Learn About Nigerian Award Wining Actress, Producer and Mother – Funke Akindele : Awards, Marriages and Controversies
Funke Akindele has evolved from being a well-known figure to a transformative force in the Nollywood landscape. Her journey to success is not merely a result of luck but is shaped by unwavering discipline, tenacious courage from humble beginnings, and relentless perseverance.
At the age of 46, she has consistently demonstrated that achieving recognition in the hall of fame requires resilience and determination. While many identify her through her comedic persona, “Jenifa,” those she has guided and mentored in the industry affectionately refer to her as “Mrs. Bello” or “Aunty Funke.”
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, born on August 24, 1977, to Mr. and Dr. Banjo Akindele in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is the second of three children. She began her education at Grace Children School in Gbagada and later obtained her OND from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Her educational journey continued as she pursued a law degree at the renowned University of Lagos.
Funke Akindele’s journey to stardom commenced with her role in the United Nations-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know,” where she portrayed a curious secondary school teenager from 1998 to 2002. This sitcom aimed to raise awareness about the challenges teenagers face during puberty.
The breakthrough for the “Jenifa” actress came with her role in the comedy-drama “Jenifa,” where she played a local girl attempting to feign a wealthy lifestyle. The success of the movie led to the creation of her popular TV series, “Jenifa’s Diary,” featuring stars like Lota Chukwu, comedian Lolo, Falz, and Olayode Juliana.
Funke Akindele, renowned for her acting prowess, was rumored to star in the Hollywood production “Marvel’s: Avengers Infinity War” in 2018. However, this speculation was later debunked as an IMDb listing, citing her as a cast member, was deemed inaccurate.
In 2019, Funke Akindele made her directorial debut with the movie “Your Excellency.” She also co-produced the box office hit “Omoghetto: The Saga,” which became the highest-grossing Nollywood movie, earning over N468 million in one month.
The actress continued to showcase her talents with the release of “Battle on Buka Street” in December. The movie achieved significant success, grossing $60,000 in the United States and over N640 million in Nigeria and West African Cinemas, according to box office reports.
| Real name/ Nickname | Akindele Ayotunde Olufunke/ Jenifa |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 24 August 1977 |
| Place of birth/State of origin | Ikorodu-Lagos State |
| Tertiary Institutions attended | Moshood Abiola PolytechnicUniversity of Lagos |
| Courses studied | Mass Communications (OND)Bachelor of Law (LLB) |
| Relationship Status/ Spouse | Divorced (JJC Skillz, Kehinde Oloyede) |
| Children | Taiwo and Kehinde Bello (Twins) |
| Occupation | Actress, Movie Producer, Director and Script writer |
| Debut movie | I Need to Know |
| Years active | 1998-Present |
| Parents | Mr and Mrs Akindele |
| Siblings | 4 |
In 2021, Funke Akindele, a versatile filmmaker, producer, and director, achieved a remarkable feat by earning a staggering N468,036,300 from her blockbuster movie “Omoghetto: The Saga.” This astounding success positioned the film as the highest-grossing movie in Nigeria of all time, breaking a four-year record held by Kemi Adetiba’s ‘The Wedding Party’—a film that featured notable names in the Nollywood industry such as Sola Sobowale.
In 2023, Funke Akindele, release the Movie “A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH” just three weeks after the release, the groundbreaking accomplishment of A Tribe Called Judah was realized, with its creator, Nigerian actor, director, and producer Funke Akindele, expressing gratitude to her fans for this remarkable milestone.
Posting on Instagram, the 46-year-old Akindele conveyed her thanks, saying, “Thank you Lord! Thank you Nigeria! Thank you Ghana!” The congratulatory messages flooded in, reflecting the widespread acclaim for the film.
This achievement solidifies Funke Akindele’s status as the highest-grossing director in Nollywood earning over a 1bn naira ($1.1m; £900,000) in domestic theatres. A Tribe Called Judah is poised to surpass Hollywood blockbusters in Nigerian box office earnings, overtaking the previous record holder, the acclaimed superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The significance of this achievement extends beyond numerical success, as it underscores the potency of storytelling, cultural pride, and the indomitable spirit of Nollywood, according to FilmOne Entertainment, the film’s distributor. The company hailed A Tribe Called Judah as a “cultural gem” and commended Akindele for contributing a pivotal chapter to the vibrant narrative of Nigerian cinema.
Receiving acclaim from both critics and fans, the film has garnered high ratings on various movie review platforms. Akindele’s creation revolves around the story of five brothers planning a heist to alleviate their mother’s financial struggles and is dedicated to Akindele’s late mother, who inspired the storyline.
Funke Akindele Marriages and Divorces
First marriage to Kehinde Oloyede:
In spite of Funke Akindele’s remarkable success in the Nollywood industry, her romantic journey has seen its share of ups and downs. In 2013, the filmmaker entered into matrimony with her first husband, Kehinde Oloyede, in a ceremony attended by stars. Regrettably, the marriage proved to be short-lived, concluding precisely 413 days after it commenced.
The actress and producer disclosed that the marriage ended on a sour note, with Kehinde Oloyede revealing the breakup on his Facebook page. Funke, describing the emotional turmoil as something she wished to overcome, acknowledged in an interview with Chude Jideonwo that she immersed herself in her career to cope with the pain of divorce.
