Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele Bello | |
---|---|
Born | Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde August 24, 1977 [1] |
Alma mater | |
Occupation(s) | Actress, Film Producer |
Years active | 1998-present |
Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde[2][3] (popularly known as Funke Akindele /Jenifa)[4] is a Nigerian actress and producer.[5] Funke starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002, and in 2009 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.[6] She plays the lead character in the show Jenifa's Diary,[7] for which she was named Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.[8]
Early life and education
Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[9] Funke is the second of three children (two girls and one boy). Akindele's mother is a Medical Doctor while her father is a retired School Principal.[4][10] Funke obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, [11].[12] [13]
Career
Akindele came into the limelight after starring in popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. Funke played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Funke Akindele's big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the movie Jenifa[14] [13]
In January 2018, there was a controversy when it was reported that Akindele would get her Hollywood debut in Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War as she was listed as a member of the cast on IMDb.[15] Mainstream Nigerian press reported that she was set to star in Infinity War as the guard Dora Milaje, citing IMDb.[16] Some weeks later her name was replaced with that of fellow Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji,[17] with Akindele's upload shown to have been a hack.[18] In February 2018, it was reported that Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki has advised Marvel Studios to feature Akindele in Infinity War.[19]
In July 2016, in an interview she stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.[8] Akindele plays the lead character in the ongoing hit TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show is a spin-off from the movie Jenifa.[7] The 2018 comedy film Moms at War stars Akindele and Michelle Dede. In July 2019, Akindele started a new web series, ‘Aiyetoro Town,[20]’ a spinoff from her popular TV series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary,[21] She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.[22]
She made her directorial debut in 2019 political drama film Your Excellency.[23]
Charity initiative
Funke Akindele runs a non-governmental organisation known as the Jenifa Foundation, which aims at providing young people with vocational skills.[24][25]
Endorsements
Funke Akindele has endorsement deals such as her being signed as an Ambassador to Irokotv.[26] Also in 2018, she was signed as brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.[27] In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company that manufactures detergent and bar soaps.[28]
Personal life
On May 26, 2012, Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede.[29] The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.[30] Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.[31] Rumours about her pregnancy dominated searches on Google search engine in August 2017.[32] Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.[33] [34][35]
Controversies
In April 2020, Akindele was arrested after holding a birthday party for her husband during the lockdown imposed to tackle coronavirus[36]. She later appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness about coronavirus.[37] The actress and her husband were sentenced to 14-day community service after confessing guilty to violating lockdown order.[38]
Filmography
- Jenifa
- Jenifa's Diary
- Your Excellency
- Maami
- Industreet
- A Trip to Jamaica
- Return of Jenifa
- Isoken
- Moms at War
- Chief Daddy
- Married but Living Single
- Apaadi
- Emi Abata
- Love Wahala
- Ladies Gang
- Anointed Liars
- Bolode O'ku
- Farayola
- Ija Ola
- Aje Metta
- Apoti Orogun
- Atanpako Meta
- Kakaki 'leku
- Omo Pupa
- Taiwo Taiwo
- Akandun
- Baye se Nlo
- Edunjobi
- Egun
- Maku
- Oba Irawo
- Okun Ife Yi
- Agbefo
- Kòséfowórà
- Odun Baku
- Oreke Mulero
- Osuwon Edaf
Awards and nominations
Year | Event | Prize | Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | Africa Movie Academy Award | Best Actress Leading Role | Won | |
2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Jenifa | Won | |
2010 | 2010 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba) | Oguni Aiku | Nominated |
2012 | 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress | Troj | Won |
2012 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Indigenous) | Emi Abata | Won | |
2012 Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Actress (English) | Married but Living Single | Nominated | |
Zulu African Film Academy Awards | Best Actress | Maami and The Return of Jenifa | Won | |
2013 | 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Maami | Nominated |
Best Actress (Indigenous) | Won | |||
2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress (Leading Role) | Agnetta O’Mpa | Won |
2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress (Comedy) | The Return of Sheri Koko | Won | |
ELOY Awards | Brand Ambassador of the Year | Omo | Won[39] | |
2016 | 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actress In Comedy Role | Jenifa's Diary | Won |
Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Actress Series | Nominated | ||
Naija FM Awards | Sitcom Of The Year | Won | ||
Best Actress in Comedy | Won | |||
Africa Entertainment Legend Awards | Best Actress of the Year | Won[40] | ||
2016 Ghana Movies Awards | Best Actress Africa Collaboration | A Trip to Jamaica | Won[41] | |
2017 | Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best TV Series | Jenifa's Diary | Won[42] |
Best Actress in a Comedy Movie or TV Series | Won[43] | |||
A Trip to Jamaica | Nominated | |||
2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Lead Actress | Won | ||
2020 | 2020 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or TV Series | Won[44] |
References
- ^ "Just like Funke Akindele, everyone got Eniola Badmus' age wrong". The Net. The Net. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
- ^ Njoku, Benjamin (2 January 2010). "I didn't snatch anybody's husband – Funke Akindele". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ^ "Full name & Date of Birth". Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ^ a b "ABOUT FUNKE AKINDELE - Funke Akindele - Official Website of Olufunke Akindele". olufunkeakindele.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ Funsho Akinwale, Funke Akindele gives first glimpse of her twins, The Guardian
- ^ "AMAA Nominees and Winners 2009". African Movie Academy Award. Archived from the original on 5 April 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
- ^ a b ""Jenifa's Diary" Watch Funke Akindele in season 4 trailer". Pulse.ng. Chidumga Izuzu. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ a b July 18, 2016 Funke Akindele: I’m not producing Yoruba movies for now, The Cable
- ^ Olivia Kabir, January 2019 Funke Akindele's state of origin Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1215364-funke-akindeles-state-origin.html, Legit.ng
- ^ Bodunrin, Sola. "10 Things You Need To Know About Funke Akindele ▷ NAIJ.COM". naij.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ "Unilag Home". University of Lagos. Retrieved 2020-01-22.
