Nollywood star Funke Akindele declares herself self-made, crediting her success to God, hard work, and veteran singer D’banj’s advice

Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has described herself as self-made, emphasising that her achievements in the film industry stem from her dedication and divine intervention.

Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference organised by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, Akindele highlighted her journey to success, attributing it solely to God and her relentless efforts.

The award-winning actress, known for her blockbuster films, revealed that despite her self-driven success, veteran singer D’banj played a pivotal role in shaping her career.

Akindele recounted a crucial moment following the success of her 2009 film *Jenifa*, which became a cultural phenomenon.

She recalled meeting D’banj at a club event, where he encouraged her to capitalise on the *Jenifa* brand rather than move on too quickly.

“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first *Jenifa* was released in 2009, and that was the turning point,” she shared.

She added that D’banj insisted she should expand the *Jenifa* franchise instead of abandoning it. “He said, ‘No. You have to milk it.

It should not go like that. That’s a brand. Go and write another script.’ He gave me some money, and I went back and continued writing,” Akindele revealed.

Funke Akindele first gained recognition in the late 1990s through the popular TV series *I Need to Know*, which aired from 1998 to 2002.

However, it was *Jenifa* that propelled her to stardom, leading to a highly successful film series and a flourishing career as one of Nigeria’s most bankable producers.

Today, Akindele holds the record for the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.