Funke Akindele Speaks to Perfect Harmony

Funke Akindele needs no introduction now having conquered the Nigerian Movie scene and made her presence felt through the phenomenal success of her movie ‘Jenifa’ and other works. In spite of her success and fame, we found her warm, down to earth and fun to be around. We are glad to present a glimpse at the lady everyone would love to spend an afternoon with.

Perfect Harmony Magazine: How would you describe yourself?

Funke Akindele: I am down to earth, totally unpretentious. I am a goal getter but also a stylish person. Most important, is the fact that I am a devout Christian.

PHM: When did you start acting? Have you always had a love for the dramatic arts or did something or someone influence you along the way?

Funke Akindele: 1996, I appeared first in a movie titled “Naked Wire”. It was produced by Opa Williams. My major role debut was in a serial drama on teenage reproductive health titled “I Need To Know”. It was sponsored by UNFPA. For me, acting had been a childhood dream.

PHM: One may be tempted to think your success came over night with the “Jenifa”. However we know it doesn’t happen that way. At what point did you begin to consider yourself successful in your chosen field?

Funke Akindele: I began to feel that I was succeeding when I produced my first movie titled “Ojo Ketala” in 2004

PHM: What price have you had to pay to attain succeed? Did you meet with any discouragement or encouragement from friends and family?

Funke Akindele: My family encouraged me all the way, especially my mum. To the glory of God I had no price to pay because God has always been with me.

PHM: What part have you enjoyed playing the most?

Funke Akindele: I am a professional to the core and as one, I shouldn’t limit myself to a particular role. I have tremendously enjoyed playing the roles I have had the opportunity to play.

PHM: What part has been your most challenging?

Funke Akindele: Till date, I am yet to find one so challenging. It has been a lot of fun playing these roles.

PHM: Most of your movies are in Yoruba, is this mere coincidence or do you find that your creative juice flows better and your message more potent when expressed in this language?

Funke Akindele: I am familiar with the Yoruba market trend but I hope to produce an English movie soon by Gods grace.

PHM: What other languages do you speak?

Funke Akindele: I speak English and Yoruba but I am learning French.

PHM: Are you from Aiyetoro? Do you have any relationship with this town which, thanks to you, is now squarely on the Nigerian cultural map?

Funke Akindele: No! I am from Ikorodu L.G.A.

PHM: What new doors have been opened to you since your recent success?

Funke Akindele: They are too numerous to count and I’m grateful to God.

PHM: Amongst Nigerians at home and in Diaspora, I dare say your popularity is only rivalled by that of Obama. How does that make you feel?

Funke Akindele: I feel truly honoured and I give all the glory to God.

PHM: Do you feel a weight of responsibility to live up to this role of being a model for young people to look up to?

Funke Akindele: Yes, I really do. And I pray to God for the grace to sustain and retain it.

PHM: What is your founding philosophy, what are your core values?

Funke Akindele: I have learnt never to rely on my own understanding. I detest liars, cheats and pretentious people. I believe I am also a highly principled individual.

PHM: Who would you consider most influential in your career success?

Funke Akindele: I can readily think of Joke Sylva, Kate Henshaw and Bukky Wright. They have been of great influence.

PHM: Your work has distinct undertones of social responsibility and volunteerism, are these principles you hold dear?

Funke Akindele: Yes! I believe in impacting peoples lives.

PHM: Do you commit a lot of time, skills and other resources to these?

Funke Akindele: Do I have a choice? It’s my calling and God given talent, of which I shall account. So I have to commit every available resource to it. By God’s grace I will leave a lasting legacy that will make radical changes in the lives of generations to come.

PHM: What avenues or organizations do you use to express your concern for humanity?

Funke Akindele: Plans are in top gear towards achieving this aim. I’ll certainly let you know as soon as I’m ready on this pet project that is dear to my heart.

PHM: You are fast becoming a style icon. That hot little number you spotted in the party scene in “Jenifa” was fantastic especially what you returned from the police station the next morning. Those legs were to die for. Where do you get your good looks, your mum or your dad?

Funke Akindele: Sincerely, from my mum. I’m also in touch with latest fashion trends via the internet and the media.

PHM: Is there any part of your body you wish were different?

Funke Akindele: No! I’m grateful to God for the splendid body He has given me.

