Hello ,
Hope you are having a great weekend?
My post today would is different from my usual business posts, I am talking about a human angle topic: Why we must be our own inspiration.
If you have been following Nollywood closely, I am sure you would have heard or read about Funke Akindele-Bello’s groundbreaking box office movie – Omo Ghetto.
Even if you have not, this is what is important to know, the movie (Omo Ghetto) has grossed over 500 Million Naira surpassing earlier records held by Wedding Party 1 or 2 (Produced by Mo Abudu), her movie becomes the first locally made movie that crossed this milestone (it is truly the first $1 million dollar movie at the current exchange rate). All this happened during a recession and a COVID19 pandemic !
I know some people will say she is lucky. I will say lucky how? Did you know when Funke Akindele started acting? Oya let me take you down the memory lane; since 1996 (though Wikipedia says 1998) – Remember the TV Series “I Need To Know” sponsored by UNPFA (a program about reproductive health and coming into adolescence)? Funke starred in that TV Series for a long time.
The road has been rough but Funke’s eyes (Yes, I mean EYES – she has big eyeballs, and they are beautiful too) has always being on the ball.
She did everything she could to break into the Yoruba Movie genre, but the cabal will not allow her. Even in the English part of our Nollywood movies - she fought to get a space; can you recall any English Nollywood movie where Funke Akindele was the lead character? – for where!
Till she wrote and produced the Movie Jenifa in 2008 (Ironically a Yoruba movie) that became an instant hit which led to her first movie award (2009). The movie was then turned to a series called Jenifa’s Diary which is now in its 22nd season (which ironically is in English series NOT Yoruba).
Funke has had her own fair share of setbacks and controversies, love or hate her, the result of her work speaks volume.
For those who are in love with fairy tale stories, just remember there is nothing like overnight success. Just continue to work at your craft, in due season, your work will be recognized.
Funke is a great actress but she is also grounded. She knows what the markets wants, and she and her husband delivered on it.
Business Lesson 101: Give the market what it wants, you will be rewarded (handsomely or beautifully).
Note to Self: Sometimes, you need to stop fighting for space, create your own platform.
As for all of us: Work on your own craft till you get the result you desire.
Now Go and Watch the Movie !
Have a lovely weekend. Watch out for my post on Entreprenuership, Sales, Leadership and Strategy in the coming week.
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