Renowned actress and movie producer, Funke Akindele, has expressed heartfelt admiration for popular singer, Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, for his significant impact on her brand and the success of her movie series, Jenifa.
During a dinner celebrating D’banj’s birthday and 20-year anniversary in Lagos Friday, Akindele stated that the self-acclaimed ‘koko master’ inspired her to turn the Jenifa character into a series. She said, “When I met D’banj for the first time, we danced and were happy. Afterwards, he asked if another Jenifa movie was coming up, and I said it was over because I had already made two parts of the movie by then.
“He asked why I just let it go like, that stating that it was a brand I could feed on for the rest of my life. He advised me to bring Jenifa back, and told me that he would give me any support I needed.”
Akindele added that she was deeply moved by D’banj’s selfless gesture, as he provided financial support and gave her valuable advice on leveraging the series for long-term benefits.
“He told me that when one has a brand, one should milk that brand and make the most out of it. He gave me some money and said I should go and write another Jenifa movie. There was tears in my eyes, because there was no string attached.
“So, I wrote the script, and that was how we brought about the Return of Jenifa. Till today, the brand is still relevant; and in Christmas 2024, we will be coming with Everybody Loves Jenifa.”
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