Funke Akindele-Bello tells CNN's African Voices Why She's Educating the Next Generation

and why she’s focusing on the next generation of actors on CNN's 'African Voices'

One of Nollywood’s biggest stars, Akindele has appeared in countless films and some of the

biggest sitcoms in Nigeria. Despite starting acting as a young adult, ‘African Voices’ hears how

she started out on a very different career path.

When Akindele was a child, her parents had differing opinions when it came to her acting

dreams, as she tells CNN: “Growing up was fun for me having the support of my mum,

she believed so much in my talent, though my dad never wanted me to be an actor –

he wanted me to be a lawyer.”

‘African Voices’ hears how she compromised and agreed to study for a degree, eventually

graduating in law. Following this, Akindele began auditioning for roles and had her big break

when she was cast in one of the biggest sitcoms in Lagos, called ‘I Need To Know’.

Akindele describes the time: “When I started ‘I Need To Know’, I never thought I would be

this celebrated. I was 20 years old then. When I shot the pilot I just wanted to do it, I wanted

to showcase my God-given talent… I remember the director telling me I was overacting because

I was excited about it.”

Akindele is best known for her portrayal of Jenifa, and she explains why the character has

continued to appeal to audiences: “Jenifa is witty, she’s crazy, she’s a go getter, she doesn’t want to

take no for an answer and I think I have that – I don’t want to take no for an answer.”

CNN hears that Akindele’s success as Jenifa led her to establish her own production company,

Scene One Productions, as well as bringing many accolades, with her series receiving four awards

since 2015.

Reflecting on this success Akindele tells the programme: “All I can say is I’m grateful, it’s not easy

for you to work hard and people appreciate you.”

Now working on a new TV drama examining the music industry in Nigeria, called ‘Industreet’,

Akindele has also founded ‘Jenifa’s Foundation’.

Explaining the programme’s work, she tells CNN: “We reach out to young people, we empower

them. We help them acquire skills, we help them discover their special gift, their talent in acting

and music and dance.”

When asked what her advice would be for upcoming actors and performers in Nigeria,

Akindele tells the programme: “Stay focused. When you know what you want for yourself,

when you are focused, you will get there.”

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