# Funke Akindele

Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde (popularly known as Funke Akindele /Jenifa) is a Nigerian actress and producer. She starred in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002, and in 2009, won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

## Quotes

* I want to encourage you to work hard, believe in yourself and never rely on others for validation.
** Funke interview with Arise TV.
* You can’t force talent or do something simply because someone else is doing it.
** Her advice to new actors
* Now is not the time to stay silent and the youths must overcome.
** Funke Akindele's take on the End SARS protest
* We need to shoot more movies that promote and celebrate our culture. Right now, it should be all about presenting our stories to the Western world. I think Nollywood needs to shoot more indigenous, historical movies to tell our stories like ‘Sango’ and all of that. We can change the Nigerian narrative through our films. I believe Nigerian filmmakers have a lot of power in their hands to change our society and even hold our politicians accountable.
** On her Interview with PREMIUM TIMES on how Nollywood can change the Nigerian narrative
* I draw inspiration from happenings around me. I could get an idea and when I am in the bathroom taking a shower I develop it. Later on maybe during a massage, I could give the concept a deeper thought.
* Build a proper structure for yourself and your brand. Get an office, a good website, social media presence, business name etc.
* Everyone makes mistakes, but admit your own before you point out someone else’s.
* Nollywood should get ready for the new faces. Working with young people has really touched my life; so, anytime I hear that they have something new to work on, I quickly jump on it and support them.
** Funke akindele speaks on the young ones coming into Nollywood
* I encourage young ladies out there that are in a hurry to get married, that are pressured to get married. Calm down, take your time, If you rush in, you will rush out.Also marriage is all about marrying your friend
* It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Originality is key.
* It’s not having the skill to do something. It’s about having the will, desire and commitment to be your best.
* As the highest-grossing filmmaker in Nigeria and a reputable actress, I’m proof that hard work and determination can take you far
** Hard work, determination pay" - Funke Akindele advises women. 24 June 2024 PM Newspaper.

## Quote about Person/work

* Funke is like a mother, she has that mother figure in her. She cares a lot about people around her.
* Nothing good comes easy.
** My latest movie a farewell, I’m next Lagos deputy governor – Funke Akindele, 14 December 2022, Punch Newspaper

## External links

* Working with young people has really touched my life; so, anytime I hear that they have something new to work on, I quickly jump on it and support them.
** https://punchng.com/my-latest-movie-a-farewell-im-next-lagos-deputy-governor-funke-akindele/
* I can’t just sit down; I just pushed past all the pain, and put the emotions into the project and today we see the big thing happening and I am excited about that.
** https://punchng.com/my-latest-movie-a-farewell-im-next-lagos-deputy-governor-funke-akindele/
* Why am I living? I have a purpose, so my head is up. Yes, I cry, yes, I break down, but after I cry, I just look in the mirror and say, ‘keep moving.
** https://leadership.ng/being-twice-divorced-doesnt-make-me-a-failure-funke-akindele/