Seunfunmi Joshua
Nollywood Actress, Producer and Director Funke Akindele has been at the center of attention in recent weeks after her film “A Tribe Called Judah” smashed box office records, becoming the first Nigerian movie to earn 1bn naira ($1.1m; £900,000) and counting in cinemas.
The Nollywood blockbuster achieved this historic feat in just three weeks, with Funke Akindele serving as the actor, director, and producer.
Funke Akindele rose to fame following her performance in the popular sitcom “I Need to Know,” which was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and aired from 1998 to 2002. Since then, her career trajectory has been from one record breaking feat to the other.
In this article, we take a trip down memory lane, highlighting some of the movies that have firmly established Funke as a powerful presence. Her captivating performances, adored by both Yoruba and English movie lovers, have played a pivotal role in boosting box office figures, securing her status as the reigning Queen of blockbusters.
Don’t let us bore you any longer, let’s dive right into it.
Taiwo Taiwo (2008)
The movie was the rave back in 2008, Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo play lead roles.
It tells a story of the reign of twin couple with the name “Taiwo Taiwo” aka T-boy and T-girl who rob for a living. They own an organization where dirty jobs are planned with the right information before the deal is being executed.
Jenifa (2008)
“Jenifa” stands as the movie that propelled Funke Akindele into stardom. Portraying the character Jenifa, a village girl seeking a brighter future in the city, Akindele’s outstanding performance, coupled with the film’s humor and relatable plot, resonated strongly with audiences.
The movie garnered four nominations at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Original Soundtrack, and Best Nigerian Film. Akindele clinched the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for her exceptional performance in this film.
The immense popularity of Jenifa led to a successful TV series and multiple sequels.
Funke Akindele’s portrayal of the lively and lovable Jenifa remains a standout and enduring highlight in her career.
Apaadi (2009)
Funke Akindele made her debut as a producer with the first epic film, where she also portrayed a key role as the King’s niece. This production earned a nomination for Best Film in an African Language at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Omo Ghetto (2010)
Omo Ghetto is a 2010 Nigerian crime comedy drama film written and produced by Funke Akindele.
The film is based on the societal vices by a women-dominated gang.
The sequel, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” released on 25 December 2020, emerged as one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films. Funke Akindele takes on the challenging dual roles of twins, Lefty and Ayomide, in this action-packed and humorous production. Her seamless portrayal of two distinct characters, each with unique nuances and mannerisms, underscores her versatility and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Maami (2011)
“Maami” is a Yoruba word which means “my mother” in English. In this movie, Funke stars alongside Wale Ojo as lead actors, exploring the story of a footballer while touching on a mother’s love, single parenting and poverty. Tunde Kelani directed this drama.
Industreet (2017)
In 2017, she kicked off production of her TV series about the entertainment industry and budding artists trying to break into the mainstream. Industreet is a combination of industry experience and street lifestyle. It starred Niniola, Funsho Adeolu, Daddy Freeze and Linda Ejiofor.
Battle On Buka Street (2022)
This movie marked her third directorial venture after “Your Excellency” and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga.”
It secured the position of the second-highest-grossing Nigerian film of 2022, trailing only behind “Brotherhood” with an impressive ₦200,087,222 at the box office.
Notably, the film surpassed “Avatar: The Way of Water” as the top-grossing film in Nigeria over the Christmas weekend, earning almost ₦50 million.
On Christmas Day alone, the film grossed ₦26 million, making it the highest-grossing Nigerian film on a single day in 2022.
Final Thoughts
Looks like the Queen of blockbusters won’t be stopping anytime soon and we are here for it. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
