Funke Akindele: Self-Made Star Credits Success to God and D’banj’s Wise Counsel

Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has set the record straight, declaring herself a self-made success in the film industry.

Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, the award-winning actress and producer emphasised that only God could take credit for her meteoric rise.

Akindele, known for her iconic role in Jenifa, recounted how her journey to the top wasn’t paved by any industry mogul but through hard work, grit, and divine guidance. However, she did give flowers to veteran singer D’banj, acknowledging his role in pushing her to maximise the Jenifa brand.

“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it,” she said, recounting the moment her life took a dramatic turn. It was 2009, and her first Jenifa movie had just been released.

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In what seemed like a random encounter at a club, D’banj dropped a nugget of wisdom that became gold for Funke. “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.”

And write she did. The Jenifa series went on to become a cultural phenomenon, birthing Jenifa’s Diary, a beloved TV series that cemented Funke’s place as a storytelling genius. Today, she is celebrated as Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer in cinema history—a feat she accomplished through relentless dedication and smart branding.

The lesson? Never sleep on your brand. If Funke Akindele had given up on Jenifa, the industry might have lost a golden goose. And to think it took D’banj’s sage advice and a little financial push to transform an idea into a legacy.

Funke’s story is a masterclass in hard work, the power of divine favor, and knowing when to pivot. It also shows how a little support at the right time can spark an empire.

What do you think about Funke’s revelation? Drop your thoughts in the comments!