Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele shares how criticism about her marital life became a source of strength, propelling her to achieve significant success in the film industry
Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about how enduring public mockery regarding her marital transitions ultimately strengthened her and ignited her drive to achieve remarkable success in filmmaking.
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Speaking candidly on the Chude Live Conversation Show alongside other prominent Nigerian creatives including Falz, Kiekie, Veekee James, Moses Bliss, Taaooma, and Hauwa Lawal, Akindele shared her personal journey of pain and triumph.
Recounting her experience, Akindele revealed, “There was a video on social media that some women mocked me that I don’t have a husband. My God.
I see all the insults on social media. I see all the posts that show how I left one husband for another one.
I cried, cried, and cried. I just told myself, you need to speak to someone about this. You can’t continue like this.”
Akindele emphasized the importance of seeking support during difficult times, stating that speaking to a therapist helped her cope with the emotional toll of public scrutiny.
“So, I want to advise you out there. It’s very important for you to speak up. You need it. You can’t take everything. I’m a very strong person now. I have that strength to face any challenges in life.”
After the whole blackmailing, I got tougher. I started putting the story about my life into writing, even though I almost lost it mentally, but I used the mockery to produce a film.” – Funke Akindele.
She further disclosed how she channeled the negativity into her creative work. “After the whole blackmailing, I got tougher.
I started putting the story about my life into writing, even though I almost lost it mentally, but I used the mockery to produce a film,” Akindele revealed.
Sharing her milestone of achieving over one billion views for one of her films at the box office, Akindele recalled a filmmaker who had previously told her such a feat was unattainable for her.
She also expressed her commitment to empowering the next generation of filmmakers and creating new movie stars within Nollywood.
Other personalities who shared their stories on the show included Falz, who reflected on the challenging but significant EndSARS period, and media personality Kiekie, who expressed her delight in connecting with a live audience.
The conversation also touched on managing mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being amidst fame and public scrutiny.
