Jenifa | Won | |
| 2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Won | |||
| City People Awards | Actress of the Year | Won | |||
| 2010 | 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) | Ogun Aiku | Nominated | |
| 2012 | 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | The Return of Jenifa | Won | |
| 2012 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Indigenous) | Emi Abata | Won | ||
| 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress (English) | Married but Living Single | Nominated | ||
| Zulu African Film Academy Awards | Best Actress | Maami and The Return of Jenifa | Won | ||
| Yoruba Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Won | |||
| Screen Nation Awards | Pan Africa Best Actress | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Maami | Nominated | |
| Best Actress (Indigenous) | Won | ||||
| 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Drama) | Maami | Nominated | ||
| Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Jenifa | Nominated | |||
| Yoruba Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Ife Gbona | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Agnetta O’Mpa | Won | |
| 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Sheri Koko | Won | ||
| ELOY Awards | Brand Ambassador of the Year | Omo | Won | [55] | |
| 2015 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actress-English | One Fine Day | Nominated | |
| 2016 | 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress In Comedy Role | Jenifa's Diary | Won | |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress Series | Nominated | |||
| Naija FM Awards | Sitcom Of The Year | Won | |||
| Best Actress in Comedy | Won | ||||
| Africa Entertainment Legend Awards | Best Actress of the Year | Won | [56] | ||
| 2016 Ghana Movies Awards | Best Actress Africa Collaboration | A Trip to Jamaica | Won | [57] | |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best TV Series | Jenifa's Diary | Won | [58] |
| Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series | Won | [59] | |||
| A Trip to Jamaica | Nominated | ||||
| 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Lead Actress | Won | |||
| 2020 | 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress in a comedy | Moms At War | Won | [60] |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | ||
| Most Searched Actress | Nominated | ||||
| Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actress in A Comedy | Won | [61][62] | |
| Best Costume Designer | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie West Africa | Nominated | ||||
| Best Overall Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Best Television Series | Jenifa's Diary | Nominated | |||
| Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series | My Siblings & I | Nominated | |||
| NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | [63] | ||
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actress In A Comedy Movie/TV Series | Battle on Buka Street | Nominated | [64] |
| Best Writer | Nominated | ||||
| Best Overall Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Africa International Film Festival | Globe Award Honoree | Won | |||
| NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | Won | |||
| Most Searched Actress | Won | ||||
| Legit.ng's Readers' Choice Awards | Best Actress in 2023 | Won | |||
| 2024 | 2023 Silverbird Man of The Year Award | Special Achievement Award | Won | ||
| 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Lead Actress | A Tribe Called Judah | Nominated | ||
| Best Writing (Movie) | Nominated | ||||
| Best Movie | Nominated | ||||
| Legit.ng Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Won | |||
| Africa Cinema Summit Legacy Awards | Honorary Award | Significant Contributor's to Africa Film Industry | Won | ||
| Africa Choice Awards | Female Movie Star of the Year | Pending | |||
| National Film and Video Censors Board | Box Office Champion | Won | |||
See also
References
External links
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