This week on CNN’s ‘African Voices’, Funke Akindele-Bello, one of Nollywood biggest stars, talks through her career and why she’s focusing on the next generation of actors.
Funke, despite starting acting as a young adult, narrated on the programme how she started out on a very different career path.
The actress, who has appeared in countless films and some of the biggest sitcoms in Nigeria, said as a child, her parents had differing opinions when it came to her acting dreams.
“Growing up was fun for me having the support of my mum, she believed so much in my talent, though my dad never wanted me to be an actor – he wanted me to be a lawyer,” she recalled.
She explained on ‘African Voices’ how she compromised and agreed to study for a degree, eventually graduating in law.
Following this, Funke began auditioning for roles and had her big break when she was cast in one of the biggest sitcoms in Lagos, called ‘I Need To Know’.
She describes the time: “When I started ‘I Need To Know’, I never thought I would be this celebrated. I was 20 years old then. When I shot the pilot I just wanted to do it, I wanted to showcase my God-given talent… I remember the director telling me I was overacting because I was excited about it.”
Funke, best known for her portrayal of Jenifa, explained further why the character has continued to appeal to audiences: “Jenifa is witty, she’s crazy, she’s a go-getter, she doesn’t want to take no for an answer and I think I have that – I don’t want to take no for an answer.”
In the interview, Funke said the success of Jenifa led her to establish her own production company, Scene One Productions, as well as bringing many accolades, with her series receiving four awards since 2015.
Reflecting on this success Funke told the programme anchor: “All I can say is I’m grateful, it’s not easy for you to work hard and people appreciate you.”
Now working on a new TV drama examining the music industry in Nigeria, called ‘Industreet’, Funke has also founded ‘Jenifa’s Foundation’.
Explaining the programme’s work, she told CNN:“We reach out to young people, we empower them. We help them acquire skills, we help them discover their special gift, their talent in acting and music and dance.”
When asked what her advice would be for upcoming actors and performers in Nigeria, the multiple award-winning Funke summed: “Stay focused. When you know what you want for yourself, when you are focused, you will get there.”