THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Funke Akindele has solidified her place as a cultural icon and an unstoppable force in Nollywood, a reference to the Nigerian film industry, one of the largest and most prolific in the world. The 47-year-old actor, producer and director rose to prominence through the sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002). However, it was her creation of the character Jenifa in the 2008 film Jenifa and the subsequent hit series Jenifa’s Diary that made her a household name.
Akindele’s recent accomplishments are unprecedented. With Omo Ghetto: The Saga grossing ₦636 million in 2020 and Battle on Buka Street earning ₦668 million in 2022 (about 1.5 million euros), she set benchmarks in Nigerian cinema. Her latest release, Everybody Loves Jenifa, launched in December 2024, shattered records, grossing over ₦1.6 billion and cementing her status as the Box Office Queen of African Cinema.
Germany-based Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewuyi captured Akindele’s essence in a recent interview following her appearance at the Berlin Box Office Film Festival at the Humboldt Forum. Adewuyi noted that while Hollywood dominates global cinema, the Nigerian market is led by unique storytellers like Akindele, whose films are tailored for local audiences.
“Making stories that the three tiers of [Nigerian, nay African] society can relate to,” Akindele revealed her secret recipe. Her films resonate deeply with audiences, offering humour, authenticity and relatable narratives.
“She continues to release films first through cinemas, as she wants families to enjoy the going-out experience while creating an opportunity for the value chain to make money,” Adewuyi said.
“Her stories are not made for the Western gaze, but they are enjoyed by the people she truly makes films for, Nigerians and other Africans.”
Akindele’s films are released first in cinemas, fostering a communal viewing experience and creating economic opportunities across the industry’s value chain. This approach underscores her commitment to not only storytelling but also uplifting the broader Nigerian film ecosystem.
Beyond the box office, Akindele has amassed a massive social media following, serving as an inspiration to budding filmmakers. Her impact extends beyond Nollywood, redefining African cinema’s global perception and creating stories that celebrate African culture and life.
With her ability to balance creativity, business acumen and cultural authenticity, Funke Akindele stands as a trailblazer, not just in Nollywood but in African cinema. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers, reinforcing the power and potential of African narratives.
Kola Tella
