The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Funke Akindele

  • Fathia Balogun dismisses rumours of rift with Funke Akindele

    Fathia Balogun dismisses rumours of rift with Funke Akindele

    Actress and filmmaker Fathia Balogun has criticised a blogger for spreading false claims about a supposed rift between her and fellow actress Funke Akindele.

    The controversy began after Fathia marked her birthday on February 5, when Funke sent her a warm message. Fathia responded with a polite “Ose Iya Ibeji” in Yoruba.

    A blogger later suggested on social media that the exchange appeared awkward, fuelling speculation about tension between the two actresses.

    Fathia has since dismissed the claims, insisting there is no bad blood between them and accusing bloggers of creating unnecessary drama and false narratives online.

    Speaking during a live video session, she warned bloggers to stop interfering in her personal and professional relationships, stressing that Funke’s message was genuine and her response had been misinterpreted.

    Recall that Fathia and Funke have been linked to drama when Funke reportedly unfollowed and blocked Fathia over alleged unreciprocated event appearances. 

  • Funke Akindele honours late mother’s memory on third anniversary

    Funke Akindele honours late mother’s memory on third anniversary

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has paid a tribute to her late mother, marking three years since her passing.

    In an Instagram post, she remembered her mother as a selfless queen who instilled values and discipline in her children, giving them the best education and teaching them to believe in themselves.

    Funke hailed her mother for shaping her into who she is today, citing her teachings, knowledge, and discipline as the foundation of her success.

    She said her mother’s legacy lives on through her, her siblings, and grandkids, and that she will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

    With love and gratitude, Funke expressed that her mother’s kind soul will rest in peace, and that her family will keep making her proud.

    Akindele wrote, “My darling Mother, today marks 3 years since you left us. Mummy,you were a selfless queen who gave us the best education, taught us to believe in ourselves, and raised strong Children. Your legacy lives on in me, my siblings and your grandchildren.

    “Your teachings, knowledge, and discipline shaped me into who I am today. I celebrate you, mummy. May your kind soul continue to rest in peace. We love you, miss you, and will keep making you proud.”

  • Funke Akindele attributes film industry success to hard work, dedication

    Funke Akindele attributes film industry success to hard work, dedication

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has attributed her success in the film industry to unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to her craft.

    In a post on Instagram, Akindele reflected on her journey, stating, “As a woman in film, it wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. It took hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Staying true to my craft, embracing my originality, and carving a niche for myself paved the way. Huge thanks to everyone supporting Behind the Scenes”.

    Read Also: Biodun Okeowo praises Funke Akindele’s resilience, leadership

    Akindele’s comments come in the wake of some actors and filmmakers openly admitting their limitations, including struggles with dancing to promote their movies.

    The actress expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly for her project Behind the Scenes, saying her ability to stay true to herself has been key to her success.

  • Funke Akindele slams critics over movie promotion ‘dancing’ strategy

    Funke Akindele slams critics over movie promotion ‘dancing’ strategy

    Filmmaker Funke Akindele has addressed movie promotion strategies in Nigeria, following comments by Kunle Afolayan. 

    Afolayan had expressed frustration over the need to dance to promote films, stating he found the process draining.

    He said: “It is draining. I want to make a film if you guarantee me that I don’t have to dance to sell that film.”

    Afolayan also criticised the growing obsession with box office figures, stating that massive cinema numbers mean little if creators do not benefit financially.

    “There’s no competition. I don’t want two billion in cinema, or even one billion, if I won’t make ten million from it,” Afolayan stated.

    In an Instagram post, Akindele emphasised opportunities are plentiful for everyone, stating that those struggling should focus on their own path.

    Akindele on Instagram story, wrote: “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni. If you can’t beat them or join them, create your
    own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo!!! And dem never see anything ooooo…

    “Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategie for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me. Gbam!!!!!!”

  • Biodun Okeowo praises Funke Akindele’s resilience, leadership

    Biodun Okeowo praises Funke Akindele’s resilience, leadership

    Actress and producer Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omoborty, has showered praises on her senior colleague Funke Akindele, highlighting her dedication and excellence in the film industry.

    Sharing an old clip of Funke, Biodun described her as a woman who has navigated challenges, demonstrated resilience, and continues to excel.

