Nigerian billionaire actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed that the success she enjoys today is the result of years of relentless hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice.
In a recent interview, the 48-year-old mother of two shared that she intentionally deprived herself of social events, vacations, and personal leisure to focus entirely on building her brand and producing high-quality content.
“Hard work is hard work,” Akindele said. “I locked myself away in Amen Estate for three years, building the Jenifa brand and working on projects like Industreet, Aiyetoro, My Siblings and I, and other content. No vacations, no parties, no friends, just me and my team working tirelessly. That is the real hard work behind the success many now see.”
She further explained that her approach on set is equally hands-on. “When I am on the set, I am not a diva. I am everywhere, very involved, no wig, just my cornrows, ensuring everything is in perfect order before we move to marketing and the glam side of things,” she added.
Akindele’s efforts have translated into historic achievements in Nollywood. She broke her own record by producing the first Nigerian film to gross over one billion naira in cinemas in 2024 and has since gone on to produce the first Nigerian film to surpass two billion naira at the box office.
Her testimony underscores the sacrifices, discipline, and attention to detail that have shaped her remarkable career in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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