Funke Akindele, the supernova in Nigeria’s film industry
Nollywood, the cinema of Nigeria which dates back to the 19th and 20th century has now become one of Africa’s largest money making industries and Africa’s largest film industry bringing in estimated returns of six hundred million dollars to the Nigerian economy annually. Producing over fifty feature films in a week, it is the world’s second most prolific film industry.
The journey started with names such as patience ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Olu Jacobs, Sam loco Efe, John Okafor, Nkem Owoh, Chinedu Ikedezie, Amaechi Muonagor, and Olu Jacobs. In hit films such as ‘Aki Na Ukwa’ ‘Mama G in America’, and ‘Osuofia in London’.
Today new faces have sprung up on the turf of the industry but, one that shook the entire industry and made a notable mark in history is Olufunke Ayotunde Akindeke Bello.
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele Bello a filmmaker, actress, director and producer who hails from Lagos, Nigeria. She is popularly known for her role ‘Jenifa’ in the television series called Jenifa’s diary for which she was named the best actress in a comedy at 2016 and 2017 African magic viewer’s choice Awards(AMVCA).
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She is also the most nominated actress and filmmaker at the AMVCA and currently owns six wins. She has starred in so many hit films such as ‘Omo Ghetto’, Chief Daddy, ‘she must be obeyed’ amongst others.
The main question here is how did this all start? How did she manage to climb the ladder of success? She started her career out in 1998 with the series ‘I need to know’, a Nigerian family oriented television series aired on the Nigerian Television Authority network (NTA). The show ran from 1997 to 2002 and she played the role of ‘Bisi’. The United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) supported its production.
The series had the sole purpose of educating and enlightening Young viewers about important topics such as sex education, HIV/AIDS, and other social issues. It was indeed an educative show that tackled sensitive subjects in a relative and informative way.
Funke’s big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the movie ‘Jenifa.’ The film received four nominations at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards which includes best actress in a supporting Role, Best original sound track and Best Nigerian film.
She won the award for the Best Actress in a leading role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in this film. Akindele reprised the role in 2015 as ‘Jenifa’s diary’ which she produced and created.
The series still gains so much recognition till today. This was just the beginning for Akindele, she had created more inspiring and entertaining movies.
A Tribe Called Judah, Funke Akindele’s most recent movie a tribe called Judah which she co- produced with Adeoluwa Owu, featuring known Nigerian actors such as Olumide Oworu, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Timini Egbuson and many others. The film broke the Nigerian box office as it made a billion naira in domestic theatres in just three weeks. The star’s achievement is quite tremendous, she is indeed a supernova.
Written BY: NWANKWO CHINENYE STEPHANIE