    She commended Funke for her authentic approach to mentorship, emphasising that success is a result of hard work rather than mere accolades.

    She wrote, “This is the kind of video that deserves to go viral! No noise.

    Read Also: Actress Biodun Okeowo slams colleagues for ‘wicked’ lack of support

    “A clear lecture on dedication, discipline, consistency, and pushing even when the body is tired, and the spirit feels stretched. This is real mentorship. This is experience speaking, not motivation for likes.

    “Big hail to Funke Akindele. @funkejenifaakindele A woman who has walked the road, paid her dues, fallen, risen, and still shows up fully”.

    Biodun lauded Funke as a symbol of substance, leadership, and excellence, expressing gratitude for her transparent teachings.

    “Thank you for teaching without sugarcoating and for reminding people that success is work before it is applause. This is substance, leadership, and excellence”, she added.

  • Ini Edo congratulates Akindele, Abraham on Nollywood success

    Ini Edo congratulates Akindele, Abraham on Nollywood success

    Actress Ini Edo has congratulated industry heavyweights Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham for breaking records and pushing the boundaries of Nigerian cinema.

    In an Instagram post, Edo expressed her admiration for their commitment, strategising, and marketing efforts, stating that their level of dedication is on a “whole different level”.

    She said, “I want to congratulate these industry titans, @funkejenifaakindele and @toyinabraham, for literally breaking all records and pushing beyond every envelope to record these groundbreaking successes for Nollywood brah, my respect for these 2 has taken a hike. The level of commitment, strategizing, marketing, and playing the game generally is on a whole different level.”

    Edo also reflected on her own project, ‘A Very Dirty December’, acknowledging that she took a different approach and sacrificed her holiday to pursue an ambition.

    Read Also: Ini Edo: My movie is not a slight to Christian celebration

    She expressed pride in herself and her team, including Yfalaye, Becca Ashang, Edojnr, Eucharia Anunobi, Ik Ogbonna, Unusual Phyna, and Chief Femibranch, for their commitment to the project.

    “I knew it was kinda over ambitious of me to think I could run this whole December race, but my coconut head, I’ve always known myself to follow my gut and do as I please. So yeah, I sacrificed my holiday to achieve my ambition. I am particularly proud of myself and my team, who were kind enough to stay committed to the project. We came, we pushed, made our mark and learnt our lessons”, she added.

    The actress encouraged others to take risks and pursue their goals, saying, “Don’t be afraid of making that move. What’s the worst that could happen? Win or lose, we move. 2026 I fit try am again o.”

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” surpasses N2.4bn at Box Office

    Filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele‘s film “Behind The Scenes” has grossed N2.407 billion at the box office.

    The film has become the highest-grossing film of the year and the highest-grossing film of the weekend.

    Filmone, the film’s distributor, credited fan support for the film’s success, stating that the achievement would not have been possible without audience enthusiasm.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Turkey deepen defence ties as DICON-D7G unlocks advanced Military manufacturing

    “The Queen of Box Office for a reason!! Celebrating yet another incredible milestone and we’re so sure we wouldn’t have done this without you and your love.

    “Behind The Scenes hits a whopping N2.4B making it the Highest Grossing Film of the Year and The Highest Grossing Film of the Weekend. Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far,” the caption reads.

  • NFC congratulates Funke Akindele on box office record-breaking feat

    NFC congratulates Funke Akindele on box office record-breaking feat

    The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has congratulated Funke Akindele and the ‘Behind The Scenes’ team on achieving a historic milestone in African cinema.

    The film has grossed over N2 billion at the box office, making it the first Nollywood production in Africa to cross this threshold in ticket sales.

    NFC CEO Dr. Ali Nuhu, on Instagram, praised the film’s record-breaking commercial performance in key markets, including the UK and Ireland, where it is the top-grossing Nollywood title.

    He attributed the success to the team’s creative vision, production, and distribution strategies, as well as the dedication of the cast and crew.

    Nuhu wrote on Instagram, “The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Funke Akindele and the entire ‘Behind The Scenes’ team on achieving a historic milestone in African cinema. The film has officially grossed over ₦2 billion at the box office, making it the first Nollywood production in Africa to cross this threshold in ticket sales.

