Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has said her focus remains on telling authentic Nigerian and African stories rather than competing with colleagues in the industry.
She made the remarks on Friday in Lagos when the National Film and Video Censors Board honoured her with multiple awards at an event held at its South-West Zonal Office in Ikoyi.
“I’m not competing. It’s not a competition. I just want to tell African stories, you know, our own Nigerian stories. I want us to feel accepted, loved.
“I want them to watch our movies, learn, see what we go through, you know, hear our stories directly from a Nigerian, an African. That’s all I want to do. So this year, you will love it. But let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’m not going to spill it,” the 48-year-old filmmaker said.
Responding to questions about potential sequels and new releases, Akindele declined to reveal details but assured fans they would be pleased with what is ahead.
“I don’t want to spill it yet. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but you will love it. You will love it. I don’t pressure myself, I must say. No, I don’t put pressure on myself. I just keep taking it day at a time, doing my thing.
Speaking on her evolution as a storyteller, the award-winning actress said constructive criticism and constant learning have helped her refine her craft and explore new narrative styles.
“Yes, it says a lot about recreating the story pattern, moving away from the normal thing you do. I listen to constructive criticisms; I really listen to it. I’m a good storyteller, I want to be the best at it.
“I learn a lot from my competitors, from mentors out there. I watch a lot of movies, I read books, and I listen to stories to grow my craft. It’s very important, so I must say it took me a lot of hard work on Behind the Scenes.
“I just sat down, like I was supposed to produce A Tribe Called Judah part two, and the spirit of God kept saying you have to move out of it… go and do something different, and here I am with it, so it’s a good one for me,” she said.
Akindele’s commercial success has often led to comparisons with fellow Nollywood star Toyin Abraham, particularly during competitive festive-season releases.
The two have, however, publicly downplayed rivalry narratives, emphasising mutual respect.
She has also been compared with actors such as Mercy Johnson Okojie and Genevieve Nnaji in discussions about influence and longevity.
Some critics also liken her performance intensity to that of American actress Taraji Henson. Occasional debates among fans also include Kehinde Bankole, reflecting the diversity of talent within the industry.
