Bunmi Nelson: I Would Have Held Funke Akindele Tight If I Knew She’d Go This Far

Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has opened up about a missed career opportunity involving actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, admitting that she failed to recognise Akindele’s potential when they first crossed paths.

Reflecting on the experience, Nelson said she underestimated Akindele at the time and has since learnt not to judge or look down on anyone based on their circumstances.

“I didn’t see Funke going far. That’s why in life, don’t underestimate anybody. Don’t look down on anyone except you’re admiring their shoelace,” she said.

Nelson added that if she had known how successful Akindele would become, she would have made greater efforts to maintain the relationship.

“If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight because I can’t even see her back now,” she said.

According to the actress, Akindele was introduced to her through a mutual friend and later connected her with filmmaker Kunle Afod, popularly known as Odunfa.

At the time, Nelson provided houses as locations for film productions and had established relationships with several people in the industry.

She recalled that Akindele later approached her for a filming location and repeatedly encouraged her to consider joining the entertainment industry.

However, Nelson admitted that she did not take the advice seriously and missed what could have been a significant opportunity in her career.

She said the incident occurred around 2006 or 2007, when the Yoruba film industry was still relatively small. Her reluctance, she explained, was partly influenced by stories she had heard about the industry.

“I missed that big opportunity because Funke was telling me then that, ‘Ah, why don’t you come?’”

Nelson said she told Akindele about rumours she had heard concerning the expectations placed on newcomers in the Yoruba film industry.

“I was telling her, ‘I’ve heard a lot about Yoruba industry. They will say you should say auntie. They will say you should kneel down. Then one person say you should carry bag,’” she recalled.

Looking back, however, Nelson said she now understands that she allowed hearsay to influence her decision and has learnt the value of humility.

“That is why you need to humble yourself in life. If there’s anything I’ve learned in life now, it’s humility,” she said.

Nelson also apologised to Kunle Afod, Sodiq Adebayo and Akindele, while appealing for another opportunity to work with the filmmaker.

Her reflection has highlighted the unpredictable nature of careers in Nollywood and the importance of recognising opportunities, even when their value may not be immediately obvious.