“Funke Akindele’s Only Offence Is to Be Successful,” Fans React in Cinema Controversy

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Summary: Fans have rallied behind filmmaker Funke Akindele after she was criticised for her dance-driven marketing strategy and record-breaking box office success. The support came following remarks by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan on Friday, January 30, 2026, questioning how colleagues like Funke sustain energy for dance promotions. 

Fans have rallied behind filmmaker Funke Akindele after she faced criticism over her dance-driven marketing strategy and record-breaking box office success.

The support came following remarks by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan at the 2026 Lagos Business of Film Summit on Friday, January 30, 2026, where he questioned how colleagues sustain the energy required for dance skits and social media challenges to promote their films.

Afolayan stated, “I’ll make a film if you guarantee me, I’ll not dance to sell that film…I don’t know how Funke and the likes are doing it.” He explained that such promotional methods drain him and distract him from his creative focus.

Funke responded on Saturday, February 1, 2026, with a series of posts on her Instagram story defending her approach and dismissing claims that her success was obstructing the progress of fellow filmmakers.

“I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni,” Funke wrote, adding that collective success within the industry is possible if individuals focus on their own creativity.

She urged colleagues who hold different views to carve out their own paths. “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. Do not allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big that everybody can fly. Eyin Werey jojo!” she stated.

Shortly after Afolayan’s remarks, Funke posted a dance video promoting her blockbuster film Behind The Scenes, turning the very method he criticised into a response that served as a subtle jab. “Behind the scenes is still in all cinemas nationwide!! also showing in the UK, US and Canada,” she captioned the video.

Fans flooded Funke’s comment section with supportive messages, encouraging her to continue dancing as her movies continue breaking box office records. Many accused critics of jealousy over her unprecedented success.

Many fans noted that Funke’s promotional strategy has proven highly effective. Her latest film, Behind The Scenes, has grossed over N2.4 billion at the Nigerian box office, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time and the first to cross the N2 billion mark in Africa.

The film also holds the record for the highest single-day gross in Nollywood history, earning N129.5 million on Boxing Day 2025. It became the fastest film in West Africa to cross the N1 billion mark.

Supporters argued that Funke’s only offence is being exceptionally successful in an industry where many struggle to achieve box office returns. They stated that her dance-driven marketing approach, which some find exhausting to replicate, has revolutionised film promotion in Nollywood and delivered unprecedented commercial success.

Several fans pointed out that instead of criticising her methods, colleagues should study her model or create their own unique strategies. They noted that Akindele built her brand steadily from modest beginnings, starting with Jenifa on a lean budget and reinvesting wisely to gradually expand her influence.