Funke Akindele Biography – Discover Funke Akindele’s inspiring journey in Nollywood. Learn about her net worth, age, state of origin, hometown, husband, and career achievements in this detailed biography.
Funke Akindele is one of the most celebrated actresses and filmmakers in Nollywood. Best known for her role as Jenifa in the hit series Jenifa’s Diary, she has built a highly successful career spanning over two decades. She is an actress, producer, and politician who has significantly influenced the Nigerian film industry. With numerous awards, blockbuster movies, and successful TV productions to her name, Funke Akindele remains a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry.
Funke Akindele Biography: Personal Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1977 |
| Age | 46 years old (as of 2024) |
| State of Origin | Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Ikorodu, Lagos State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (OND), University of Lagos (Law) |
| Career Start | 1998 (in I Need to Know) |
| Notable Works | Jenifa’s Diary, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, A Tribe Called Judah |
| Awards | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Nigeria Entertainment Awards |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $7 million |
| Husband | Formerly married to JJC Skillz |
| Current Position | CEO of SceneOne Productions, Politician (former Deputy Governorship Candidate of Lagos State) |
Key Takeaways
- Funke Akindele is a Nigerian actress, producer, and filmmaker.
- She gained fame with her role in the TV series I Need to Know.
- Her breakthrough came with the Jenifa franchise.
- She has produced and starred in multiple box-office hits, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
- She was formerly married to JJC Skillz, but they separated in 2022.
- Her estimated net worth is $7 million, making her one of the richest actresses in Nigeria.
- She ventured into politics in 2022, running for Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
- She is the CEO of SceneOne Productions, a leading film and TV production company in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Funke Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Lagos, Nigeria. She hails from Ikorodu, Lagos State, but her family originates from Ogun State. Raised in a disciplined household, her mother was a medical doctor, while her father was a retired school principal.
She attended Grace Children’s School in Lagos before moving on to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, where she earned an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication. Later, she pursued a degree in Law at the University of Lagos, but her passion for acting led her to a career in the entertainment industry.
Career Achievements
Acting Breakthrough
Funke Akindele’s journey in Nollywood started in 1998 when she played Bisi in I Need to Know, a UNFPA-sponsored television series. However, her major breakthrough came in 2008 when she released the movie Jenifa, a comedy-drama that became a massive hit. The success of the movie led to the creation of Jenifa’s Diary, a popular TV series that won multiple awards.
Blockbuster Movies and TV Shows
After Jenifa, Funke Akindele continued to make waves in Nollywood. Some of her biggest projects include:
- Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) – This movie became Nigeria’s highest-grossing film, earning over ₦636 million at the box office.
- Battle on Buka Street (2022) – Another box-office success, cementing her as a top Nollywood producer.
- A Tribe Called Judah (2023) – A major hit that showcased her talent in storytelling and production.
SceneOne Productions
As the CEO of SceneOne Productions, Funke Akindele has built a successful production company, producing movies, TV shows, and digital content. Some of her company’s successful productions include:
- Jenifa’s Diary
- Industreet
- My Siblings and I
Her work in comedy, drama, and social storytelling has set her apart as one of the most versatile filmmakers in Africa.
Awards and Recognition
Funke Akindele has won numerous awards throughout her career, including:
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Best Actress in a Comedy.
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Best Actress.
- City People Entertainment Awards – Best Actress of the Year.
- Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) – Best Actress in a Leading Role.
- The Sun Awards – Nollywood’s Personality of the Year.
Her impact on African cinema and TV has been widely recognized both locally and internationally.
Net Worth
Funke Akindele is one of the wealthiest actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $7 million. She earns from:
- Acting and movie production.
- Endorsement deals with brands like Dettol, Keystone Bank, Glo, and WAW Detergent.
- Her streaming platform, SceneOne TV.
- Real estate investments.
Personal Life: Husband and Family
Funke Akindele has been married twice. Her first marriage to Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede ended in 2013. She later married Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) in 2016, and they had twins together before announcing their separation in 2022.
Despite the challenges in her personal life, she continues to focus on her career and business ventures.
Political Career
In 2022, Funke Akindele was selected as the Deputy Governorship Candidate for Lagos State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Although she did not win, her involvement in politics showed her commitment to social change and youth empowerment.
Legacy and Influence
Funke Akindele is regarded as one of the most influential actresses in Nollywood. Her unique storytelling, business acumen, and ability to connect with audiences have made her a household name. She continues to mentor young actors and filmmakers, contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
Conclusion
Funke Akindele’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and excellence. From her early days as a TV actress to becoming a box-office queen, business mogul, and political figure, she has made an indelible mark on Nollywood and African entertainment. With her impressive achievements and continued success, she remains an icon and inspiration to many.
FAQs About Funke Akindele Biography
1. What is Funke Akindele’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be $7 million, making her one of the richest actresses in Nigeria.
2. Where is Funke Akindele from?
She is from Ikorodu, Lagos State, but her state of origin is Ogun State, Nigeria.
3. What are Funke Akindele’s most successful movies?
Her biggest movies include Jenifa, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, and A Tribe Called Judah.
4. Who is Funke Akindele’s husband?
She was formerly married to JJC Skillz (Abdulrasheed Bello), but they separated in 2022.
5. Has Funke Akindele won any major awards?
Yes, she has won multiple awards, including Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