- ^ Williams, Yvonne. "Birthday Shout! Celebrating versatile screen diva Funke Akindele aka Jenifa". Happenings Media. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
- ^ a b "Nollywood's Funke Akindele turns 40 years today". Ghanaweb.com. 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ Akindele, Funke. "Watch: Funke Akindele – My Best Friend Can Only Call My Husband On His Birthday". TheGuardian. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Funke Akindele named as starring in Hollywood movie, "Avengers: Infinity War"". Premium Times Nigeria. 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
- ^ January 11, 2018 Funke Akindele to star in Hollywood movie “Avengers: Infinity War”, Sun News
- ^ "What's the Story on Funke Akindele Bello, Genevieve Nnaji & "Avengers: Infinity War"?". BellaNaija. 2018-01-15. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
- ^ Nsikak Nseyen, January 16, 2018 How hackers uploaded Funke Akindele’s photo as Avenger’s cast – Freeze, Daily Post
- ^ Nasikak Nseye, February 5, 2018‘Avengers Infinity War’: Saraki makes case for actress, Funke Akindele, Daily Post
- ^ "Aiyetoro town: Funke Akindele has kicked off 'Jenifa's Diary' spinoff, and it's hilarious". Pulse Nigeria. 2019-07-10. Retrieved 2020-02-15.
- ^ July 24, 2018 Here's when Omoni Oboli's new film will be released in cinemas, Pulse Nigeria
- ^ Mosope Olumide, September 14, 2018 Poverty And Failure: Funke Akindele Reveals Her Greatest Fears In Life, The Net
- ^ "'Your Excellency': Funke Akindele's directorial debut makes N17.5 million in 2 days". www.pulse.ng. 2019-12-17. Retrieved 2020-01-08.
- ^ "Nollywood/ Nigeria No.1 movies/ films resources online". nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ ""Why I am focusing on educating the next generation" – Funke Akindele-Bello tells CNN's 'African Voices'". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2018-04-16.
- ^ "Actress Funke Akindele, Signed As Ambassador To Iroko TV - INFORMATION NIGERIA". informationng.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ August 27, 2018 Keystone Bank signs Actress, Funke Akindele as brand ambassador, Vanguard Nigeria
- ^ November 6,2019[1], "The Nation"
- ^ "BN Exclusive: It's Official, "Jenifa" Star Funke Akindele is a Married Woman! Photos & Details of the Beautiful Union with Her Beau Kehinde Oloyede Only On BN". bellanaija.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ "Funke Akindele: "Yes, My Marriage has Crashed" - Nollywood Star confirms Split – Read the Official Statement + Her Recent Interview". bellanaija.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
- ^ [http://sunnewsonline.com/marriage-to-funke-akindele-jjc-breaks-silence/ Marriage
- ^ https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/funke-akindeles-pregnancy-jamb-dominate-google-searches/
- ^ http://dailypost.ng/2017/08/02/jjc-reveals-convinced-marry-funke-akindele/
- ^ Fikayo Olowolagba, December 22, 2018. Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele defies prophecy, welcomes twins, Daily Post (Nigeria)Daily Post
- ^ Seun Durojaiye, January 2019 Actress Funke Akindele stuns in native owambe outfit, Legit.ng
- ^ "Nigerian actress fined over lockdown party". BBC News. 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
- ^ "Coronavirus: Nigerian actress Funke Akindele arrested for Lagos party amid lockdown". BBC. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- ^ Press, Fellow (2020-04-07). "Coronavirus: Funke Akindele, husband sentenced to community service". Fellow Press. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
- ^ "Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele, Omawumi: All the winners from the 2014 ELOY awards - Lifestyle - Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. 2014-12-01. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ "Winners List - Ael Awards (Aela)". Aelaawards.com. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ "Ghana Movie Awards 2016: Funke Akindele wins best actress African collaboration - Movies - Pulse" (in German). Pulse.ng. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ Adeleke Afolayan (4 March 2017). "AMVCA 2017: See the full list of winners". The NET.
- ^ Chidumga Izuzu (4 March 2017). "Funke Akindele wins Best Actress in a Comedy". Pulse.Ng.
- ^ Clifford, Igbo. "Funke Akindele Biography, Age, Early Life, Family, Education, Career, Net Worth And More". Information Guide Africa. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
External links
- Best Actress Africa Movie Academy Award winners
- 1977 births
- Actresses from Lagos State
- Yoruba actresses
- Living people
- University of Lagos alumni
- 21st-century Nigerian actresses
- Nigerian film actresses
- Nigerian television actresses
- Participants in Nigerian reality television series
- Actresses in Yoruba cinema
- Moshood Abiola Polytechnic alumni