Second marriage to JJC Skillz:
However, love found Funke Akindele again in 2016, this time in the arms of music executive and singer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, and a father of three. The duo discreetly tied the knot in a private ceremony in London. Upon returning to Nigeria, they collaborated professionally and personally.
Their joint production, the movie “Omoghetto: The Saga,” became an instant success in its first month of release. JJC Skillz and Funke Akindele Bello welcomed twin babies in 2018, continuing their love story.
After approximately six years of marriage, Funke faced marital challenges as her husband, JJC Skillz, publicly declared the end of their union. According to JJC Skillz, Funke asked him to leave their home and refused communication.
Stating that their marriage was irreparable, he expressed the intention to co-parent and manage their joint business. JJC Skillz highlighted the past two years as particularly challenging, emphasizing that they were pursuing separate lives.
Reports of their marital troubles had circulated in April, with JJC Skillz’s son, Benito, revealing that the couple had not shared a bed for two years, describing the living situation with Funke Akindele as unbearable. Mella, JJC Skillz’s baby mama and Benito’s mother, also hinted at issues in his marriage to Funke Akindele. Despite JJC Skillz initially dismissing rumors, their separation became public, with Benito attributing it to his comments on his father’s failed marriage to Funke Akindele.
| 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 | – |
| 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 | – |
| 2012 | Zulu African Film Academy Awards | Best Actress | Maami and The Return of Jenifa | Won | – |
| 2013 | 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Maami | Nominated | – |
| 2013 | 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Indigenous) | – | Won | – |
| 2013 | Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Drama) | Maami | Nominated | – |
| 2013 | Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Jenifa | 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 | – |
| 2014 | ELOY Awards | Brand Ambassador of the Year | Omo | Won | [53] |
| 2016 | 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress In Comedy Role | Jenifa’s Diary | Won | – |
| 2016 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress Series | – | Nominated | – |
| 2016 | Naija FM Awards | Sitcom Of The Year | – | Won | – |
| 2016 | Naija FM Awards | Best Actress in Comedy | – | Won | – |
| 2016 | Africa Entertainment Legend Awards | Best Actress of the Year | – | Won | [54] |
| 2016 | Ghana Movies Awards | Best Actress Africa Collaboration | A Trip to Jamaica | Won | [55] |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best TV Series | Jenifa’s Diary | Won | [56] |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series | – | Won | [57] |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | 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 | [58] |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actress | – | Won | – |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Searched Actress | – | Nominated | – |
| 2021 | 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 | [59][60] |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Costume Designer | – | Nominated | – |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Movie West Africa | – | Nominated | – |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Overall Movie | – | Nominated | – |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Television Series | Jenifa’s Diary | Nominated | – |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series | My Siblings & I | Nominated | – |
| 2022 | NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | – | Won | [61] |
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Actress In A Comedy Movie/TV Series | Battle on Buka Street | Nominated | [62] |
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Writer | – | Nominated | – |
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Overall Movie | – | Nominated | – |
| 2023 | Africa International Film Festival | Globe Award Honoree | – | Won | – |
| 2023 | NET Honours | Most Popular Actress | – | Won | – |
| 2023 | NET Honours | Most Searched Actress | – | Won | – |
| 2023 | Legit.ng’s Readers’ Choice Awards | Best Actress in 2023 | – | Won | – |
Funke Akindele Controversies
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a mandatory lockdown was instituted globally, including in Nigeria. The lockdown regulations included the prohibition of gatherings in places such as churches, clubs, and other public venues that fostered group activities.
In defiance of these directives, Funke Akindele organized a birthday celebration for her then-husband, JJC Skillz, at their residence. The event, held during the lockdown, attracted criticism on Twitter the following day.
In response to the party, the Lagos State government took legal action against the couple for violating lockdown orders, leading to their arrest. Notable Nigerian celebrities, including singer Naira Marley, were present at the gathering.
The Bellos were brought before a magistrate court and subsequently sentenced to 14 days of community service, coupled with a fine of N100,000 each.
Funke Akindele faced additional criticism for her managerial practices, with allegations of being a difficult boss raised by Olayode Juliana and an employee known as Khassie. Khassie, a scriptwriter and content creator for “Jenifa’s Diary,” claimed that the actress subjected her to repeated physical and mental abuse.
While these accusations remain unverified, Funke Akindele has not publicly addressed or refuted them. Instead, she has chosen to concentrate on advancing her career and pursuing her personal goals and aspirations.
Funke Akindele Participation in Politics
Nigerian star actress Funke Akindele emerged as the nominee for the position of Lagos deputy governor under the People’s Democratic Party for the 2023 election. This development marked her entry into Nigerian politics, joining a cadre of celebrities venturing into the political arena.
In a Twitter thread posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the Nollywood actress officially confirmed her political ambition, stating her awareness of the considerable responsibilities associated with the role. She expressed her willingness to make personal sacrifices by temporarily putting her career on hold to serve, emphasizing that no sacrifice is too great for the betterment of the people and the state. While some applaud her drive, others contend that she might be treating politics as a mere “side hustle.” But unfortunately she together with the PDP Gubernatorial Nominee lost the Lagos State Governorship election to the Reigning APC candidate Governor Sanwo – Olu.
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