PHM: Would you indulge in plastic surgery to alter anything?

Funke Akindele: God forbid! I wouldn’t change a thing.

PHM: What are your favourite outfits and accessories?

Funke Akindele: I’m most comfortable in jeans except on special occasions.

PHM: What is your favourite shopping destination and do you have a favourite designer?

Funke Akindele: I do most of my shopping abroad. I’m not a designer freak but make the effort to buy what suits my style. I have my own distinct style and I am not easily swayed.

PHM: How do you relax or ease tension?

Funke Akindele: I love to relax by simply spending time with my family. The best things in life are free. The love of my family is a great joy to me.

PHM: Who would you say is most influential in making you the woman you are today?

Funke Akindele: My mum has had the greatest influence in my life. I would not be the woman I am today without her strength, influence and support.

Look out for the Full Interview on our new look site this quater.

MONEY AND MARRIAGE (PART 1)

It was a beautiful Monday morning, I was just about to get into my car for my journey to work when my phone rang and on the other side was my friend. “I am leaving this woman today; in fact I am tired. Money! Money!! Money!!! Will I kill myself?!” “Ladun, can we discuss this over launch break?” I said. Looking at the rate of divorce in our society today, we find out that 80% of it is caused by or revolves round money. It is time we shed more light on this issue within marriages and homes.

The issue of money is a controversial matter that I in particular don’t like discussing, either with a single person or with a couple. Money itself is an instrument of payment for the value of a service rendered or an object purchased. Money is the major means of catering for our everyday needs and it is capable of meeting virtually all physical needs. The Scriptures say in Proverbs that money is a defence. I believe one major reason couples get divorced is disagreement over financial matters, though it is very difficult to believe until you begins to feel the financial tension in the home. In most cases, the conflict may not appear to be directly about money but a closer look would reveal that the fight is about priorities, dreams, values and trust which all depend on finances. The way individual views money depends on his/her foundation and faith; we are cautioned in the Bible about our attitude towards money.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.1Tim. 6:10 (NIV)

Money in marriage is no longer owned by one individual. Whatever God has joined together money should not put apart. Whatever the man (husband) earns belongs to the woman (wife). The same is applicable to the wife because they became one flesh by marriage.

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Matt.19:4-6,

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband. Eph 5:29-33(NIV)

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Gen. 2:24(NIV)

These words of wisdom and knowledge indicate that true love and relationship should stay alive between two people. Jesus Christ and the Church cannot be separated. He is determined to build His church, lay down his life, protect and cherished her (The Church) and so should it be between a man and a woman who have chose to go on the journey of marriage. A decision to marry is one that should be approached with caution, just as giving your life to Christ on the day of salvation.

In marriage, your financial policy or principle is entirely different from when you were not married. Your order of priority in terms of needs would change because there are new financial demands. Apart from providing for two instead of one, there are other matters like extended family issues and debts. Money in marriage should no longer be “yours or mine” but it should be “OURS”. If there are debts on both sides, it shouldn’t be a hindrance.

Honesty and trust should be your watch dog. Financial success in marriage demand honesty and total trust between the two.

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.1Cor. 13:7NIV

There should be no lies about income and expenses.

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds Col 3:9NIV

Withholding of spending information should be discouraged, a shared bank account and cheque book encourages mutual trust and remove doubt.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Gen. 2:24NIV

Money should not dictate one’s readiness for the institution of marriage. Marriage is a gift from God. The man must graduate from the level of a boy to full adult, be responsible, and take charge of his destiny, just like Adam, Isaac and Jacob. Adam was dressing the Garden of Eden daily before God found him qualified for a help mate meet for him. You need to have a vision and direction though that does not determine your riches in life, but it is the base that you will build on. “A lazy man is not suppose to eat” God gives you the power to get wealth and you must utilise that power. You must understand that marriage is finding favour with God and that God is the provider of all your needs. Silver and gold belong to God, it is His desire that you prosper, and Divine provision is your birth right.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19. NIV

Any of the two earn more than the other, there is no sin in that. Wife, respect your husband and husband, love your wife.

In conclusion, if money is rightly handled and managed in a marriage, it will act as a lubricant to the overall success of the marriage. However if it is mishandled and mismanaged, it will wreck the home and could be the root of a broken marriage

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1Tim.6:10.NIV

Victor Olukunle