Funke Akindele

Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[9] Funke is the second of three children (two girls and one boy). Akindele's mother is a Medical Doctor while her father is a retired School Principal.[4][10] Funke obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, [11].[12] [13]

Akindele came into the limelight after starring in popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. Funke played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Funke Akindele's big break came in 2008 when she appeared in the movie Jenifa[14] [13]

In January 2018, there was a controversy when it was reported that Akindele would get her Hollywood debut in Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War as she was listed as a member of the cast on IMDb.[15] Mainstream Nigerian press reported that she was set to star in Infinity War as the guard Dora Milaje, citing IMDb.[16] Some weeks later her name was replaced with that of fellow Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji,[17] with Akindele's upload shown to have been a hack.[18] In February 2018, it was reported that Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki has advised Marvel Studios to feature Akindele in Infinity War.[19]

In July 2016, in an interview she stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.[8] Akindele plays the lead character in the ongoing hit TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Juliana Olayode, and Aderounmu Adejumoke. The show is a spin-off from the movie Jenifa.[7] The 2018 comedy film Moms at War stars Akindele and Michelle Dede. In July 2019, Akindele started a new web series, ‘Aiyetoro Town,[20]’ a spinoff from her popular TV series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary,[21] She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.[22]

She made her directorial debut in 2019 political drama film Your Excellency.[23]

Funke Akindele runs a non-governmental organisation known as the Jenifa Foundation, which aims at providing young people with vocational skills.[24][25]

Funke Akindele has endorsement deals such as her being signed as an Ambassador to Irokotv.[26] Also in 2018, she was signed as brand ambassador for Keystone Bank.[27] In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company that manufactures detergent and bar soaps.[28]

On May 26, 2012, Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede.[29] The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.[30] Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.[31] Rumours about her pregnancy dominated searches on Google search engine in August 2017.[32] Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.[33] [34][35]

In April 2020, Akindele was arrested after holding a birthday party for her husband during the lockdown imposed to tackle coronavirus[36]. She later appeared in a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control video to raise awareness about coronavirus.[37] The actress and her husband were sentenced to 14-day community service after confessing guilty to violating lockdown order.[38]

• Funke Akindele on IMDb