Lagos, Nigeria – Renowned actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed how music icon D’banj played a crucial role in shaping her career trajectory, particularly in the expansion of her hit film Jenifa.
Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference organized by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, Akindele expressed gratitude for her journey in the entertainment industry, acknowledging both divine favor and strategic guidance from key figures like D’banj.
Akindele recalled that following the success of Jenifa in 2009, she initially planned to move on to other projects. However, an encounter with D’banj at an event changed her perspective. Recognizing the potential of the Jenifa brand, the singer advised her to expand the franchise rather than abandon it prematurely.
“He asked what I was doing with the Jenifa brand, and I told him I had moved on to something else. He said, ‘No, you have to milk it. That’s a brand. Go and write another script.’ He even provided financial support, which helped me continue writing,” Akindele recounted.
Her decision to build on Jenifa led to the creation of The Return of Jenifa and the widely popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, solidifying her status as a leading force in Nollywood.
Akindele emphasized that while no one single-handedly made her a star, D’banj’s advice and support were instrumental in maximizing the potential of her career-defining project.
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