Funke Akindele joins forces with Lagos State for new film and reality TV show to unearth fresh talent
In a groundbreaking move for the Nigerian creative industry, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele is partnering with the Lagos State Government on an ambitious new movie and reality TV show. This initiative, aimed at discovering and nurturing emerging talents, is set to further elevate Lagos as a hub for the creative arts.
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Akindele visited Toke Benson Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, to solicit support for her latest projects. During the meeting, Akindele emphasized the shared vision between her and the Lagos State Government in fostering the development of the creative sector.
“I am very aware of the contribution of the State Government to the creative sector. Since our aim and objective of developing the industry are the same, I thought it would be great to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on two projects aimed at discovering and developing new talents who will be mentored and assisted to climb the ladder of success and take over as shining stars of the industry in future,” Akindele stated.
Commissioner Awoyinka highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bolster the creative industry, including collaborations with notable institutions like Ebonylife Academy, Africa Movie Academy, and Gidi Creative Centre. These partnerships provide filmmaking instruction and support festivals such as The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
Awoyinka also revealed that ₦400 million in grants had been awarded to filmmakers, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledging to double this amount. This financial support underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant creative economy in Lagos.
Expressing her gratitude for the meeting, Akindele shared her enthusiasm for the potential partnership on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, May 15, she wrote, “It was such an honour to meet with the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture for Lagos State, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and other executives of the Ministry on project collaborations between the Lagos State Government and Funke Akindele Network Limited! We are grateful for this amazing opportunity and we look forward to maximizing the Culture, Tourism and Media sectors of Lagos State.”
The partnership will focus on two major projects. The first is the upcoming film “Finding Me,” which will be produced through The Funke Akindele Network (FAAN). Details about the plot are still under wraps, but the film promises to be another captivating addition to Akindele’s impressive filmography.
The second project is a reality TV show designed to identify and mentor new talents in the Nigerian film industry. This show will provide aspiring actors, directors, and other creatives with a platform to showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience under the guidance of established industry professionals.
Akindele’s announcement comes on the heels of her recent revelation of another film project, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” a spinoff from the beloved Jenifa franchise. Scheduled for a December 2024 release, this film has already generated significant buzz and anticipation among fans.
Akindele’s influence in Nollywood is unparalleled. She is the creative force behind some of the highest-grossing films in Nigerian cinema history. Her film “A Tribe Called Judah” grossed over ₦1.4 billion, while “Battle on Buka Street” and “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” grossed ₦668 million and ₦636 million respectively.
In addition to her box office success, Akindele is the most-awarded actress at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) with five wins. Her accolades include Best Actress in a Comedy for “The Return of Sheri Koko” (2014), multiple awards for “Jenifa’s Diary” (2016, 2017, and 2020), and Best Actress in a Comedy for “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2022).
The collaboration between Funke Akindele and the Lagos State Government is poised to significantly impact the creative landscape in Nigeria. By providing resources and platforms for emerging talents, this initiative aims to ensure that the next generation of filmmakers and actors have the tools they need to succeed.
Moreover, the partnership aligns with Lagos State’s broader strategy to position itself as a cultural and creative hub in Africa. The state’s investment in infrastructure, education, and financial support for the arts reflects a long-term vision to harness the economic potential of the creative sector.
Akindele’s projects are expected to attract significant attention and participation, given her reputation and the government’s backing. Aspiring talents across Nigeria will likely see this as a golden opportunity to launch their careers in the entertainment industry.
As these projects develop, they will not only provide entertainment but also serve as a testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving cultural and economic growth. The synergy between Akindele’s creative vision and the Lagos State Government’s support is a model that could be replicated in other regions looking to boost their cultural industries.
In summary, Funke Akindele’s partnership with the Lagos State Government marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian film industry. By fostering new talent and creating high-quality content, this collaboration promises to elevate Nollywood and solidify Lagos’s status as a premier destination for creative arts. Fans and industry stakeholders eagerly await the fruition of these promising projects, confident that they will set new standards for excellence in African cinema.
