From “I Need To Know” To “Avengers Infinity War”: These 6 Pictures Capture Funke Akindele’s Success Story

Funke “Jenifa” Akindele, rose above other actors and actresses in the Nigerian movie industry when she was enlisted to feature in the latest edition of Marvel studio’s thriller, Avengers “Infinity War”. But only individuals born in the 90’s and earlier, can fully recollect her journey to stardom. This picture story will serve as journey down the memory lane for those that witnessed her her rise, it will also serve as an “exposee” for those that don’t know where it all started.
Unclad Wire (1997)
Not many Nigerians know that Funke Akindele acted a movie role before she came to limelight in In Need To Know. She played the role of a waitress in this movie. The movie was produced by Opa Williams. This was Funke’s first ever movie role.
I Need To Know(1998)
This sitcom served as a foundation for Funke Akindele’s career. I Need to Know is a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sponsored sitcom which ran from 1998 to 2002. It was aimed at educating adolescents on reproductive health. Funke played the role of Bisi, a curious but very intelligent secondary school student.
Jenifa (2008)
Though she featured in 18 other movies before producing this movie, Jenifa turned out to be the thriller that eventually brought Funke Akindele to national limelight. She played the role of a young university student that ignored her moral upbringing to enjoy the frivolities of the Nigerian campus life.
Maami(2011)
This awarding winning movie was the story of a struggling single mother who had to take care of her son alone in a harsh and hostile world. Funke played the role of the mother in this movie.
A Trip To Jamaica(2016)
The film tells a story about the adventures of a newly engaged couple in their relatives residence outside Nigeria, and how the secrets of their host led to the eventual breakup of their union amidst the culture shock of the new country and living with upper-class citizens.
Avengers “Infinity War”(2018)
Not many Nigerians have ever featured in an international action movie. Not to talk of a movie as popular as the Avengers. Funke will play the role of Dora Milaje, a member of the Black Panther’s guards. Dora Milaje is a clan of superior women recruited from every tribe of the Wakanda to serve as the personal bodyguards of the Black Panther.
Photo Credit: Funke Akindele

Leave a Reply