Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director. She has won numerous awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her exceptional acting skills and talent have made her a household name not just in Nigeria but also in Africa.
Early Life and Education
| Born: | August 24, 1977 |
| Age: | 44 Years |
| Place of Birth: | Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, Nigeria |
Funke Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. She is the second of three children. She attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State, where she studied Mass Communication. She proceeded to study Law at the University of Lagos, Akoka but dropped out to pursue her acting career.
Career
Funke Akindele began her acting career in the late 90s and has since acted in over 100 movies. She is best known for her role as Jenifa in the popular television series “Jenifa’s Diary”, which she also created, produced, and directed.
Some of her notable movies include “Maami”, “A Trip to Jamaica”, “The Return of Jenifa”, “Mr. and Mrs.”, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” and many others.
Funke Akindele is also a producer and has produced several movies including “Jenifa”, “Ojo Ketala”, “Emi Abata”, “Ayitale”, and “Isoken”. She has also directed several films including “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, “Your Excellency”, “Moms at War”, and “Industreet”.
Her exceptional acting skills and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous awards and nominations including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Personal Life
Funke Akindele is married to popular musician and producer Abdul Rasheed Bello, also known as JJC Skillz. They got married in a private ceremony in London in 2016 and have since welcomed twin boys in December 2018.
Funke Akindele is also known for her philanthropic works. She is the founder of the Jenifa Foundation, which caters to children and women in Nigeria.
Net Worth
Funke Akindele’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.5 million, which is equivalent to about 1.3 billion Nigerian Naira, 14.1 million Ghana Cedis, 375 million Kenya Shillings, 45.1 million South African Rand, 951 million Uganda Shillings, and 259 million Indian Rupees.
Funke Akindele has several properties in Nigeria including a mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos and several cars including a Lexus SUV, Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Awards and Nominations
Funke Akindele has won numerous awards and nominations for her exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry. Below is a list of some of her awards and nominations:
- Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2009)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress (2013)
- African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy (2014)
- Best of Nollywood Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2014)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress (2016)
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy (2017)
- City People Movie Award for Best Actress of the Year (English) (2017)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress (2018)
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy (2019)
To catch a glimpse of some of her performances, visit her YouTube Channel. You can also keep up with her on social media by following her on Twitter and Instagram.
In all, Funke Akindele has made a significant impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry and continues to inspire and uplift many aspiring actors and actresses. She is a true role model and a trailblazer for many.