The considered her ugly. She was not even given a chance to prove her mettle. As far as they were concerned, such an ugly duckling had nothing to offer. Today Funke Akindele is one of the biggest names in Nollywood and a big employer of labour.
Akindele who was on Toke Makinwa’s podcast, “Toke Moments” recounted how she was constantly denied movie roles at some point due to the fact that some people practically labelled her ‘ugly’.
She mentioned having to deal with unpleasant comments from film makers about her physique and looks saddened her.
The ‘Jenifa Diary’ maker and star recalled how she broke down in tears every time they passed those uncomplimentary remarks, further rubbing salt to her injury by withholding roles from her.
The star actress who recently released a mini series, “She Must Be Obeyed” also disclosed being maligned over her looks even in the Yoruba movie scene and denied roles as a result.
The mother of twins described how Iyabo Ojo intervened on different occasions when movie makers refused her roles and when any tried to consider her for a role, it would usually be a minor one.
“And, I remember crying. A lot of times I would cry, break down, get into the bathroom and cry,” she recollected.
But in all this, Funke has again returned to the centre-stage of the entertainment industry as a principal cast in an all-stars mini-series titled “She Must Be Obeyed” by Amazon Prime Video.
The series, which commenced airing on Friday, September 29, 2023 also has a super cast line-up of big names like Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Waje, Mike Ezuronye, Patience Ozokwor and a host of others.
Funke in the lead role portrays Siyanbola Afewale as a thriving artist whose public humility and calmness dangerously hides a reality of greed and ruthless schemes.
Responding to questions at the premiere of the series on Wednesday at the Filmhouse IMAX 1 in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, she highlighted what the film is all about.
‘SHE’ Must Be Obeyed’ according to her centers on the competition in the entertainment industry, the music industry and we decided to work on Afrobeat, you know Afrobeat is from Africa, from Nigeria and we have to explore what we have. So in ’SHE Must Be Obeyed’ you get to see competition, you get to see drama, you get to see fashion, you get to see music, all put into one. And also we had to showcase what young talents go through.
They are very hungry to be seen. They want to showcase their talents, unfortunately they do not study their contract, they do not get a lawyer, or families that are experienced to educate them. All these things affect them and at the end of the day, they get to sign the wrong contract and all these you get to see in ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’.
Asked further how she thinks, as a veteran in Lagos State film community, the young artistes can be better protected, Funke Akindele, urged young and emerging artistes to be very careful.
“Like I said, that is why we joined a contest that affects young artists. That is why we came up with ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’. When they watch it, I am sure they will be very careful. Young artists need to be educated, we need to organize a lot of seminars, workshops for them to let them know that they are very important.
“Yes, you will be seen but you have to get through the place. That is how we have been able to achieve the ‘SHE’ Must Be Obey’,” Akindele said.
Essentially, as witnessed at the preview of the mini-series in Lagos on Wednesday night, it is certain that Amazing Prime Video continues its tradition of providing enlivening content with ‘SHE Must Be Obeyed’ as its latest offering.
According to the film making organisation, Amazon Prime Video, the series offers a window into the lives of three successful music stars, unveiling the cut-throat rivalries and backstabbing activities they engage in, all in an effort to outshine one another and protect their top positions in the game.
