Iconic actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, is one actress whose impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overlooked. From that little young lady in popular TV series ‘I Need To Know’ to creative productions, such as ” Sulia ken, Ayetoro ken, ” “Jenifa” and ” Jenifa’s diary,” Funke has become one of the most sought-after actresses with several projects and mouth-watering endorsement deals. The sultry actress recently made her directorial debut in partnership with EbonyLife Film Production in the soon-to-be-released movie, ‘Your Excellency’ and spoke with MUTIAT LAWORE, on the movie project, why she prefers acting to directing, among others.
When EbonyLife films approached you for another project; how did you feel?
It’s always an honour, working with EbonyLife; the Chief Executive Officer, Aunty Mo Abudu, as I prefer to refer to her, is somebody I respect so much and will never take no for an answer because she is so hard working and determined. Although I have worked with her some years ago on the project, titled ‘Screen Divas’, a reality show, EbonyLife started after which I moved on to act in Chief Daddy.
The truth is whenever I see the positive drive of Aunty No, I just want to double up my own. So, when she reached out to me to work as a director and a lead cast on the project, ‘Your Excellency’, I was so happy and jumped at it despite my busy schedule.
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How easy or tough was joggling the role of a director with that of a lead cast?
I must say it was tedious because I do that a lot, as the head writer for Jenifa’s Dairy and some other contents you see on Scene One Production, I also act, produce and direct too. This particular one is more tedious for me because this is a film and not a television series. Besides, we kept on working everyday and I am super proud of the outcome so far. As a matter of fact, I can’t wait for people to see what we have cooked so far.
For you, which would you say is more comfortable between acting and directing?
Honestly, I think acting because I get to express myself so well and holding to the fact that this is what I have been doing for so many years; I feel so much at peace doing it. Directing, on other hand, takes a whole part of an individual.
What is the story line of ‘Your Excellency’?
‘Your Excellency’ tells the story of Chief Olalekan Ajadi, a bubbling, billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who is obsessed with Donald Trump. Just when his campaign looks set to be another disaster, Ajadi is anointed by a major party and becomes a credible contender all thanks to the power of the social media. As the political drama unfolds, it seems possible that even the most inept candidate with little to offer voters except viral sound bites and amusing antics can mount a serious challenge for the presidency.
As the director of this project, were you given the opportunity to make changes in the script?
Yes, I was given the opportunity to tweak things, change things on set and everything was good.
Considering the stress that comes with the two responsibilities you carry on set; is there any moment you felt like cutting off production?
Don’t forget that I am also a strong woman; even those days I had down moments on set, the executive producer is always there to give words of encouragement. She would be like ‘Funke, you can’t give up now; let the world see the stuff you are made up on this project’ and all those words from her and other crew members made the job seamless for me.
And before I forget, my ever supportive husband was also there to support and encourage me. One thing he will never stop telling is that you have done your job well, which the world can attest to; this is another person’s production; you cannot do less, you have to kill it.
As the lead character, what do you think Nigerians stand to take home from the movie, ‘Your Excellency’?
For me, there are lots of messages for viewers to take home from this production. One is that, it’s important for one to be a go-getter in all endeavours, meaning, you must go all out for anything you want to do or want to achieve, never take no for an answer and just keep pushing because you don’t know when the big YES will come knocking at your door.
With a political setting in ‘Your Excellency’, don’t you feel it could be misinterpreted for shading the political system of Nigeria?
Oh no!!! Don’t forget that this is comedy and Christmas is usually fun time and family time. With “Your Excellency”, I can bet you, we don’t have time shading any politician. We have no such intention; it’s simply comedy meant to entertain the public.
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What is that one thing you love about this particular production?
Well that will be the fact that everything you see from the start to the finish of the movie is 100% real in terms of props and more importantly, all the cast came with their ‘A ‘ game.
When is your creativity normally at its peak?
I draw inspirations from things happening around me. I could get an idea when I am in the bathroom, taking a shower, after, I will develop it. Later on, maybe during a massage, I could give the concept a deeper thought.
In as much as you claim to love cooking, how often do you find time to cook?
I still cooked last night but I don’t cook every morning because of my busy schedule. I cook every time I am free and have nothing on my plate.
What is your special dish?
I love cooking vegetable soup (efo riro) very well and I either eat it with eba or fufu. I also cook fresh fish stew and Ogbono soup. I can cook anything, ranging from beans to amala and I cook well.
Do you agree with people that call you a workaholic?
Yes, I am. It is very bad but I think it is time to take a break from work.