Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde
- Born:
- August 24, 1977, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Nationality:
- Nigerian
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Film Producer, Screenwriter, Director
Early Life and Education
- Born to a medical doctor mother and a teacher father.
- Obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic.
- Earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to fame after starring in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom "I Need to Know", which ran from 1998 to 2002.
- Achieved widespread recognition for her role in the 2008 film Jenifa.
- Established Scene One Film Productions, a company responsible for producing several successful films and TV series.
- Her work greatly influenced the proliferation of 'new nigerian movies 2014 funke akindele biography' requests, highlighting public interest in her career.
- Directed and starred in the successful television series Jenifa's Diary.
- Made her directorial debut with the 2018 political drama Your Excellency.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Jenifa | Jenifa | Lead Role, Producer |
| 2010 | Omo Ghetto | Lefty | Lead Role, Producer |
| 2012 | Maami | Maami | Lead Role |
| 2018 | Your Excellency | Director | Directorial Debut |
| 2022 | Battle on Buka Street | Chef Yejide | Co-Director, Lead Role |
| 2024 | A Tribe Called Judah | Jedidah Judah | Director, Lead Role |
Television
- I Need to Know (1998-2002)
- Jenifa's Diary (2015-Present)
Awards and Recognition
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2009)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2011)
- Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy (2016)
Legacy and Impact
Akindele-Bello has significantly impacted the Nigerian film industry through her roles as an actress, producer, and director. Her portrayal of relatable characters and her entrepreneurial endeavors have made her a prominent figure and a role model for aspiring filmmakers.