Funke Akindele Fires Back at Kunle Afolayan with Playful Dance Video
In a spirited response to fellow filmmaker Kunle Afolayan's recent comments, Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele has taken to social media with a dance video that doubles as a promotional tool for her blockbuster film. The move comes after Afolayan expressed his disapproval of colleagues who rely on dance skits and social media challenges to market their cinema projects, stating that such methods drain his energy and detract from his creative focus.
The Background of the Exchange
The exchange between these two prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry began when Kunle Afolayan, during the premiere of his latest movie, made remarks about the financial realities of cinema earnings. He suggested that figures like ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion in box office revenue were insignificant if they did not translate to substantial returns for filmmakers. This statement was made in the context of Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham's record-breaking successes, with Akindele's film Behind the Scenes grossing ₦2.4 billion and Abraham's Oversabi Aunty crossing the ₦1 billion mark.
Funke Akindele's Direct Response
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Funke Akindele swiftly responded by sharing a video of herself dancing, explicitly promoting her movie Behind the Scenes. In her post, she highlighted that the film is still showing in cinemas across Nigeria and is also available in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. She encouraged fans to check the link in her bio for more details, effectively using the very promotional strategy that Afolayan had criticized. This clever jab not only addressed his remarks but also served as effective publicity for her ongoing project.
In her response, Akindele emphasized that she is not responsible for the struggles of others in the industry and advised against jealousy. She stressed that there is ample opportunity for everyone to succeed, urging colleagues to focus on carving their own paths rather than criticizing the achievements of others. Her message was clear: success in Nollywood can be achieved through various methods, and what works for one may not work for all.
Kunle Afolayan's Perspective on Movie Promotion
Kunle Afolayan had elaborated on his views during the 2026 Lagos Business of Film Summit, where he explained his reluctance to engage in dance skits and social media challenges for movie promotion. He stated that such activities exhaust him and that he prefers to let his films speak for themselves through quality storytelling. Afolayan recalled his experiences with promotional activities abroad as early as 2006, which left him feeling drained and reinforced his decision to avoid similar stunts in the future.
He expressed puzzlement at how colleagues like Funke Akindele manage to sell their movies through dance instead of focusing solely on narrative quality. This contrast in promotional philosophies has sparked a broader conversation within Nollywood about the evolving strategies for marketing films in the digital age.
Fan Reactions and Support
The response from netizens has been overwhelmingly supportive of Funke Akindele. Fans flooded her comment section with messages of encouragement, praising her for her consistency, impact, and ability to shift cultural norms through her work. Many highlighted her as a standard-bearer in the industry, celebrating her hard work and discipline. Comments ranged from playful endorsements of her dancing skills to heartfelt accolades for her contributions to Nollywood.
Some fans pointed out that if Afolayan cannot embrace dance as a promotional tool, he should focus on what works best for him, rather than critiquing others. This sentiment underscores the diversity of approaches in the film industry and the importance of finding one's unique path to success.
Broader Implications for Nollywood
This exchange highlights the ongoing debates within Nollywood regarding marketing tactics and box office success. As the industry continues to grow and adapt to new technologies and audience preferences, filmmakers are experimenting with various methods to reach viewers. Funke Akindele's use of dance videos and social media engagement represents a modern, interactive approach that has proven effective for her, while Kunle Afolayan's focus on traditional storytelling reflects a more classical perspective.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in the creative arts. Both filmmakers have achieved significant success through their respective methods, demonstrating that innovation and authenticity can coexist in the vibrant landscape of Nigerian cinema.
