Funke Akindele

Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde born (24 August 1977)[2][3] popularly known, as Funke Akindele or Jenifa[4] is a Nigerian film actress[5] and producer.[6] Akindele starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002, and in 2009, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.[7] She rose to fame for her role in the movie titled Jenifa[8] which earned her the nickname Jenifa. The Omo Ghetto[9] trilogy contributed to her fame. Funke Akindele played the lead role in the show Jenifa's Diary,[10] for which she was named the Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.[11]

Funke Akindele Bello
Funke Akindele at the 2020 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards
Born
Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde

(1977-08-24) August 24, 1977[1]
Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Alma mater
OccupationActress, Film Producer
Years active1998-present

Early life and education

Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[12] She is the second of three children (two girls and one boy). Her mother is a medical doctor while her father is a retired school principal.[4][13] She attended Grace Children School Gbagada, Lagos State. She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. She earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.[14]

Career

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. 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.[15][16]

In January 2018, there was a controversy when it was reported that Funke Akindele would get her Hollywood debut in Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War as she was listed as a member of the cast on IMDb.[17] Mainstream Nigerian press reported that Jenifa was set to star in Infinity War as the guard Dora Milaje, citing IMDb.[18] Some weeks later her name was replaced with that of fellow Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji,[19] with Funke Akindele's upload shown to have been a hack.[20] In February 2018, it was reported that Senate President and chair of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki has advised Marvel Studios to feature Akindele in Infinity War.[21]

In July 2016, in an interview, Funke Akindele stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.[11] Akindele plays the lead character in the ongoing hit TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show is a spin-off from the movie Jenifa.[10] The 2018 comedy film Moms at War stars Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli. In July 2019, Akindele started a new web series, Aiyetoro Town,[22] a spinoff from her popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary.[23] She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.[24]

She made her directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film, Your Excellency.[25]

Charity initiative

Akindele runs a nongovernmental organization known as the Jenifa Foundation, which aims at providing young people with vocational skills.[26][27]

Endorsements

Akindele has endorsement deals such as her being signed as an Ambassador to Dettol and Irokotv.[28][29] In 2018, she was signed as brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.[30] In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company that manufactures detergent and bar soap.[31]

Personal life

On May 26, 2012, Funke Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede.[32][33]The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.[34] Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.[35] Her pregnancy rumours were among the top searched results on Google search engine in August 2017.[36] Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.[37][38][39]

Controversy

In April 2020, Akindele was arrested and charged in court for hosting a birthday party in honour of her husband during the period of an imposed lockdown (to tackle coronavirus).[40] She later appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness about coronavirus.[41] The actress and her husband were sentenced to a 14-day community service after pleading guilty to violating the lockdown order.[42]

Record holdings
Funke Akindele at 2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards

Her movie Omo Ghetto currently holds the record of becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time in Nigeria, breaking the four-year record of Kemi Adetiba's movie titled 'The Wedding Party'.

According to a statement, broadcast by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), in January 2021, the movie grossed N468,036,300 after maintaining its number one spot for 3 consecutive weeks.[43]

Filmography

The films of Funke Akindele are listed in alphabetical order:[44]

Awards and nominations
Year Event Prize Work Result Ref
2009 Africa Movie Academy Award Best Actress Leading Role Won
2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress Jenifa Won
2010 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) Oguni Aiku Nominated
2012 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress Troj 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
2013 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards Best Actress (Leading Role) Maami Nominated
Best Actress (Indigenous) Won
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 [46]
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 [47]
2016 Ghana Movies Awards Best Actress Africa Collaboration A Trip to Jamaica Won [48]
2017 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best TV Series Jenifa's Diary Won [49]
Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series Won [50]
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
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 Pending [51]
Best Costume Designer Pending
Best Movie West Africa Pending
Best Overall Movie Pending
Best Television Series Jenifa's Diary Pending
Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series My Siblings & I Pending

