At the 2025 Media Sales Conference in Lagos, organized by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele attributed her success to hard work, dedication, and divine intervention. She stated, “Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first ‘Jenifa’ was released in 2009, and that was the turning point.”
Funke Akindele also acknowledged the support of veteran singer D’banj during the early stages of her career. She recounted meeting him at a club event, where he encouraged her to expand the ‘Jenifa’ brand and provided financial assistance for her to continue writing. This collaboration led to the development of the successful ‘Jenifa’ franchise.
Her journey to prominence began with her role in the popular sitcom “I Need to Know” (1998–2002). The release of ‘Jenifa’ in 2009 marked a significant milestone in her career, establishing her as a leading figure in Nigerian cinema. Today, Akindele holds the record for the highest-grossing producer in Nollywood.
