Funke Ayotunde Akindele (born 1977) is a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and producer. She gained fame with the sitcom "I Need to Know" and became a household name with the movie "Jenifa" (2008) and its sequel series "Jenifa's Diary." Her production company Scene One Productions has produced multiple box office hits. Akindele's film "Omo Ghetto: The Saga" became the highest-grossing Nollywood film. She's won numerous awards and is celebrated for her comedic talent and business acumen.


BOX OFFICE QUEEN:
Funke Akindele combines acting prowess with business savvy. After rising to fame as Bisi in the educational series I Need to Know, she created the Jenifa film franchise and spin-off sitcom Jenifa’s Diary, which revolutionised Nigerian television with its comedic storytelling and authentic Yoruba-English code-switching.

RECORD-SHATTERING PRODUCER:
Her films Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) and Battle on Buka Street (2022) set Nigerian box office records, each surpassing ₦600 million. In 2023 she co-wrote and directed A Tribe Called Judah, becoming the first filmmaker in West Africa to gross over ₦1 billion with a single film.

INDUSTRY BUILDER:
Through Scene One Productions she trains writers, editors, and cinematographers, maintaining high production standards. Her studio invests in sound stages, post-production suites, and talent incubation, boosting Nollywood’s capacity for streaming-era storytelling.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY:
Akindele leverages her platform for social causes—from health campaigns to education drives. She ran as deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State (2023), encouraging youth to participate in governance. Her Jenifa Foundation empowers underprivileged youth with vocational skills and start-up kits.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 24 August 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
- Awards: Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) multiple wins, Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2009).
- Education: OND in Mass Communication (MAPOLY), Law degree (University of Lagos).
- Signature characters: Jenifa, Lefty (Omo Ghetto), Ajoke (Industreet).