5 Things You Didn’t Know About Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele is one of Nigeria’s well-known actresses. She has more than 24 years of experience working in Nollywood. She has built a solid career from appearing in comedy films.

Akindele is regarded as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid actresses. She became well-known because of her performance in the film Jenifa, which gave her the moniker Jenifa. 

Due to her television series Jenifa’s Diary, Funke Akindele became largely recognised. The series made her win the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.

Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper Abdulrasheed Bello, best known as  JJC Skillz, in May 2016. In the early hours of today, he announced his separation from his wife, Akindele, on his official Instagram account.

Despite having two children together and owning a business together, the former couple has failed to reach an amicable reconciliation.

Here are five things you didn’t know about Funke Akindele.

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1. Her formative years were in Ikorodu Lagos

On August 24, 1977, Funke Akindele was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her primary schooling was completed in Calabar, Cross River State. She then finished her secondary education in Ikorodu Lagos.

Funke Akindele went on to complete her National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication at the former Ogun State Polytechnic, currently known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

Akindele attended the University of Lagos after receiving her National Diploma in Mass Communication, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in law.

2. She’s a Nigeria film veteran

Funke Akindele formally entered the Nigerian film industry – Nollywood, in 1998. She then began attending film auditions and playing small roles in films.

3. You might remember her from the 90s hit show “I Need to Know”

After appearing in the United Nations Population Fund-sponsored sitcom television series “I Need to Know,” in which she played the role of Bisi, a curious but extremely brilliant secondary school girl, Funke Akindele gained notoriety in 2002.

She received a nomination for Best New Act to Watch at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for the television series that aired from 1998 to 2002.

Funke Akindele rose to fame in 2009 due to her role in the Nollywood smash hit “Jenifa,” which earned her a nomination for Best Comic Actress in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

4. She is one of the wealthiest actresses in Nigeria

In the course of her acting career, Funke Akindele has appeared in more than 200 Nollywood productions.

Funke Akindele is one of the wealthiest and most well-known actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of about $7.6 million.

She has signed numerous endorsement contracts. She presently serves as a brand ambassador for Irokotv and has a multi-million naira endorsement agreement with Nigeria’s largest telecom company, GLO. 

5. Her Divorce

Funke Akindele wedded her longtime partner Adeola Kehinde Oloyede on May 26, 2012.

She filed for divorce from her husband in July 2013 and stated that there were irreconcilable issues between them.

Following the dissolution of her marriage to her first husband, Funke Akindele remarried in May 2016 in London, United Kingdom, to Nigerian rapper Abdul Rasheed Bello, better known by his stage name “JJC SkillZ.”

It’s interesting to note that JJC, who was primarily renowned for his involvement in music, teamed up with his Funke to operate her successful Scene One Production company.

With their most recent project, Omo Ghetto, which set box office records in Nigeria, the two have made history.

The husband and wife have occasionally provided updates on the recent projects they are working on their social media profiles.

However, it remains unclear how they will support their business ventures after this separation.

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