"When I started ‘I Need To Know’, I never thought I would be this celebrated"

chibumga izuzu

May 26, 2017 8:57 AM

On this week's CNN’s ‘African Voices’, Funke Akindele-Bello talks being a celebrated actress, "Industreet" and why people find the character Jenifa appealing.

On this weeks CNN’s ‘African Voices’, Nigerian filmmaker

Akindele has been a household name since her days on the screen as Bisi in "I Need to Know."

According to her, she didn't expect her acting journey to become this celebrated.

“When I started ‘I Need To Know’, I never thought I would be this celebrated. I was 20 years old then," explained Funke Akindele.

"When I shot the pilot I just wanted to do it, I wanted to showcase my God-given talent. I remember the director telling me I was overacting because I was excited about it."

Funke explained why her hilarious character as Jenifa in "Jenifa's Diary," has continued to appeal to the audience.

“Jenifa is witty, she’s crazy, she’s a go getter, she doesn’t want to take no for an answer and I think I have that – I don’t want to take no for an answer," the actress said.

Akindele's new music-oriented show "Industreet" makes its debut today, Friday, May 26, 2017.

Speaking about the series which debuts new acts, the actress said, “We reach out to young people, we empower them.

"We help them acquire skills, we help them discover their special gift, their talent in acting and music and dance.”

Funke Akindele came into limelight after her role in "I Need to Know," which ran from 1998 to 2002.

She can be seen next in "Isoken,"which debuts on June 16, 2017.

chibumga izuzu