A lighthearted social media exchange between Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele and her admirers has evolved into a fascinating discussion about work ethic, success, and the importance of rest in Nigeria’s demanding entertainment industry. The conversation began when a Twitter user shared how Akindele’s legendary work ethic serves as her personal motivation, stating, “Sometimes I want to rest, and I remember Funke Akindele is not resting.”
The acclaimed filmmaker’s playful response in pidgin English, “Na lie. I dey rest wella” (meaning “That’s not true, I rest very well”), triggered an avalanche of friendly contradictions from fellow industry heavyweights. Prominent actors and colleagues quickly jumped into the conversation, with Sharon Ooja humorously commenting on the impossibility of Akindele taking breaks, while rapper-actor Falz directly challenged her claim with a rhetorical “For where you dey rest?” (Where do you rest?).
The discussion gains particular significance in light of Akindele’s recent groundbreaking achievement as the first Nigerian filmmaker to cross the billion-naira mark at the box office. Her latest masterpiece, “A Tribe Called Judah,” has accumulated over N1.4 billion in cinema revenues, adding to her impressive track record of box office successes including “Battle On Buka Street” and “Omo Ghetto The Saga.
This remarkable achievement follows a period of profound challenges in Akindele’s career, which she recently opened up about. In a touching revelation, she shared footage from the set of “A Tribe Called Judah,” describing herself as a testimony to the power of self-belief. Her journey through adversity has not only shaped her success but has also positioned her as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges in the industry.
The debate about Akindele’s work-life balance reflects a broader conversation about success and sustainability in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. While some industry colleagues like Nancy Isime playfully insisted “Rest ke? She no even dey sleep” (Rest? She doesn’t even sleep), others like veteran actress Hilda Dokubo offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that Akindele finds rest even within her work: “No mind them, you dey rest as you dey work” (Don’t mind them, you rest while working).
Akindele’s trajectory in the Nigerian film industry, commonly known as Nollywood, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her consistent delivery of box office hits over the past three years has established her as a formidable force in African cinema. What makes her success particularly noteworthy is not just the financial achievements but the quality and cultural impact of her productions.
The conversation around her work ethic and rest patterns provides a unique window into the demands of maintaining such high levels of success in Nollywood. It highlights the delicate balance between driving innovation in the industry and maintaining personal well-being, a challenge faced by many creative professionals in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving entertainment sector.
Jide Awobona’s comment “Med oo, inspiration aye” (Medical oh, inspiration of life) and Adeolu Funsho’s description of her as “Funky! A force” underscore the respect she commands within the industry, not just for her commercial success but for her role as a trailblazer who continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Nigerian cinema.
This discussion about rest and work ethic comes at a crucial time when the Nigerian entertainment industry is gaining global recognition, with increased pressure on creators to maintain international standards while staying true to local storytelling traditions. Akindele’s approach to balancing these demands while achieving unprecedented success offers valuable insights for emerging filmmakers and creative professionals.
As Nollywood continues to evolve and set new standards for African cinema, Akindele’s journey serves as both inspiration and caution – a reminder that while relentless pursuit of excellence is admirable, the sustainability of success might just depend on finding those moments of rest, whether others believe in them or not.
