Akindele Bello Olufunke Ayotunde popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifer is a Nigerian actress and producer. She was born on August 24th, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Funke is the second of three children two girls and a boy, Funke Akindele’s mother is a Medical Doctor while her father is a retired School Principal. Funke Akindele obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
Funke married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede on May 26, 2012 and they divorced in July 2013 citing irreconcilable differences. She remarried Abdul Resheed Bello, known as JJC Skillz in London in May, 2016.
Funke Akindele got her major breakthrough when she played the main character in a comedy-drama movie, Jenifa where she acted as a ‘local girl’ from the village who went to Lagos for a ‘better’ life. The movie was not just entertaining and hilarious but a massive success which she did well to harness the potential. Jenifa inspired her ongoing TV series Jenifa’s Diary. Jenifa’s Diary has become a household name in most Nigerian homes and features talented artists such as Lota Chukwu, Folarin Falana (Falz Da bad guy) and Lolo, an OAP and TV personality.
Funke is not just successful in acting, she is also a skilled entrepreneur. She owns an acting school, Scene One School of Drama.
Scene One School of Drama teaches aspiring actors, producers and dancers how to develop their talents and be the best in their creative careers. The courses offered in the school are Traditional and Contemporary Dance, Music, Introduction to Drama, Etiquette and Manners and much more.
Funke Akindele is a caring and generous person. She founded Jenifa’s Foundation, a non-governmental organisation. Through Jenifa’s Foundation, Funke gives back to society. The organisation empowers and helps young people discover their talents in acting, music, and dance.
