Biography
Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde (born 24 August 1977), commonly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, is a talented Nigerian film actress, businesswoman and producer.
She starred in the comedy I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002, and in 2009 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress.
She rose to fame with her role in the film titled Jenifa, which earned her the nickname Jenifa. The Omo Ghetto trilogy contributed to her fame.
Funke Akindele starred in the show Jenifa’s Diary, which earned her the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the Africa Magic People’s Choice Awards in 2016.
Nigerian actress
Funke Akindele |
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 Funke Akindele: History, Biography, Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde |
| Stage name: | Funke Akindele |
| Born: | August 24, 1976 (age 47) |
| Place of birth: | Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Height: | 1.68 meters |
| Parents: | Do not have |
| Siblings: | Abimbola Maria Akindele |
| Husband • Spouse: | JJC (m. 2016), Kehinde Oloyede (m. 2012–2013) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Tamira Bello, Benito Bello, Josiah Bello |
| Job: | Actress • Television Personality |
| Net worth: | 3.5 million US dollars |
Early life and education
Funke Akindele was born on August 24, 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
She is the second of three children (two girls and a boy). Her mother is a medical doctor, while her father is a retired school principal. She also has an older sister named Abimbola Maria Akindele.
Funke Akindele attended Grace Children’s School, Gbagada, Lagos State. She obtained her Graduate National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. She obtained her Law degree from the University of Lagos.
Career
Funke Akindele rose to fame after starring in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002. She played the role of Bisi, a curious but intelligent high school student. Funke Akindele’s big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the film Jenifa.
In January 2018, there was a controversy when TheCityCeleb reported that Funke Akindele would be making her Hollywood debut in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War despite being listed as a cast member on IMDb.
Mainstream Nigerian media reported that Jenifa would play the Dora Milaje bodyguard in Infinity War, citing IMDb. A few weeks later, her name was replaced with that of Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, with Funke Akindele’s upload being a hack.
In February 2018, TheCityCeleb reported that Senate President and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki, advised Marvel Studios to include Funke Akindele in Infinity War.
In July 2016, in an interview, Funke Akindele stated that she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry because of piracy.
Funke Akindele stars in the currently airing hit TV show Jenifa’s Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode and Aderounmu Adejumoke.
The show is a spin-off of the film Jenifa. The 2018 comedy film Moms at War stars Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli.
In July 2019, Funke Akindele started a new web series, Aiyetoro Town, a spin-off from her popular television series, Jenifa’s Diary. She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.
She made her directorial debut with the 2019 political film Your Excellency.
Personal life
On 26 May 2012, Funke Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.
Funke Akindele has three children, namely Tamira Bello, Benito Bello and Josiah Bello, including her twin brother.
Her pregnancy rumors were one of the top search results on Google search engine in August 2017. Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several children of her own.
Charitable Initiative
Funke Akindele runs an NGO called Jenifa Foundation, which aims to provide vocational skills to young people.
The Testimonial
Funke Akindele has endorsement deals such as being signed as an Ambassador for Dettol and Irokotv.
In 2018, she was signed as a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.
In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company that produces detergents and bar soaps.
Awards & Nominations
- 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Actress
- 2009 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress
- 20102010 Nollywood Awards Best Actress (Yoruba)
- 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress
- Nollywood Film Awards Best Actress (Indigenous)
- Best of Nollywood Award for Best Actress (English)
- Zulu African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress
- Nollywood Film Awards 2013 Best Actress Best Actress (Indigenous)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2014 Best Actress
- Africa Magic People’s Choice Award for Best Actress (Comedy)
- Brand Ambassador of the Year at ELOY Awards
- Africa Magic 2016 People’s Choice Awards Best Actress in a Comedy Series
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Actress Series
- Naija FM Award for Sitcom of the Year
- Best Actress in a Comedy
- African Entertainment Legends Awards Best Actress of the Year
- Ghana Film Awards 2016 Best Actress Africa
- Africa Magic 2017 People’s Choice Awards Best Drama
- Best Actress in a Comedy or Drama Series
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2017 Best Actress
- Africa Magic People’s Choice Award 2020
- Best Actress in a Comedy (Moms At War)
- Net Title 2021
- Most Favorite Actress
- Most Searched Actress
- African Movie Academy Awards
- Best Actress (Omo Ghetto: The Saga)
List of movies played
Funke Akindele’s films are listed in alphabetical order.
- Agbefo
- Aje Metta
- Akandun
- The Anointed Liars
- Appaadi
- Apoti Orogun
- Meta of Atanpako
- Baye se Nlo
- Bolode O’ku
- The eldest father
- Weaken
- Edunjobi
- Egun
- Emi Abata
- Faraday
- I am Ola
- Industreet
- Isoken
- Jenifa
- Jenifa’s Diary
- Kakaki ‘leku
- back
- Women’s Association
- Love Wahala
- Maami
- Maku
- Married but still single
- Mothers in War
- Mr. Irawo
- Odun Baku
- Okun Ife Yi
- Omo slum
- Omo Ghetto: The Story
- Omo Pupa
- Oreke Mulero
- Osuwon Edaf
- The Return of Jenifa
- My Brothers and Sisters and I
- A trip to Jamaica
- Taiwo Taiwo
- Dear Sir
- Who’s the Boss (2020 movie)
Net worth
As of now, the net worth of talented actress and producer Funke Akindele is estimated at $3.5 million. She is one of the richest actresses in Nigeria.
Funke Akindele has endorsement deals such as being signed as an Ambassador for Irokotv.
Social media
- Instagram: @funkejenifaakindele
- Twitter: @funkeakindele
