Funke Akindele’s name stands tall among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025, not just for her unparalleled impact in the Nigerian film industry but for her dynamic evolution as a filmmaker, actress, mentor, and public servant. With a career spanning over two decades, Funke has become a cornerstone of Nollywood, redefining storytelling in Africa with bold narratives, powerful female characters, and an unrelenting drive to represent the everyday struggles and triumphs of Nigerians on screen.
From her breakout role in the United Nations Population Fund-backed TV series I Need to Know (1998–2002) to becoming Nollywood’s most awarded actress at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Funke Akindele has continued to set new standards in African cinema. Her storytelling genius is most evident in her unprecedented record as the creator of the top three highest-grossing Nigerian films: A Tribe Called Judah (2023), Battle on Buka Street (2022), and Omo Ghetto: The Saga. A Tribe Called Judah alone grossed over $1 million in Nigerian cinemas, making it the highest-earning Nigerian film to date. Rooted in heartfelt themes inspired by her late mother, the film follows a single mother and her sons in their battle with financial hardship an authentic depiction of resilience that has endeared her to millions.
Her success is not limited to the silver screen. In 2023, Funke Akindele took a bold leap into politics as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), running alongside Olajide Adediran (Jandor). Though the campaign ended in a loss to the incumbent governor, her foray into governance showcased her courage to step beyond entertainment and influence public policy. Despite facing criticism and personal attacks, Funke remained undeterred, emphasizing the lessons of humility, growth, and patience she gained from the experience.
Known for her dedication to mentoring the next generation of Nollywood stars, Funke has long been a champion of women’s empowerment and youth development in the creative space. She remains committed to building an industry where talent thrives over favoritism, and where hard work is always rewarded. While she has faced accusations of being a tough leader, her generosity and support behind the scenes have been revealed by colleagues such as actress Juliana Olayode, who credited Funke for covering her mother’s fibroid surgery during a difficult time.
Funke’s personal life, often in the media spotlight, reflects the complexity of balancing fame, family, and ambition. After two marriages—first to Adeola Kehinde Oloyede in 2012 and then to Abdulrasheed Bello (JJC Skillz) in 2016 she now raises her twins as a single mother. Her candidness about motherhood, divorce, and public mistakes, including a widely reported COVID-19 lockdown violation in 2020, has made her more relatable and admired for her transparency and grace in the face of adversity.
A recipient of national honors as an Ordinary Member of the Order of the Niger and an advocate for resilient women across Africa, Funke continues to evolve. Funke Akindele is more than an actress; she is a cultural icon, a resilient force in entertainment, and a trailblazer for women in leadership. Her influence reaches far beyond Nollywood, resonating with aspiring creatives, young women, and political dreamers across Africa.
As one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025, Funke Akindele exemplifies the power of creativity, resilience, and visionary leadership. From her roots in Nollywood to becoming the most awarded actress at the AMVCA, her journey reflects the evolution of women in Nigerian cinema and the impact of African women in film globally. With record-breaking hits like A Tribe Called Judah, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Battle on Buka Street, she stands tall among top Nollywood actresses and trailblazing female filmmakers. Her bold political step as the PDP Lagos deputy governorship candidate in 2023 and her upcoming film Finding Me (2025) only further cement her legacy. Funke Akindele’s biography is a masterclass in ambition, artistry, and advocacy, showcasing what is possible when women in leadership rise to shape culture and society with purpose
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