“My Career Took Off In 2009 With Jenifa” – Funke Akindele

Nigerian actress and producer Funke Akindele has attributed her success in the film industry to a combination of hard work, dedication, and divine intervention.

Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference in Lagos, organized by MIPAN, Akindele highlighted that she is a self-made star and credited all her achievements to God.

The event was captured in a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, showcasing her reflections on her career journey.

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She reflected on the pivotal moment in her career, which came with the release of her breakthrough film Jenifa in 2009.

She also recognised the support of singer D’banj, who motivated her to grow the Jenifa brand and offered financial assistance to help her continue writing.

“Nobody made me a star, only God,” Akindele stated. “I wrote my script, and that was it. The first Jenifa was released in 2009, and that was the turning point.”

“Amidst the buzz, a club owner reached out to host me at his club, and I met D’banj there. He asked what I was doing with the ‘Jenifa’ brand. I said, ‘I have moved on. I will do another thing.’ 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.”

Akindele’s path to fame started with her starring role in the popular sitcom I Need to Know, which aired from 1998 to 2002.

Her major breakthrough came in 2009 with the movie Jenifa, which propelled her to stardom.

She currently holds the title of the highest-grossing producer in Nigerian cinema.