    “Behind The Scenes, released on 12 December 2025, has not only resonated with audiences nationwide but has also recorded record-breaking commercial performance in key markets, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it currently stands as the top-grossing Nollywood title.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele shares moment as Sanwo-Olu watches ‘Behind The Scenes’

    This achievement is the result of meticulous creative vision, strategic production and distribution, and the collective dedication of a strong ensemble cast alongside an experienced production crew.

    “From an industry perspective, ‘Behind The Scenes’ reflects a significant evolution in Nollywood’s commercial and artistic maturity. Milestones such as: fastest film in West Africa to cross the ₦1 billion mark within weeks of release, the highest single-day gross recorded on Boxing Day, and now the first to surpass ₦2 billion in Africa, underscore the growing strength of Nigeria’s cinema market and its capacity to compete on the global stage.

    “The Nigerian Film Corporation celebrates this milestone as a collective win for Nollywood, the creative economy, and for Nigerian storytelling worldwide. We commend the filmmaker, cast, crew, exhibitors, distributors, and, most importantly, the fans whose support turned this cinematic endeavour into a historic success.”

  • NOA lauds Funke Akindele on Box Office achievement

    NOA lauds Funke Akindele on Box Office achievement

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has congratulated actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele on the record-breaking performance of her latest movie ‘Behind the Scenes’, at the box office.

    The film has crossed the N2.2 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, becoming the first Nollywood film to achieve this milestone.

    According to NOA on X, the movie’s success extends beyond Nigeria, with earnings of over $111,256 in Canada and $190,249 in North America.

    The statement reads: “Funke Akindele Remains in Front with Behind the Scenes. Big screens, big stars, and even bigger numbers! Funke Akindele has done it again, and this time, she did not just break records, she shattered them.

    “Her latest movie titled “Behind the Scenes” has officially crossed ₦2.1 billion at the Nigerian box office, making history as the first Nollywood film ever to hit the ₦2 billion mark.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele makes history in Canada, North America with “Behind The Scenes”

    “The flex did not stop at home, the movie also showed modest global muscle, raking in over $111,256 in Canada and an impressive $190,249 across North America. From Lagos to Toronto, from cinemas in Abuja to theatres overseas — this movie had everyone locked in.

    “This big win solidifies the movie as the highest grossing Nollywood film of all time in Africa, the UK, and Ireland, makes her the first filmmaker to rank number one at the box office in Africa for three consecutive years, while also proving that Nigerian stories are going global”.

    This achievement marks Akindele’s position as a top filmmaker in Africa, marking her third consecutive year as the top-grossing filmmaker on the continent.

  • I deprived myself of many things to become successful, says Funke Akindele

    I deprived myself of many things to become successful, says Funke Akindele

    Nigerian billionaire actress, Funke Akindele has opened up on how hard work and dedication are responsible for the success she enjoys in her craft.

    In a recent chat, Akindele expressed that she deprived herself of many things to achieve the success she enjoys today.

    The 48-year-old mother of two confessed to depriving herself of social gatherings, events, vacations and other activities to achieve the success she enjoys with her brand. She further said she locked herself away inside Amen Estate for three years to build her brand and several contents, which are now her source of pride.

    Read Also: Youth-led dialogue charts path for restoring trust in Nigeria’s elections

    “Hard work is hard work. You work hard, putting in the work when you need to, depriving yourself of things many will go after so as to achieve the success you are aiming for. When I say hard work, I mean locking myself away in Amen Estate for three years building the Jenifa brand, working on Industreet, Aiyetoro, My siblings and I, and other content. I deprived myself of vacations, parties, events, no friends, nothing, just me and my team, working tirelessly, creating and working hard to achieve the success many now see. So, when I say putting in the hard work, I don’t just say that carelessly, I mean putting in the real hard work.

    Continuing, she said, “When I am on the set of my films, I am not a diva, I am everywhere and very hands-on, no wig, just on my rough corn rows, working hard and seeing that everything is in perfect order. I go through all that till work is done, and then we can now start preparing for marketing and all the glam and dancing. So, it’s hard work that turns into success.”

    Funke Akindele broke her own record of producing the first Nigerian film to gross over one billion in the cinemas in 2024 and has gone ahead to produce the first Nigerian film to gross over two billion in the cinemas.