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| Image: Facebook |
Nollywood actress, filmmaker, and box office powerhouse Funke Akindele has sparked intense conversation online following what many perceive as a subtle but pointed response to colleague Kunle Afolayan’s recent comments on cinema earnings in Nigeria.
Earlier on Thursday, January 30, Kunle Afolayan stirred debate when he openly declared that he has little interest in celebrating ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion box office figures if such success does not translate into at least ₦10 million in personal returns.
Even though Kunle Afolayan did not mention any filmmaker by name, the timing of his statement raised eyebrows, especially as it coincided with unprecedented box office milestones in the Nigerian film industry.
At the center of this historic run is Funke Akindele, whose latest project, Behind the Scenes, has reportedly grossed a staggering ₦2.4 billion at the Nigerian box office. Toyin Abraham also joined the elite league as her film Oversabi Aunty crossed the ₦1 billion mark, further redefining commercial success in Nollywood.
In what fans quickly interpreted as a response to Afolayan’s remarks, Funke Akindele shared a blunt and unapologetic message, making it clear that she is not responsible for anyone else’s career trajectory. She urged colleagues to focus on innovation rather than resentment, stressing that Nollywood is vast enough for everyone to thrive.
“I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni.
If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you.
The sky is so big for everybody to fly
Eyin werey Jojo!!
Go ahead and create an alternative promotion or marketing strategy for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it.
You can do it!
The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path.
I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me”
Her statement has since gone viral, with many applauding her confidence, resilience, and emphasis on strategy, branding, and faith. Supporters argue that Funke’s dominance at the box office is not accidental but the result of years of consistency, smart marketing, and audience connection.
In contrast to the brewing tension, actress Ini Edo, who also competed in the same cinematic season, took a different approach. She publicly celebrated both Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, acknowledging that their dedication, strategic planning, marketing execution, and overall industry game have reached an entirely new level.
According to Ini, witnessing their success has only increased her respect for them.
As Nollywood continues to evolve into a billion-naira industry, this moment highlights a growing conversation about profitability, collaboration, competition, and the many paths to success in Nigerian cinema.
Ultimately, this moment may mark a turning point for Nigerian cinema — one where conversations move from quiet resentment to open accountability and creative reinvention. With audiences responding, records breaking, and debates raging, one thing remains clear: Nollywood is expanding, and only those willing to evolve, collaborate, or boldly create their own paths will truly thrive.
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