Funke Akindele Net Worth in 2024
In 2024, the renowned Nigerian actress and producer, Funke Akindele, continues to shine not only in the entertainment industry but also in her financial endeavors.
With a diverse career spanning blockbuster movies, successful TV productions, and brand endorsements, Akindele has amassed a commendable net worth.
As of 2024, Funke Akindele’s net worth is estimated to be $7.6 million. This impressive financial milestone is a testament to her talent, business acumen, and strategic collaborations within and beyond Nollywood.
Akindele’s entrepreneurial spirit has played a pivotal role in expanding her financial portfolio.
Beyond acting, she has ventured into production, notably with the hit TV series “Jenifa’s Diary,” showcasing her ability to not only entertain but also lead successful projects.
Moreover, her influence extends to brand partnerships and endorsements, contributing significantly to her overall wealth. Akindele’s popularity and relatability have made her a sought-after figure for brands looking to connect with diverse audiences.
Funke Akindele’s net worth in 2024 reflects not only her artistic prowess but also her strategic financial decisions.
As she continues to captivate audiences and explore new opportunities, her financial success is poised to ascend even higher in the coming years.
Funke Akindele Biography
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele-Bello, born on 24 August 1977, widely known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, stands as a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Beyond being an accomplished actress, she has made significant strides as a filmmaker, director, producer, and even ventured into politics.
Akindele’s journey to stardom began with her role in the sitcom “I Need to Know” from 1998 to 2002. Her breakthrough, however, came in 2009 when she clinched the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her captivating performance in “Jenifa.” This marked the start of her rise to fame.
The iconic character Jenifa became synonymous with Akindele, leading to a 2015 television series adaptation titled “Jenifa’s Diary.” Her portrayal in this series earned her consecutive wins as the Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, making her the most nominated and decorated actress in the category.
Notably, Akindele holds the distinction of being the second director to gross over a billion naira at the Nigerian box office. She also claims the title of the Highest Grossing Nigerian Director, with a remarkable total gross of over ₦2.6 billion.
In a surprising turn, Funke Akindele-Bello’s influence transcended the entertainment realm when she was nominated as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos state governorship election by the People’s Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, in 2022.
Akindele’s journey is not just a testament to her artistic brilliance but also underscores her versatility and impact across various domains, solidifying her status as a true Nigerian icon.
Early life and education
Funke Akindele-Bello, born on 24 August 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a proud Yoruba woman. She is the second child in a family of three siblings, with her mother being a medical doctor and her father a retired school principal.
Her educational journey began at Grace Children’s School in Gbagada, Lagos State, where she laid the foundation for her academic pursuits.
Akindele furthered her studies, obtaining an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Not content with just one area of expertise, she continued to expand her academic horizons and earned a Law degree from the prestigious University of Lagos.
This academic diversity would later complement her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
Funke Akindele-Bello’s upbringing, coupled with her educational achievements, serves as a testament to her determination and commitment to both intellectual and artistic pursuits, shaping the influential figure she has become in Nigerian society.
Career
Funke Akindele-Bello catapulted into the limelight through her remarkable performance in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom “I Need to Know,” which aired from 1998 to 2002.
Portraying the character Bisi, a curious and highly intelligent secondary school student, she showcased her acting prowess early in her career.
However, it was the 2008 movie “Jenifa” that marked a turning point in Akindele’s career. This film served as her big break, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim within the Nigerian film industry.
In January 2018, excitement buzzed as reports suggested Akindele’s Hollywood debut in Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” Although her name was initially listed in the cast on IMDb, the enthusiasm was short-lived as it turned out to be a hack, and her role was eventually filled by Genevieve Nnaji.
Interestingly, Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki had reportedly advocated for her inclusion in the Marvel film.
Despite facing challenges such as piracy, Akindele continued to make a significant impact. She assumed the lead role in the highly popular TV show “Jenifa’s Diary,” which also inspired a spinoff web series called “Aiyetoro Town” in July 2019.
Additionally, she showcased her versatility as an actress in the 2018 comedy film “Moms at War” alongside Omoni Oboli.
Not limited to acting, Akindele ventured into cinematic directing with her debut in the 2019 political drama film, “Your Excellency.” Beyond the screen, she held the role of CEO at Scene One Film Production.
Funke Akindele-Bello’s journey in the entertainment industry continues to be characterized by resilience, versatility, and a commitment to pushing boundaries.
Political career
In a surprising and notable move, Funke Akindele-Bello ventured into the realm of politics by accepting the nomination as the Lagos deputy governorship candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 elections.
Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, championed her nomination, emphasizing that Akindele would bring significant value to his candidacy in the upcoming general elections.
Confirming her deputy governorship candidacy on a Tuesday, Akindele-Bello expressed her commitment to the new role, acknowledging that her acting career would necessarily be put on hold. This bold step showcases not only her versatility but also a dedication to contributing to the political landscape.
As the political stage beckons, Funke Akindele-Bello’s foray into politics adds a new chapter to her multifaceted career, highlighting her willingness to take on diverse challenges and make a meaningful impact beyond the entertainment industry.
