Funke Akindele-Bello, known as Jenifa, is a prominent Nigerian filmmaker, actress, director, producer, and politician.
She gained recognition for her role in the sitcom “I Need to Know” from 1998 to 2002. In 2009, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in “Jenifa,” which propelled her to fame. She later reprised the role in the 2015 television series adaptation titled “Jenifa’s Diary,” winning Best Actress in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Akindele holds the record for the most nominations and wins at the AMVCA, with a total of six wins.
Early life and Education
Funke Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the second of three children. Akindele attended the Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) where she studied Mass Communication. She later proceeded to the University of Lagos where she earned a degree in Law. Her passion for acting led her to pursue a career in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where she has become one of the most prominent figures.
Career rise and popularity
Funke Akindele rose to prominence after her role in the widely acclaimed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know,” which aired from 1998 to 2002. Portraying the character Bisi, a curious and intelligent secondary school student, she captured audiences’ attention. However, her breakthrough came in 2008 with her performance in the movie “Jenifa.”
In January 2018, controversy arose when it was falsely reported that Akindele would make her Hollywood debut in Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Despite being listed as part of the cast on IMDb, it was later revealed to be a hacking incident, and her name was replaced with Genevieve Nnaji’s. However, there were subsequent reports that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had advocated for Akindele’s inclusion in the movie.
In an interview in July 2016, Akindele mentioned reducing her involvement in the Yoruba film industry due to piracy concerns. She currently stars in the hit TV show “Jenifa’s Diary,” which is an adaptation of the movie “Jenifa,” alongside other talented actors.
Akindele has also ventured into filmmaking, starring in the 2018 comedy film “Moms at War” alongside Omoni Oboli. Additionally, she initiated a new web series called “Aiyetoro Town” in July 2019, which is a spinoff from her successful TV series.
Formerly the CEO of Scene One Film Production, Akindele made her directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film “Your Excellency,” showcasing her versatility and talent behind the camera.
Political Activities
Funke Akindele made headlines when she was nominated as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 elections. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, justified her nomination by emphasizing that Akindele would bring added value to his candidacy in the upcoming elections. Akindele confirmed her deputy governorship candidacy and acknowledged that her acting career would need to be put on hold during this period of political engagement. This move demonstrated her willingness to step into the realm of politics and contribute to governance in Lagos State.
Personal life
As successful as she is, Funke Akindele’s marital life isn’t all fun and roses.
She married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede on May 26, 2012. However, the couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.
Akindele later married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. The couple’s union lasted six years, but JJC Skillz announced the end of their marriage via his official Instagram handle on June 30, 2022.
During her marriage to JJC Skillz, Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018. Additionally, she has several step-children from her previous marriage(s) and her former husband’s previous relationships.
Controversy and legal issues
In April 2020, Funke Akindele, along with her husband at the time, JJC Skillz, made headlines when they were arrested and charged for hosting a birthday party for her husband during a mandated lockdown aimed at combating the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this controversy, Akindele later appeared in a video by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to raise awareness about the coronavirus. Subsequently, the actress and her husband pleaded guilty to violating the lockdown order and were sentenced to 14 days of community service as a consequence of their actions. This incident served as a lesson on the importance of adhering to public health guidelines during the pandemic.
Net Worth
Akindele’s wealth is estimated to be worth over 3million dollars, which is no surprise seeing how successful she is in the movie industry and other fields she dips her hands in