At the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) 2025 event, Funke Akindele, Nollywood’s reigning box office queen, shared the driving force behind her success, attributing her journey to God’s grace.
“I am who I am today because of God. Nobody made me a star, only God did. When I started, I had so many challenges, but I kept pushing. The idea for Jenifa came to me at a time when I needed to reinvent myself, and I trusted God’s direction. I wrote my scripts, put in the work, and kept believing that my time would come,” Akindele shared.
Akindele reflected on the obstacles she overcame to maintain her relevance in the industry. “This journey has not been easy, but I have learnt to stay focused and keep evolving. The audience changes, trends come and go, but I remain determined. I was told to keep milking the Jenifa brand, and yes, I did, but I also expanded my craft. God keeps giving me the strength to push through, and I will continue to do so.”
Akindele emphasized the importance of adaptability, resilience, and innovation in Nollywood. “Remaining at the top requires more than just talent—it takes discipline, consistency, and the ability to adapt to changing audience preferences.” She noted that filmmakers must be ready to embrace new storytelling techniques and market trends while staying true to their artistic vision.
Expressing gratitude for the support she received, Akindele acknowledged that success in the industry is not a solo effort. “I credited God for my rise, and I also appreciated the fans who have stood by me and the colleagues who believed in my vision.”