As The Highest-Grossing Filmmaker In Nigeria, I’m A Proof That Hard Work And Determination Can Take You Far: Funke Akindele
In a recent interview with Ruth Osime on Arise TV, Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele shared her inspiring story and the challenges she faced on her path to success.
During the interview, she emphasized the importance of being self-made and not relying on others for validation. For her, the story was never to give up.
She spoke about the struggles she faced early in her career and how she persevered through them to reach the level of success she enjoys today. Her message was clear: work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams.
Funke Akindele revealed that she started her acting career way back in 1996, right after she finished her OND program. During her Industrial Training (IT), she would juggle between work and attending auditions.
She narrated her early days school struggles, including making hair, nails and cake to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Funke never gave up on her dream.
Her hard work and perseverance paid off when she landed her big break in the popular soap opera “I Need to Know,” which catapulted her to fame and opened doors to more opportunities in the industry.
Through several frustrations of not getting major roles in the English movies, she went into the Yoruba movies through the help of her colleagues who mentioned her to producers. She recounted that she wasn’t given big roles.
Eventually, she launched herself out with her first production. Funke shared her experiences at her early days in the Yoruba movies, where she learned how to produce movies.
“As the highest-grossing filmmaker in Nigeria and a reputable actress, I’m proof that hard work and determination can take you far”
Being a role model for women who aspire to become actors and filmmakers, Funke Akindele encouraged them to take control of their own destiny and not wait for opportunities to come to them. She stressed the importance of creating your own path and being proactive in pursuing your goals.
One of the most striking points Funke made during the interview was about the positive and negative impact of social media on the psyche of young women. She acknowledged that while social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with fans and promoting one’s work, it can also have negative effects on self-esteem and mental health.
Funke emphasized the importance of being mindful of what one puts out on social media, especially for celebrities who have a large following. She stressed that it is crucial to use one’s platform to influence lives positively and showcase great things. Acknowledging her love for quality contents on fashion and lifestlye, she noted that women can be more than just focusing on being a “baddie” As women, it is important to use the social media positively and focus on breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. Let your lives revolve around positive impacts in the society.
Her interview serves as an inspiration to many young talents who are looking to carve out their own path to success. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and self-belief in achieving one’s dreams.
