"People know me as Jenifa—the funny girl with bróken English. But behind the laughter is a long story. When I started acting, I was mostly given small roles as a maid or background character. I was rejécted many times. Some directors said I wasn’t pretty enough to be a lead. It hûrt, but I used that páin as fuel.
I created Jenifa from real life, turning how people tréated local girls who didn’t speak perfect English into comedy that touched lives. At first, people lâughed. Then they clapped. Now, they respect the brand.
I went through a public dîvorce, lost people, faced dépression—but I didn’t stop. Today, I’m not just an actress—I’m a filmmaker, producer, and leader. If you ever feel like giving up, remember: réjection might be a redirection to something bigger.
— Funke Akindele