Tobi Makinde Dismisses Fallout Rumors with Funke Akindele
Nollywood actor and producer Tobi Makinde has firmly dismissed widespread rumors of a rift between him and box office star Funke Akindele, asserting that there is no issue between them. The speculation emerged after social media users suggested tension between the two actors, fueled by their reduced public appearances together in recent times.
Social Media Narratives Debunked
In a recent interview with BBC News Pidgin, Makinde addressed the claims directly, labeling them as unfounded and largely driven by online narratives. He stated, “Nothing really happen between me and Madam Funke, I’m not aware of any fall out, because I respect her well. Wetin una dey see for social media, na wetin social media like to do. Dem like write their own script.”
He elaborated on how social media often creates fictional scenarios, saying, “And when dem don write the script finish, dem go come dey find people wey go help dem fill the gap or act the characters wey dem put inside that script. So, nah how social media be. But concerning me and Madam Funke, our relationship no start from social media, and e no go end for social media.”
Personal Growth and Career Paths
Makinde added that changes in personal growth and career paths can sometimes create the illusion of distance where none exists. He explained, “As person dey grow and move from one level to another, some relationships fit just look like say dem lost in transit. But no be so e be.” This insight highlights how evolving professional lives might lead to misinterpretations by outsiders.
Reflections on Early Career Challenges
The actor also reflected on his journey in the movie industry, which began in 1998 when he was about seven years old. He shared, “My journey for the movie industry start for 1998. That time, I was about seven years old. Na my papa carry me enter the industry. My papa sef na actor, so na him introduce me to one of the Nollywood legend Tunji Bamishigbin. Back then, he be one big producer and strong name for Nollywood.”
He spoke candidly about the challenges he faced early in his career, particularly during auditions. Makinde recalled, “I still remember the first film wey I do. One of the challenges wey I face that time na auditions. You go waka go many auditions, and at the end of the day, wetin dem go tell you na, ‘We go get back to you.’”
He expressed a preference for straightforward feedback, adding, “Sometimes, as actors, we even prefer make dem just tell us straight say, ‘We no pick you’ or ‘We no want you.’ Pass to hear, ‘We go get back to you.’ Because if we wan talk true, most times, nobody dey ever get back to you.”
Key Influences and Career Shapers
Makinde acknowledged the crucial role key figures played in shaping his career, including his father, veteran producer Tunji Bamishigbin, and Funke Akindele. He emphasized, “To be honest, you no fit tell the story of Tobi Makinde without mentioning some key people. My papa gave me that name and started the journey with me. Mr Tunji Bamishigbin was there too. Madam Funke Akindele also played a major role. These people were important to my career and to the Tobi Makinde brand wey people know today.”
Addressing Akindele's Absence at Wedding
Regarding why Funke Akindele was absent during his wedding, Makinde clarified that the period coincided with her busy schedule promoting a film. He said, “So, no be really something wey I need talk too much on. That period wey I do my wedding, na around the same time she dey promote her film. She dey very busy, and we all know say she na very busy person. She takes her work so dear to heart, and e dey understandable.”
Shift to Film Production
Makinde also revealed that he is now focusing more on film production while still maintaining his acting career. He shared, “Currently, Tobi Makinde don dey do in own productions. I still dey act, but I dey focus more on production now. We just released one of my films, in fact my first major film as an independent producer.”
He expressed openness to future collaborations, stating, “So yes, if dem call me for work and I no dey busy, of course I go show up. And if I feel say there is any scene wey I want her in, I go reach out.”
This comprehensive dismissal of rumors underscores the strong professional relationship between Tobi Makinde and Funke Akindele, attributing the speculation to the fabricative nature of social media and the natural evolution of their careers.
