In a heartfelt interview with Sunday Scoop, Nollywood star Tobi Makinde opened up about the profound influence of Funke Akindele on his career. He recalled the moment he first worked with the powerhouse actress and filmmaker, on sets of acclaimed projects like A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa: “I knew I was standing on holy ground when it came to excellence,” he told the paper. Makinde was struck by her laser-focus, calm authority behind the scenes, and her ability to effortlessly deliver powerful performances on camera—a combination he says forced him to level up his own game .
He describes the experience as nothing short of a “masterclass”—not just in acting, but in carrying oneself as a creative professional. Learning directly from Funke’s work ethic reshaped his approach to his craft .
Makinde also shared a touching moment that underscored the impact of his work. A fan once stopped him in public to say his performance helped her through a tough time—a revelation that deeply humbled him and reminded him of the deeper purpose of storytelling
