Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared the inspiring story of how she made her first N1 million in 1999 after landing her breakout role as Bisi in the popular TV series I Need to Know.
In a video shared on her Instagram page on Saturday, Akindele revealed that her journey into Nollywood began in 1996, featuring in minor “waka pass” roles and enduring numerous audition rejections before her breakthrough.
Akindele recalled that persistence kept her going despite several disappointments in the early years of her career.
“I made that around 1999. I started my career from like 1996, playing waka pass roles, 1997 going for auditions, getting a lot of nos,” she said.
According to her, everything changed after she landed the role of Bisi in I Need to Know, which came with her first big pay cheque.
“Then I got one big yes with ‘I need to know’ and that is how I got my first N1 million,” she added.
How She Almost Lost the Role
Akindele also recounted a tense moment when she almost lost the role during the pilot shoot. The producers had warned that she was overacting and needed to tone down her performance.
“I almost lost the role ‘Bisi’ in ‘I need to know’. I shot the pilot first and acted so well, but I was waiting for this callback. The callback didn’t come on time,” she explained.
“Then they called me into the office and said, you’re a fantastic actress, you’re doing so well, but you’re overacting. They told me to go home, read my script again, and understand the character very well.”
Akindele said she went home discouraged, but her younger sister helped her perfect the teenage character’s tone.
“I was so worried. I said, how am I going to do it now? Then I got home and was moody. My younger sister asked what was wrong, and I told her. She said, let me see the script. She started reading, and I heard her speak like a teenager. Immediately, I took in the character, and that was how I got the role.”
How She Spent Her First N1 Million
Reflecting on how she spent the money, Akindele said her first action was to show the cash to her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe.
“What did I do with one million naira? First, I showed it to my mom. Of course, she knew about it, and she advised that I pay my tithe first,” she said.
After paying her tithe, Akindele headed straight to Yaba market to upgrade her wardrobe, as she described not owning enough decent clothes or shoes.
“I paid my tithe, then I entered Yaba because I didn’t have shoes. I had maybe two or three pairs, and I didn’t have good clothes. I changed my wardrobe, shoes, bags, everything. The girl that had no shoes yesterday has today,” she said with excitement.
According to a 9am News report, Funke Akindele’s story highlights perseverance, resilience, and faith as driving forces behind her success. Her journey from minor roles to becoming one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures continues to inspire young actors across Nigeria.
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