Funke Akindele: “I gave up my social life to build the Jenifa brand”

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared details about the intense dedication and sacrifices that went into building her now successful Jenifa brand.

The award-winning actress made the revelation during the International Women’s Day event organised by Wema Bank, where she had a conversation with TV host Morayo Brown.

Funke explained that the success people celebrate today came at the cost of her personal time and comfort.

According to her, there was a period when she completely stepped away from social activities to concentrate on developing the Jenifa franchise.

“We are seeing the billions, we are all saying congratulations, the accolades, Funke is doing a great job. I want to be like Funke, but what it costs me to be sitting here today is a lot,” she said.

She revealed that while working on the brand, she handled several responsibilities at once, from writing and producing to directing and acting.

“I remember locking myself up in Amen Estate for almost two years, just building the Jenifa brand.

Writing, producing, directing, playing Jenifer, supervising every department to grow the brand.”

The actress said many of her colleagues did not understand why she stopped showing up at social gatherings, and some even criticised her for it.

“And I remember my colleagues will be so mad at me for not going to people’s parties. What’s wrong with you? She is a sadist, but they didn’t know what I was doing.”

The actress also spoke about the discipline required to keep pushing even when she wanted to rest.

“It took my time, my comfort. Sometimes I want to relax, so I remind myself to stand up. No time to chill, you have a target.”

She added that being deeply involved in the production process also meant she had to deal with criticism whenever certain efforts didn’t turn out as expected.

“Then it took vulnerability; I was vulnerable in the sense that when you pour in different things, and you’re all into the production, and some things don’t work out, you sit back and watch them criticise you. I had to take it in, it’s difficult, but it has helped me today to grow.”

Despite the challenges and criticism she faced along the way, Funke believes the experience ultimately shaped the success she enjoys today.

SEE POST BELOW;