Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele is opening up about the not-so-glamorous side of success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and humility.
In a candid chat with Chude Jideonwo on the #WithChude podcast, the box office queen made it clear: “To be successful, you need to do the dirty work.”
“A lot of people want to do what I’m doing, but I keep telling them: for you to be successful, you need to work hard. Do the dirty work.”
Despite being one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers and actresses, Funke says she doesn’t dwell on her accomplishments. Instead, she stays grounded, focused on growth, and constantly pushes for perfection.
🔑 Her Success Formula:
- Hard Work & Intentionality
- Originality & Self-awareness
- Spirituality & Grit
- Refusal to Dwell on Grief
She also touched on how she remains emotionally strong, revealing that she doesn’t allow herself to break down due to personal problems.
The Ijoba Lande Controversy:
Her interview comes just days after skit maker Ijoba Lande accused her of underpaying him—claiming he received only ₦90,000 for working on her film for a month. According to him, he initially felt honored when Funke contacted him via DM, hoping it was his “big break.”
However, after the backlash and public debate, Lande backtracked, issuing an apology and clarifying that he was actually paid ₦190,000, not ₦90,000.
He also advised upcoming talents to always charge their worth, no matter how big the star involved is.
Funke’s message is loud and clear — success isn’t about hype, it’s about hustle. And as for the controversies, she’s letting her results speak louder than rumors.
