When we talk about the history and culture of Nigeria at The Trenet, we often look for people who represent the heartbeat of the nation. Right now, no name carries more weight than Funke Akindele.
She is not just an actress or a filmmaker; she is a cultural icon whose career has spanned over two decades. From a teenager on television to the “Billion-Naira Queen” of the box office, here is the full story of the woman who has redefined success in modern Nigeria.
Early Life and Family Background
Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State. She grew up in a home where education and discipline were the foundation. Her mother was a medical doctor and her father was a retired school principal two professions that likely influenced Funkeโs legendary work ethic. She is the second of three children, growing up alongside a sister and a brother.
A Solid Educational Foundation
Funkeโs educational journey shows that she was prepared for the world long before she became a star. She attended Grace Childrenโs School in Gbagada for her primary education. For her secondary schooling, she moved to Federal Government College (FGC), Akure, in Ondo State.
Following her passion for communication, she went to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (then Ogun State Polytechnic) where she earned an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication. However, she didn’t stop there. Funke later proceeded to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she earned a degree in Law. Although she is a trained lawyer, the courtroom never called her as loudly as the movie set did.
The Breakthrough: From “Bisi” to “Jenifa”
Funkeโs first real taste of fame came in the late 1990s. Between 1998 and 2002, Funke Akindele played the role of Bisi in the sitcom I Need to Know. The show, backed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was an educational series about the lives and struggles of teenagers.
However, her career truly exploded in 2008 with the movie Jenifa. This film followed Suliat, a village girl with big ambitions and “terrible” English who moves to the city. The character became a national phenomenon, winning Funke the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009.
Rather than letting the character fade, Funke built an empire around it. She launched the TV series Jenifaโs Diary in 2015, which ran for years and became one of the most-watched shows in Africa, winning her several Africa Magic Viewersโ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
A Journey Through Marriage
In her personal life, Funke has been open about her experiences with love and marriage, often using them as lessons for other young women.
Her first marriage was to Adeola Kehinde Oloyede, a businessman, on May 26, 2012. However, the union lasted only 413 days, ending in July 2013. Funke later admitted in interviews that she felt pressured into getting married at the time and advised young women not to rush into marriage because of societal expectations.
In May 2016, she found love again and married Nigerian rapper and producer Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, in a private ceremony in London. Together, they welcomed twin boys in December 2018. The couple also worked together on many successful projects, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga. However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced via Instagram that the marriage had ended after six years. Despite the split, Funke continues to focus on her children and her booming career.
The Bold Leap into Politics
In 2022, Funke Akindele surprised the nation by stepping into the political arena. She was nominated as the Deputy Governorship candidate for the Peopleโs Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State for the 2023 elections, running alongside Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (Jandor).
During her campaign, she paused her acting career to focus on the people of Lagos, using her influence to advocate for the youth and women. While the election was won by the incumbent APC, Funkeโs journey into politics showed her depth as a leader and her desire to see a better Nigeria. She remains a member of the PDP and continues to be a vocal advocate for social change.
The Billion-Naira Queen of 2026
Since returning to film full-time, Funke has reached heights no other filmmaker in Africa has touched. She has achieved what many call the “Billion-Naira Hat-Trick”:
- A Tribe Called Judah (2023): The first Nollywood film to hit โฆ1 billion.
- Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024/2025): Shattered records with a gross of over โฆ1.8 billion.
- Behind The Scenes (2025/2026): Her latest film, which crossed โฆ1.1 billion in just 19 days.
As of early 2026, she is officially the Highest-Grossing Director in Nigerian box office history, with her films earning a combined total of over โฆ5 billion.
As we look at Funke Akindele in 2026, it is clear that her journey is about much more than just movie tickets and red carpets. She has become a symbol of what is possible when you combine talent with an unbreakable “hustle.” From the teenage girl on I Need to Know to a global powerhouse recognized by The Hollywood Reporter, Funke has stayed true to her roots while constantly reaching for the stars.
Her impact goes beyond the screen. Through her Creative Blueprint Masterclasses, she is actively training the next generation of female filmmakers, teaching them that “pains and struggles” are just stepping stones to profit. Whether she is serving as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador or building her real estate empire with Jenifa Gardens, Funke proves that a Nigerian woman can lead in every room she enters be it a courtroom, a film set, or a political stage.
At The Trenet, we celebrate Funke Akindele not just for the billions she has made, but for the millions she has inspired. She is a reminder that your background doesn’t define you, your struggles don’t break you, and in the world of Nollywood, there is only one Queen of the Box Office.
What do you think truly sets Funke Akindele apart from others in the industry her storytelling, her business sense, or her connection with the audience? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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