Funke Akindele Fires Back Over Movie Promotion Criticism

 
(Funke Akindele. Photo by Leadership News)

Celebrated actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has explained why she constantly dances to promote her movies.

In an interview with Bella Naija, she said nobody asked her to dance and noted that she does far more than dance.

The box-office queen said people should stop reducing her work to mere dancing, pointing out that she also does nails for people.

She described her multiple labours as hard work and went on to speak about her journey in Nollywood, also addressing questions around movie production, acting, marketing and distribution.

Earlier this year, Kunle Afolayan drew backlash after taking a swipe at Toyin and Funke, saying he wasn't interested in ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion in cinema earnings if he couldn't get at least ₦10 million from them.

He also criticised colleagues who constantly dance to promote their movies.

Hitting back at him, Funke made it clear that she isn't the one standing in the way of his progress, advising him not to let jealousy consume him and noting that the sky is big enough for everyone to fly.

Joining Kunle, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, while promoting her own movie, said she wouldn't be dancing to market or promote her work, describing such behaviour as unprofessional and stressing that having produced a quality movie, what mattered was promoting it properly.

Weighing in, Iyabo Ojo remarked that jealousy is the last class one attends before becoming a witch, questioning who made the rules and urging her colleagues to do whatever works for them while allowing others to win in their own way. She added that 2026 isn't for talkers but for doers.

Also joining the conversation, Chinyere Wilfred threw shade while sharing a video of herself dancing, advising others not to dance to promote their movies.

VIDEO: ”Stop Belittling My Work To Dancing” – Funke Akindele As She Shares Journey Into Nollywood

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Credit: Instagram | bellanaija pic.twitter.com/gPdX74USmw

— LEADERSHIP NEWS (@LeadershipNGA) July 8, 2026