Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele (born August 24, 1977) is a celebrated Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and politician known for her iconic role in the Jenifa franchise. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, she has produced numerous blockbusters, becoming one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing filmmakers. She is a mother of twins and has significantly impacted Nigerian pop culture. Early Life and Education Birthplace: Born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Background: Second of four children (some sources say three), born to a medical doctor mother and a retired school principal father. Education: She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) and a Law degree from the University of Lagos. Acting and Filmmaking Career Breakthrough: Gained prominence for her role as "Bisi" in the United Nations-sponsored TV series I Need to Know (1998–2002). Jenifa: Her breakthrough in film came in 2008 when she produced and starred in Jenifa, a movie that spawned the highly popular Jenifa's Diary TV series. Production: Through her media company, SceneOne Film Production, she has created several successful content pieces, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), which became one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time. Key Projects: Finding Me (2025), Omo Ghetto, and various Jenifa projects. Personal Life and Politics Marriages: She was married to Kehinde Oloyede (2012–2013) and later to Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) from 2016 to 2022. Children: She welcomed twin boys in December 2018. Politics: In 2022, she was named the deputy governorship candidate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State for the 2023 election. Awards and Recognition She has won several awards, including Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) for best actress and comedy roles.