Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a versatile Nigerian figure, excelling as a filmmaker, actress, director, producer, and politician. Akindele gained prominence for her role in the sitcom “I Need to Know” from 1998 to 2002.
Her breakthrough came with the character “Jenifa,” earning her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009. This role catapulted her to fame. She continued to portray Jenifa in the 2015 television series adaptation titled “Jenifa’s Diary,” securing the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the 2016 and 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Remarkably, she clinched the same award in 2020 and 2022, marking her fifth win in the Best Actress in a Comedy category. Akindele holds the record for the most nominations as an actress/filmmaker at the AMVCA, boasting six wins, making her the actress with the highest number of wins. Additionally, she is the second director in Nigeria to surpass a billion naira in box office earnings and currently holds the title of the Highest Grossing Nigerian Director in the Nigerian Box Office, with a total Gross exceeding ₦2.9 billion.
In 2022, Akindele received a nomination from the People’s Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, to serve as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos State governorship election.
Funke Akindele Age
Her birth name is Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde and was born on 24 August 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. As of 2024, the award-winning actress is 46 years old.
Funke Akindele Height
Akindele stands at a remarkable height of 5’7 feet tall.
Funke Akindele Family
Akindele hails from the Yoruba ethnic group. She occupies the second position among her siblings, comprising two sisters and a brother. Her mother practices medicine, while her father has retired as a school principal.
Funke Akindele Husband & Kids
On May 26, 2012, Funke Akindele tied the knot with Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. However, the couple parted ways and finalized their divorce in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Subsequently, Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. Rumors of her pregnancy became a top-searched topic on Google in August 2017. Sadly, JJC Skillz announced the dissolution of their six-year marriage via his official Instagram handle on June 30, 2022. Despite this, Funke Akindele welcomed twin boys into the world in December 2018 and is also a stepmother to several children.
Funke Akindele Education
She studied at Grace Children’s School in Gbagada, Lagos State. Later, she obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from what was formerly Ogun State Polytechnic, now recognized as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Subsequently, she graduated with a Law degree from the University of Lagos.
Funke Akindele Career
Akindele rose to prominence through her role in the well-known United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know,” which aired from 1998 to 2002. In the series, Funke Akindele portrayed Bisi, a curious yet highly intelligent secondary school student. Her major breakthrough occurred in 2008 with her appearance in the movie “Jenifa.”
In January 2018, there was controversy surrounding reports that Funke Akindele would make her Hollywood debut in Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” as she was listed as part of the cast on IMDb. Nigerian media outlets speculated that Jenifa would star in “Infinity War” as the Dora Milaje guard, based on IMDb’s listing. However, her name was later replaced with that of fellow Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, revealing Akindele’s listing to have been a result of hacking. In February 2018, it was reported that Senate President and chair of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had recommended Akindele to Marvel Studios for a role in “Infinity War.”
In a July 2016 interview, Funke Akindele mentioned that she was reducing her involvement in the Yoruba film industry due to piracy concerns. Akindele leads the cast of the popular TV show “Jenifa’s Diary,” alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show is an adaptation of the movie “Jenifa.” Additionally, the 2018 comedy film “Moms at War” features Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli. In July 2019, Akindele launched a new web series, “Aiyetoro Town,” which is a spinoff from her successful TV series, “Jenifa’s Diary.” She previously served as the CEO of Scene One Film Production.
Akindele made her directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film “Your Excellency.”
Political career
Akindele was selected as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos under the People’s Democratic Party (Nigeria) for the 2023 elections. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, justified her nomination by highlighting that the actress would enhance his candidacy in the upcoming general elections. Confirming her candidacy as deputy governor on Tuesday, the actress mentioned that her acting career would need to be temporarily paused.
Funke Akindele Net Worth
She has an estimated net worth of between $6 Million – $8 Million which she has earned through her career as a journalist.
