Funke Akindele: “I Was Tagged A Sadist For Choosing My Brand

According to Ireporter Online, the award-winning actress made the revelation while speaking at the International Women’s Day event organised by Wema Bank. She explained that the journey to building the popular brand required intense dedication, which saw her taking on multiple responsibilities including writing, producing, directing and acting, while also overseeing every department involved in the production.

Akindele disclosed that her deep commitment to the project drew criticism from some colleagues who misunderstood her absence from social gatherings. She noted that some of them even labelled her a “sadist,” unaware that she was fully immersed in developing the Jenifa brand.

Reflecting on the journey, the actress emphasised that the success people celebrate today came at a significant personal cost. She explained that at the time she had little to no social life, as she was focused entirely on achieving her goals.

The filmmaker recounted that she locked herself away at Amen Estate for close to two years, dedicating her time to writing, producing, directing and portraying her popular character while also supervising every aspect of the production to ensure the brand’s growth.

She added that the journey also demanded emotional resilience, noting that she had to remain vulnerable and endure public criticism whenever some aspects of her work did not meet expectations.

Despite the challenges, Akindele said the experience ultimately strengthened her and contributed to her growth in the industry. Her perseverance and commitment have since earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades, inspiring many aspiring creatives across the entertainment industry.