Key Takeaways

• Bimbo Akintola says Funke Akindele spent years in the movie industry before receiving widespread recognition.
• Bimbo recalled seeing Funke struggle to get opportunities to shine.
• Funke moved into the Yoruba movie industry and continued acting and producing movies.
• Bimbo identified Jenifa as a major turning point in Funke’s journey to widespread recognition.
• The actress praised Funke’s persistence and determination.
• Bimbo believes many people admire Funke’s success without knowing the struggles behind it.

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has recalled the challenges her colleague, Funke Akindele, faced before becoming one of the widely recognised names in the Nigerian movie industry.

Speaking about Funke’s career journey, Bimbo explained that her colleague’s success did not happen overnight, noting that she spent years working in the industry before receiving the recognition she enjoys today.

According to Bimbo, Funke had been active in Nollywood for a long time but struggled to get the opportunity to shine despite her efforts.

Bimbo Akintola Recalls Funke Akindele’s Early Career Struggles

Bimbo shared these observations during a Masterclass session hosted by Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo at his new media hub, Euphoria 360.

The actress recalled seeing Funke on movie sets during the early stages of her career, explaining that she had spent years trying to establish herself in the industry.

She emphasised that Funke’s journey involved persistence and determination, despite the limited opportunities she encountered at the time.

Bimbo said:

She has been in the industry for a long time. She didn’t make it overnight. I remember seeing her on set; she was there for years, struggling. Nobody gave her the chance to shine.

Her remarks highlight the difficult period that preceded Funke’s widespread recognition and challenge the perception that her success came suddenly.

Funke Akindele’s Transition Into Yoruba Movies and Film Production

Bimbo also reflected on the career moves Funke made before achieving widespread recognition.

According to her account, Funke moved into the Yoruba movie industry, where she continued acting and began producing movies.

These efforts formed part of the journey that eventually led to the release of Jenifa, the project Bimbo identified as a major turning point in Funke’s career.

The actress praised Funke’s determination to keep working and developing her career rather than giving up when opportunities were limited.

Bimbo said:

One thing she had was persistence; she never gave up. She moved to the Yoruba industry, started acting and producing, and before you know it, she did Jenifa, and the whole world knows who she is.

Bimbo Says Many People Admire Funke Akindele Without Knowing Her Story

Bimbo further observed that many people now aspire to achieve the level of success associated with Funke Akindele without understanding the difficulties she experienced along the way.

She suggested that people sometimes see the recognition and achievements that come with success without considering the years of effort that may have preceded them.

Emphasising this point, she said:

So many of you now want to be like Funke Akindele; you don’t know her backstory, you don’t know her struggles. You figure it is overnight; no, it isn’t overnight.

Her comments reinforce the central message of her account: Funke’s rise to prominence was preceded by years of work, persistence and efforts to establish herself in the movie industry.

The Importance of Persistence in Funke Akindele’s Career Journey

Bimbo Akintola’s account offers a reminder that public recognition does not always reflect the full journey behind an entertainer’s success.

While audiences may become familiar with a performer after a major project or career breakthrough, the years of work that came before that moment can receive less attention.

In Funke’s case, Bimbo specifically highlighted her years in the industry, her move into Yoruba productions, her acting and production work, and the eventual release of Jenifa.

Her comments place particular emphasis on persistence, presenting Funke’s career journey as an example of continuing to pursue opportunities despite setbacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did Bimbo Akintola say about Funke Akindele?

Bimbo Akintola said Funke Akindele spent years in the movie industry struggling for opportunities before becoming widely recognised. She praised Funke’s persistence and determination.

2. Where did Bimbo Akintola make the remarks about Funke Akindele?

She made the comments during a Masterclass session hosted by Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo at his new media hub, Euphoria 360.

3. Did Bimbo Akintola say Funke Akindele became famous overnight?

No. Bimbo stressed that Funke’s success came after years of working in the movie industry and pursuing opportunities.

4. What career move did Funke Akindele make before the success of Jenifa?

According to Bimbo’s account, Funke moved into the Yoruba movie industry, where she continued acting and started producing movies.

5. What did Bimbo Akintola identify as the key to Funke Akindele’s success?

She highlighted persistence, explaining that Funke never gave up despite the struggles she experienced while building her career.

Final Thoughts

Bimbo Akintola’s comments have drawn attention to the years of effort that preceded Funke Akindele’s widespread recognition. By recalling her colleague’s early struggles and persistence, Bimbo has highlighted the importance of understanding the journey behind success rather than focusing only on the achievements people eventually see.