Charity initiative
Beyond her achievements in entertainment and politics, Funke Akindele-Bello extends her impact through the Jenifa Foundation, a non-governmental organization with a mission to equip young people with valuable vocational skills.
The Jenifa Foundation serves as a platform for empowering the youth, offering them opportunities to acquire practical skills that can pave the way for a brighter future.
Akindele’s commitment to this initiative reflects her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of young individuals, providing them with tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
As an actress, politician, and philanthropist, Funke Akindele-Bello continues to leave an indelible mark, contributing not only to the entertainment industry but also to the broader community by fostering skill development and empowerment through the Jenifa Foundation.
Endorsements
Funke Akindele-Bello’s influence extends beyond the screen, as evidenced by her numerous endorsement deals with prominent brands. She serves as an Ambassador to Dettol and Irokotv, leveraging her popularity to promote these brands effectively.
In 2018, Akindele-Bello added another feather to her cap by becoming a brand ambassador for Keystone Bank, showcasing her appeal not only in the entertainment industry but also in the corporate world.
November 2019 marked a new collaboration as she inked an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a company specializing in the production of detergent and bar soap.
This diversification of brand partnerships illustrates Akindele-Bello’s ability to connect with a broad audience and reinforces her status as a sought-after figure in the world of endorsements.
Through these partnerships, Funke Akindele-Bello not only adds value to the brands she represents but also solidifies her position as a versatile and influential personality across various sectors.
Personal life
Funke Akindele-Bello’s personal life has seen both challenges and moments of joy.
On May 26, 2012, she entered into matrimony with Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. Unfortunately, the union faced irreconcilable differences, leading to their divorce in July 2013.
In a turn of fate, Akindele-Bello found love once again and married Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016.
The couple faced public scrutiny, with pregnancy rumors surrounding Akindele-Bello becoming a highly searched topic on Google in August 2017.
The rumors were eventually put to rest when she gave birth to twin boys in December 2018.
However, in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced the end of their six-year union via his official Instagram handle.
Despite the challenges in her personal life, Funke Akindele-Bello remains resilient, embracing the joys of motherhood with her twin boys and fulfilling her role as a stepmother to several children.
Controversy
In a moment of controversy, Funke Akindele-Bello and her husband, JJC Skillz, faced legal repercussions in April 2020.
The couple was arrested for organizing a birthday party during a mandated lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Akindele-Bello took responsibility and, along with her husband, pleaded guilty to violating the lockdown order.
The court sentenced them to a 14-day community service as part of the consequences for their actions.
Despite the setback, Akindele-Bello didn’t shy away from addressing the issue.
She later appeared in a video by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to raise awareness about the coronavirus, showcasing her commitment to not only rectifying mistakes but also contributing positively to public health initiatives.
This incident serves as a testament to Akindele-Bello’s resilience and willingness to learn from challenges, maintaining her dedication to public health awareness even in the face of adversity.
Dominating Nollywood
Funke Akindele-Bello’s impact on Nollywood reaches new heights, as her movie “A Tribe Called Judah” currently holds the title of the highest-grossing movie of all time in Nigeria.
This remarkable achievement surpasses the record set by her previous blockbuster, “Battle on Buka Street.”
Akindele-Bello not only shines in front of the camera but also stands out as a producer and director.
She proudly holds the distinction of being the creative force behind the three highest-grossing Nollywood movies of all time: “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Battle on Buka Street,” and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.”
Her dominance extends to award shows, where Akindele-Bello has accumulated the most wins at prestigious events like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). This recognition further cements her status as a trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry.
Funke Akindele-Bello’s cinematic triumphs not only showcase her creative prowess but also solidify her position as a key player in shaping the landscape of Nollywood.
Filmography
Funke Akindele-Bello’s filmography reflects a rich and diverse array of roles and genres. Here is a list of her films in alphabetical order:
1. Agbefo
2. Aje Metta
3. Akandun
4. Anointed Liars
5. Apaadi
6. Apoti Orogun
7. Atanpako Meta
8. Battle on Buka Street
9. Baye se Nlo
10. Bolode O’ku
11. Chief Daddy
12. Dwindle
13. Edunjobi
14. Egun
15. Emi Abata
16. Far From Home
17. Farayola
18. Ija Ola
19. Industreet
20. Isoken
21. Jenifa
22. Jenifa’s Diary
23. Kakaki ‘leku
24. Kòséfowórà
25. Ladies Gang
26. Love Wahala
27. Maami
28. Maku
29. Married but Living Single
30. Moms at War
31. Oba Irawo
32. Odun Baku
33. Okun Ife Yi
34. Omo Ghetto
35. Omo Ghetto: The Saga
36. Omo Pupa
37. Oreke Mulero
38. Osuwon Eda
39. The Return of Jenifa
40. She Must Be Obeyed
41. My Siblings and I
42. A Trip to Jamaica
43. Taiwo Taiwo
44. Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke
45. Your Excellency
46. Who’s the Boss
47. A Tribe Called Judah and more.
Funke Akindele-Bello’s extensive filmography showcases her versatility and significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