See also

References
  1. Sanusi, Hassan (11 September 2016). "Just like Funke Akindele, everyone got Eniola Badmus' age wrong". The Net. The Net. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017.
  2. Njoku, Benjamin (2 January 2010). "I didn't snatch anybody's husband – Funke Akindele". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  3. "Full name & Date of Birth". Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  4. "ABOUT FUNKE AKINDELE - Funke Akindele - Official Website of Olufunke Akindele". olufunkeakindele.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  5. "Funke Akindele celebrates 14 years of playing 'Jenifa'". thenationonlineng.net. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  6. Funsho Akinwale, Funke Akindele gives first glimpse of her twins, The Guardian
  7. "AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009". African Movie Academy Award. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  8. The Return of Jenifa (2011) - IMDb, retrieved 2021-09-23
  9. Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) - IMDb, retrieved 2021-09-23
  10. ""Jenifa's Diary" Watch Funke Akindele in season 4 trailer". Pulse.ng. Chidumga Izuzu. 26 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  11. July 18, 2016 Funke Akindele: I’m not producing Yoruba movies for now, The Cable
  12. Olivia Kabir, January 2019 Funke Akindele's state of origin Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1215364-funke-akindeles-state-origin.html, Legit.ng
  13. Bodunrin, Sola (25 August 2015). "10 Things You Need To Know About Funke Akindele ▷ NAIJ.COM". naij.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  14. "Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham lifestyles". BBC News Pidgin. 2021-09-12. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
  15. Akindele, Funke (11 July 2019). "Watch: Funke Akindele – My Best Friend Can Only Call My Husband On His Birthday". TheGuardian. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  16. "Nollywood's Funke Akindele turns 40 years today". Ghanaweb.com. 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
  17. "Funke Akindele named as starring in Hollywood movie, "Avengers: Infinity War"". Premium Times Nigeria. 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
  18. January 11, 2018 Funke Akindele to star in Hollywood movie “Avengers: Infinity War”, Sun News
  19. "What's the Story on Funke Akindele Bello, Genevieve Nnaji & "Avengers: Infinity War"?". BellaNaija. 2018-01-15. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
  20. Nsikak Nseyen, January 16, 2018 How hackers uploaded Funke Akindele’s photo as Avenger’s cast – Freeze, Daily Post
  21. Nasikak Nseye, February 5, 2018 ‘Avengers Infinity War’: Saraki makes case for actress, Funke Akindele, Daily Post
  22. "Aiyetoro town: Funke Akindele has kicked off 'Jenifa's Diary' spinoff, and it's hilarious". Pulse Nigeria. 2019-07-10. Retrieved 2020-02-15.
  23. July 24, 2018 Here's when Omoni Oboli's new film will be released in cinemas, Pulse Nigeria
  24. Mosope Olumide, September 14, 2018 Poverty And Failure: Funke Akindele Reveals Her Greatest Fears In Life, The Net
  25. "'Your Excellency': Funke Akindele's directorial debut makes N17.5 million in 2 days". www.pulse.ng. 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2020-01-08.
  26. "Nollywood/ Nigeria No.1 movies/ films resources online". nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  27. ""Why I am focusing on educating the next generation" – Funke Akindele-Bello tells CNN's 'African Voices'". BellaNaija. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
  28. "Actress Funke Akindele becomes brand ambassador for Dettol - The Cable". lifestyle.thecable.ng. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  29. "Actress Funke Akindele, Signed As Ambassador To Iroko TV - INFORMATION NIGERIA". informationng.com. 13 March 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  30. August 27, 2018 Keystone Bank signs Actress, Funke Akindele as brand ambassador, Vanguard Nigeria
  31. November 6, 2019 , "The Nation"
  32. "BN Exclusive: It's Official, "Jenifa" Star Funke Akindele is a Married Woman! Photos & Details of the Beautiful Union with Her Beau Kehinde Oloyede Only On BN". bellanaija.com. 28 May 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  33. "How I got news of my first failed marriage - Funke Akindele". 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
  34. "Funke Akindele: "Yes, My Marriage has Crashed" - Nollywood Star confirms Split – Read the Official Statement + Her Recent Interview". bellanaija.com. 20 July 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  35. "Marriage to Funke Akindele: JJC breaks silence". The Sun Nigeria. 2016-05-28. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  36. "Funke Akindele's pregnancy, JAMB dominate Google searches". Vanguard News. 2017-08-25. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  37. "JJC reveals who convinced him to marry Funke Akindele". 2 August 2017.
  38. Fikayo Olowolagba, December 22, 2018. Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele defies prophecy, welcomes twins, Daily Post (Nigeria)Daily Post
  39. Seun Durojaiye, January 2019 Actress Funke Akindele stuns in native owambe outfit, Legit.ng
  40. "Nigerian actress fined over lockdown party". BBC News. 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  41. "Coronavirus: Nigerian actress Funke Akindele arrested for Lagos party amid lockdown". BBC. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  42. Press, Fellow (2020-04-07). "Coronavirus: Funke Akindele, husband sentenced to community service". Fellow Press. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  43. "Funke Akindele's 'Omo Ghetto' becomes highest grossing Nollywood movie". Vanguard News. 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-02-08.
  44. "Funke Akindele". IMDb. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  45. "How upcoming Nollywood film, 'Who's The Boss' represents the modern Nigerian woman". The Native. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  46. "Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, Omawumi: All the winners from the 2014 ELOY awards - Lifestyle - Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. 2014-12-01. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  47. "Winners List - Ael Awards (Aela)". Aelaawards.com. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  48. "Ghana Movie Awards 2016: Funke Akindele wins best actress African collaboration - Movies - Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
  49. Adeleke Afolayan (4 March 2017). "AMVCA 2017: See the full list of winners". The NET.
  50. Chidumga Izuzu (4 March 2017). "Funke Akindele wins Best Actress in a Comedy". Pulse.Ng.
  51. "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.