I’m Committed To African Storytelling, Not Competing –Funke Akindele

Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has said her focus remains on telling authentic African stories rather than competing with colleagues in the industry.

Speaking at an awards event organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board, Akindele said her motivation is rooted in cultural representation and impact.

“I’m not competing. It’s not a competition. I just want to tell African stories, our own Nigerian stories. I want us to feel accepted and loved,” she said.

“I want people to watch our movies, learn, see what we go through and hear our stories directly from a Nigerian, an African. That’s all I want to do.”

When asked about possible sequels and upcoming projects, the filmmaker declined to disclose details but assured fans that new releases are on the way.

“This year, you will love it. But let’s keep our fingers crossed. I’m not going to spill it,” she added.

Akindele also dismissed suggestions that she feels pressured to surpass her previous box-office records.

“I don’t pressure myself. I just take it one day at a time and keep doing my thing,” she said.

Her films have consistently broken box office records, with her four highest-grossing Nollywood productions collectively earning over N7.6 billion, cementing her position as one of the industry’s most commercially successful filmmakers.