- Tobi Makinde, an actor and podcast host, has revealed that Funke Akindele, a renowned actress and filmmaker, significantly influenced his life.
- The actor claims that his involvement in Akindele’s films, such as A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa, significantly influenced his life.
Nollywood actor and podcast host, Tobi Makinde, has credited award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for playing a major role in transforming his career.
Speaking in a recent interview with Sunday Scoop, Makinde revealed that appearing in Akindele’s productions including A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa marked a turning point in his life.
“The first time I worked with Funke, I knew I was standing on holy ground when it came to excellence. She’s not just talented, she’s intentional, focused and relentless in the best way. I watched her run massive productions with a calm sense of control, then step in front of the camera and give 110 per cent. That level of dedication rubs off on one. It forces one to rise to the occasion. Working with her has been a masterclass, not just in acting, but in how to carry oneself as a creative. It changed how I approach everything,” he shared.
Tobi, who began his acting career as a child in productions like Kamsi and Neighbours, also recalled a touching moment when a fan expressed how much his work meant to her.
He said, “There was a day I’ll never forget. I was out in public when a young woman saw me, and she just froze. She started fidgeting, clearly emotional, and then said, ‘Your work helped me through a really hard time’. In that moment, it hit me: this isn’t just about acting or being on screen. It’s about impact. One never knows who’s watching, who is healing because of a story one told. That interaction grounded me. It reminded me that what we do isn’t small.
It can reach into someone’s darkness and bring light.”
Now branching into podcasting with The Tobi Makinde Show, the actor said the experience has deepened his appreciation for authentic storytelling.
“I never imagined how different storytelling could feel until I started hosting the show. In film and television, there’s a script. You know your lines. You know where the story is going. But with the podcast, it’s different. It’s just me, my guest, and the truth.”
