Before she became one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers, Funke Akindele was just another aspiring actress chasing auditions and collecting rejection slips. In a heartfelt video shared on her Instagram page, Akindele opened up about the moment that changed her life forever, landing the role of Bisi in the hit TV series I Need to Know, and earning her first N1 million in 1999.
Funke Akindele Humble Beginnings and Relentless Auditions
Akindele’s journey began in 1996 with minor “waka-pass” roles, brief appearances that barely registered on screen. By 1997, she was attending auditions regularly, but the doors remained shut. “I got a lot of nos,” she recalled. Yet she never gave up. Her persistence paid off when she received a life-changing “yes” for I Need to Know, a youth-focused series that would become a cultural touchstone in Nigeria.
Almost Losing the Role That Made Her
Even after landing the role of Bisi, Akindele’s breakthrough wasn’t guaranteed. During the pilot shoot, she was nearly dropped from the cast for overacting. “They told me to go home and read my script, understand the character very well,” she said. The feedback shook her, but it didn’t break her. At home, her younger sister stepped in to help her find the right tone, a teenage voice that matched Bisi’s character. “She held the script and started reading,” Akindele shared. “I heard mama speak like a teenager, and immediately, I took in the character.”
That moment of recalibration saved her role and launched her career.
The First Million: A Shock and a Blessing
When the payments started rolling in, Akindele was stunned. “We were paid for an episode, but together, ah, I was shocked. I was like me that always jump for bike.” Her first N1 million wasn’t just a financial milestone; it was a symbol of how far she’d come.
She took the money straight to her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe first. Then came the wardrobe upgrade. “I entered Yaba because I didn’t have shoes… I changed my wardrobe, shoes, bags, everything. The girl who had no shoes yesterday has today.”
Funke Akindele: A Legacy of Grit and Grace
Funke Akindele’s story is more than a nostalgic reflection; it’s a masterclass in resilience. From rejection to recognition, she proved that talent alone isn’t enough. It takes humility, adaptability, and a support system to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Today, Funke Akindele is a household name, with blockbuster films, directing credits, and a legacy that continues to inspire young creatives across Nigeria and beyond.
