Meet Funke Akindele, a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment scene, renowned for her stellar performances as an actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur. From her modest beginnings to her current status as one of the most influential figures in Nollywood, Funke’s journey is a testament to her incredible talent and unyielding drive for success.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of Funke Akindele’s net worth and explore the various avenues through which she has amassed her wealth. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind her financial success and learn how she continues to dominate the Nigerian film industry.
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Quick Facts
- Name: Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele
- Birthdate: August 24, 1977 (Age 46 years)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupations: Actor, Director, Producer, and Politician.
- Schools: Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, University of Lagos.
- Years Active: 1998-Present
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Children: 2 children (Tailor and Kehinde Bello)
- Siblings: 4
- Net Worth: $ 7.6 million
Early Life And Education
Akindele Bello Olufunke Ayotunde popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifer, was born on August 4th, 1977, in Lagos, Nigeria. She’s not just an actress but also a movie producer, director, and politician. Growing up, Funke was the second child in her family, with three siblings – two sisters and a brother. Her father was a school principal, while her mother was a medical doctor.
She went to Grace Children’s School in Lagos for her first school. Then, she studied Mass Communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, which is also called Ogun State Polytechnic. After that, she went to the University of Lagos and got a law degree.
Funke Akindele Age
The actress was born on the 24th of August 1977. She is currently 45 years old.
Career
Funke’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the late 1990s, and since then, she has become a household name. She has starred in numerous movies and TV series, earning herself a lasting career as a multi-award-winning actress, producer, director, and CEO of Scene One Film Production.
Instead of pursuing a career in law, Funke followed her passion for acting, starting with a role in the popular TV series “I Need to Know” from 1998 to 2000.
However, Funke’s breakthrough came in 2008 when she starred in the Yoruba film “Jenifa,” where she played the role of a comedic character named Jenifa. The movie gained widespread popularity, even among non-Yoruba-speaking audiences, and Funke soon adopted the movie’s title as a nickname.
Apart from her acting career, Funke is also a prolific producer, director, and writer, known for her successful series such as “Jenifa’s Diary” and “Aiyetoro Town.” She has written, produced, and directed several hit movies, including “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” which became the highest-grossing film in Nigeria.
In addition to her success in the entertainment industry, Funke is also a savvy entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production and the founder of the Jennifer Foundation, which aims to provide vocational skills to young people.
Political Career
In the 2023 Nigeria election, the actress was nominated to run for the position of Lagos deputy governor under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She said she would pause her acting career to focus on politics. But when she didn’t win the election, she returned to acting as her main job.
Despite her fame and fortune, Funke remains grounded and committed to giving back to society.
Funke Akindele Husband
She has faced her fair share of challenges, including two failed marriages. Her first marriage ended in divorce in 2013, while her second marriage to Nigerian rapper JJC Skills also ended in 2022.
Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.
Controversy
In January 2018, there was a controversy when it was reported that Akindele might be in the Hollywood movie, Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. Some news said she was listed as part of the cast on IMDb, a website about movies and shows.
The news spread in Nigeria, with people saying she might play a character called Dora Milaje in the movie. But then, after some time, her name disappeared from the list, and Genevieve Nnaji’s name appeared instead. It turned out someone had hacked the website and put her name there.
Later in February 2018, there was news that Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, had told Marvel Studios that they should put Akindele in Infinity War.
In April 2020, Funke made headlines when she was arrested for hosting a birthday party during the COVID-19 lockdown. She later appeared in a Nigeria Center for Disease Control video to raise awareness about the virus.
On the career front, Funke has received numerous awards and nominations for her outstanding performances. She’s known for her versatility and charisma, captivating audiences with her captivating roles.
Funke Akindele Awards and Recognitions
Akindele has had a remarkable career, winning many awards like Best Actress at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She’s made a big impact on the industry and even got invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This shows she’s left a lasting legacy as a movie icon.
Funke Akindele Net Worth and Endorsement Deals
Funke’s success isn’t just limited to the screen – she’s also a savvy businesswoman with multiple endorsement deals and investments.
Funke Akindele is one of the wealthiest actresses in Nigeria. She’s super talented and has a net worth of $7.6 million. She is a brand Ambassador to Irokotv, Keystone Bank, and also with Wow Nigeria, a company that makes soap and detergent.
Funke Akindele House and Cars
She owns a luxurious mansion in Amen Estate, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos state Nigeria, and a fleet of high-end cars, including a Lexus LX570 SUV, a Bentley, a Toyota Prado SUV, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Range Rover, and a customized Rolls-Royce. In 2023, she reached a new milestone in her billionaire journey by acquiring a personal private jet, worth millions of naira.
Funke Akindele Social Media Presence
Funke Akindele is active on social media under the following user name:
Twitter: @funkejenifaakindele
Instagram: @funkeakindele
Takeaway
Funke’s story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors and entrepreneurs, proving that with talent, hard work, and determination, anything is possible. As she continues to shine on and off the screen, Funke Akindele remains a true icon of Nigerian cinema and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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