Bimbo Akintola is urging upcoming actors to keep going, pointing to Funke Akindele’s long road to recognition as a reminder that a successful career rarely happens overnight.
Speaking at a masterclass hosted by actor Femi Adebayo at his Euphoria 360 hub, Akintola recalled seeing Akindele on film sets for years before she became widely recognised. In her account, Akindele struggled to find opportunities to show what she could do, but continued pursuing her career.
Akintola said Akindele later expanded her work in Yoruba-language films, acting and producing. The release of Jenifa became a major turning point in her public profile.
Her message to young performers was to look beyond the visible success and understand the work and setbacks that came before it. Akintola said many aspiring actors want to emulate Akindele without knowing the struggles behind her rise.
The comments, reported on 1 November, put the focus on persistence and the often gradual nature of building a career in Nollywood.
