Funke Akindele reveals how her breakout TV role earned her first ₦1 million

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has shared how she earned her first ₦1 million in 1999 through her breakthrough role as “Bisi” in the popular TV series I Need to Know.

Reflecting on her early days in the film industry, Akindele said her acting career began in 1996, when she took up minor “waka pass” roles and faced multiple rejections at auditions before landing the opportunity that changed her life.

“I made that around 1999. I started my career from like 1996, playing waka pass roles, going for auditions, and getting a lot of ‘no’s. Then I got one big ‘yes’ with I Need to Know, and that’s how I got my first ₦1 million,” she revealed.

Akindele recalled that she almost lost the role after producers told her she was overacting, but she worked hard to understand the character better and eventually impressed the production team. She credited her younger sister for helping her improve her delivery, which earned her the final role.

The actress explained that when she received her first major payment, she showed the money to her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe. After that, she went to Yaba Market to buy clothes and shoes, upgrading her wardrobe as a way to celebrate her first big achievement.

“First, I showed it to my mom. Of course, she knew about it and advised me to pay my tithe. After that, I entered Yaba because I didn’t have good shoes or clothes,” she said with a smile.

Funke Akindele, now one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers and box office record-holders, continues to inspire young talents in the entertainment industry with her story of persistence, humility, and hard work.