Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele recently opened up about her career journey and the instrumental role singer D’banj played in her success. Speaking at the 2025 Media Sales Conference organized by the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) in Lagos, Akindele shared key moments that shaped her rise in the entertainment industry.
Expressing gratitude for her achievements, she highlighted how D’banj’s advice and support influenced her career trajectory. Akindele recalled that her breakthrough came with the release of Jenifa in 2009, a project that became a defining moment in her career.
During this period, she was invited to an event by a club owner, where she had her first encounter with D’banj. In their conversation, the singer recognized the potential of the Jenifa brand and urged her to maximize its success instead of quickly moving on to new projects.
“He asked what I was doing with the Jenifa brand, and I told him I had moved on to something else,” Akindele recounted. “But he advised me otherwise, telling me to build on its success. He even provided financial support, which motivated me to keep writing.”
Akindele credited her dedication and resilience for her achievements but acknowledged D’banj’s timely advice as a crucial turning point in her creative journey.
