Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared how she earned her first ₦1 million in 1999 through her breakout role as ‘Bisi’ in the hit educational TV series ‘I Need to Know’.
In a video posted on her X account, Akindele reflected on her early acting journey, revealing that the path to success wasn’t smooth.
She recalled starting out in 1996, taking minor “waka pass” roles and facing several rejections at auditions before her big break finally came.
“I made that around 1999. I started my career from like 1996, playing waka pass roles, 1997 going for auditions, getting a lot of nos,” she said.
The actress further explained how her perseverance paid off when she was eventually cast in the TV series ‘I Need to Know’.
“Then I got one big yes with I Need to Know, and that is how I got my first ₦1 million.”
Speaking on how she used the money, Akindele revealed that the first person she informed was her mother, who encouraged her to pay her tithe before spending any part of it.
“What did I do with one million naira? First, I showed it to my mom. Of course, she knew about it, and then mommy advised that I have to pay my tithe first,”
“I paid my tithe, then I entered Yaba because I didn’t have shoes. I changed my wardrobe, shoes, bags, everything. The girl that had no shoes yesterday has today.”
