While expressing her gratitude to God for her achievements, Akindele highlighted how D’banj’s mentorship and support were instrumental in shaping her trajectory in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her early career, Akindele shared that her breakthrough came with the release of her iconic project, ‘Jenifa’, in 2009. The film marked a turning point, catapulting her into the spotlight and solidifying her status as a household name.
It was during this period that Akindele first crossed paths with D’banj. Recounting the encounter, she revealed that a club owner had invited her to host an event, where she met the music superstar.
“Nobody made me a star, only God. I wrote my script, and that was it. The first ‘Jenifa’ was released in 2009, which was the turning point,” Akindele said.
During their conversation, D’banj recognized the potential of the ‘Jenifa’ brand and advised Akindele not to abandon it too quickly. He encouraged her to capitalize on its success and continue developing the brand.
“He asked what I was doing with the ‘Jenifa’ brand. I said, ‘I have moved on. I will do another thing.’ He said, ‘No. You have to milk it. It should not go like that. That’s a brand. Go and write another script,’” Akindele recalled.
D’banj didn’t just offer advice—he also provided financial support to help Akindele further her creative endeavors. “He gave me some money, and I went back and continued writing,” she added.
Akindele’s revelation underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the entertainment industry. Her ability to leverage D’banj’s guidance and build on the ‘Jenifa’ brand has since led to a series of successful sequels and spin-offs, cementing her legacy as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures.
Her speech at the MIPAN conference not only celebrated her journey but also served as an inspiration to aspiring creatives, emphasizing the value of hard work, vision, and the support of others in achieving success.