Biography

Funke Akindele was born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the second of three children.

Her mother is a medical doctor while her father is a retired school principal.

Funke Akindele attended Grace Children School Gbagada, Lagos State. She obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. 

Funke Akindele earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.

Funke Akindele came into the limelight after starring in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. 

Funke Akindele 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.

In January 2018, there was a controversy when it was reported that Funke Akindele would get her Hollywood debut in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War as she was listed as a member of the cast on IMDb.

Mainstream Nigerian press reported that Jenifa was set to star in Infinity War as the guard Dora Milaje, citing IMDb.

Some weeks later her name was replaced with that of fellow Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, with Funke Akindele’s upload shown to have been a hack.

In February 2018, it was reported that Senate President and chair of the National Assembly, Dr. Bukola Saraki has advised Marvel Studios to feature Akindele in Infinity War.

In July 2016, in an interview, Funke Akindele stated she was acting less in the Yoruba film industry at that time because of piracy.

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. The 2018 comedy film Moms at War stars Funke Akindele and Omoni Oboli. 

In July 2019, Funke Akindele started a new web series, Aiyetoro Town, a spinoff from her popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary. She is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.

Funke Akindele made her directorial debut in the 2019 political drama film,Your Excellency.

On May 26, 2012, Funke Akindele married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. The couple divorced in July 2013, citing irreconcilable differences.

Funke Akindele married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. Funke Akindele gave birth to twin boys in December 2018 and has several step-children.

Net Worth

Funke Akindele is a popular Nigerian film actress and producer. He has an estimated net worth $4 million.