Veteran Nollywood actress and award-winning filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has opened up about her inspiring journey to stardom, recounting how she earned her first-ever ₦1 million through her breakout role as “Bisi” in the popular educational television series, I Need to Know. The actress shared this during a recent interview where she reflected on her humble beginnings, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way.
According to Funke, the road to that milestone wasn’t easy. She recalled starting her acting career in 1996, taking on small, unnoticed “waka pass” roles in films and TV shows. During those early years, she faced numerous rejections at auditions but refused to give up on her dream of becoming a successful actress.
“I made that around 1999,” she revealed with a smile. “I started my career from like 1996, playing waka pass roles, 1997 going for auditions, getting a lot of nos. Then I got one big yes with I Need to Know, and that was how I got my first N1 million.”
Funke Akindele reveals she almost lost her breakthrough role
Funke further revealed that her role as “Bisi” in I Need to Know nearly slipped away due to a misunderstanding about her acting style. She was told that her performance was “too exaggerated,” but a piece of advice from her younger sister helped her secure the iconic role that changed her life forever.
“I almost lost the role ‘Bisi’ in I Need to Know,” she admitted. “I shot the pilot first, and I acted so well. I was waiting for this call back, but it didn’t come on time. Then they called me into the office and said, ‘You’re a fantastic actress, but you’re overacting. Go home and read your script again and understand your character better.’”
Feeling worried, Funke went home discouraged until her younger sister stepped in to help. “My sister asked what happened, and I told her they said I don’t sound like a teenager. She grabbed the script and began reading it like a young girl. When I heard her speak that way, I immediately got it. I went back, adjusted my tone, and that’s how I got the role.”
Funke explained that after securing the role, she was paid per episode, and when she finally received the total sum, it came up to one million naira — a figure that completely shocked her at the time. “We were paid for each episode, but I won’t tell you how much,” she laughed. “All together, when I counted it, I was shocked. I was like, ‘Me? That always jumps okada?’”
Funke Akindele shares how she spent her first ₦1 million
The actress also opened up about what she did with her first major paycheck. She said that the first person she showed the money to was her mother, who advised her to pay her tithe before spending it. Following her mother’s advice, Funke decided to upgrade her wardrobe — a small but meaningful step that made her feel accomplished.
“The first thing I did was to show my mom,” she recounted. “She told me to pay my tithe first, and I did. Then I went straight to Yaba market because I didn’t have shoes — maybe just two or three pairs — and my clothes weren’t great. So I used part of the money to buy good clothes and shoes.”
Funke described that period as a turning point in her career, one that motivated her to continue working harder and never take opportunities for granted. She said that earning her first million was more than just financial success — it was a sign that perseverance pays off.
A journey of growth and inspiration
Reflecting on her journey, Funke credited hard work, consistency, and faith for her rise in the film industry. From her early struggles in the late 1990s to becoming one of the most successful actresses and filmmakers in Africa, her story remains an inspiration to aspiring entertainers.
Today, Funke Akindele is not just a celebrated actress but also a director, producer, and record-breaking box office star known for blockbusters such as Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah. Despite her success, she continues to emphasize humility and discipline as the keys to long-term growth in the entertainment world.
Watch video below …
“I made my first 1 Million Naira around 1999 when I got one big Yes with ‘I Need To Know’ after I almost lost the role as Bisi in the series”- Funke Akindele pic.twitter.com/nCSFhPFn9J
— McDreamy (@honeytslim) October 18, 2025