Renowned Nigerian actress, producer, and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has recounted how she earned her first ₦1 million in 1999, following her breakthrough role as Bisi in the acclaimed television series, I Need to Know.
In a video shared via her official Instagram handle on Saturday, Akindele reflected on her early struggles in the Nigerian film industry, narrating how perseverance and resilience paved the way for her eventual success.
According to the actress, her acting career commenced in 1996, marked initially by brief cameo appearances—popularly known as “waka-pass” roles—and numerous unsuccessful auditions.
“I started my career around 1996, playing waka-pass roles. In 1997, I kept going for auditions and got a lot of ‘nos’. Then I got one big ‘yes’ with I Need to Know, and that was how I made my first ₦1 million,” she stated.
Akindele also recounted the challenges she faced while filming the show’s pilot episode, disclosing that she was nearly dropped from the cast after being cautioned by the producers for “overacting.”
“I almost lost the role of Bisi. After shooting the pilot, the callback didn’t come on time. When I was eventually called in, they said I was overacting and advised me to go home and study the character better,” she revealed.
Determined to improve, Akindele said she rehearsed extensively with her younger sister, who helped her adopt a more convincing teenage voice and demeanor suited to the character.
“I was so worried, but my younger sister encouraged me. She read the script and started speaking like a teenager. I listened, practiced, and immediately took in the character. That was how I got the role,” she added.
The actress further revealed that her first substantial earnings from the series were accumulated over several episodes, amounting to ₦1 million—an amount she described as “life-changing.”
On how she spent the money, Akindele said the first thing she did was to inform her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe before making any expenditure.
“First, I showed the money to my mom. She advised that I pay my tithe. After that, I went to Yaba market because I didn’t have shoes or good clothes. I changed my wardrobe—shoes, bags, everything. The girl who had no shoes yesterday now had many,” she said with nostalgia.
Akindele’s testimony underscores her journey from humble beginnings to prominence in Nollywood and serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and filmmakers navigating the industry’s challenges.#newsafro_
