How I discovered Funke Akindele – Jim Omaraye
President of De-WestWind USA, Jim Omaraye has recounted how he discovered popular Nollywood actress Funke Akindele.
In a recent interview with WG, Omaraye, said that he met the actress who is currently a household name in Nigerian television when she was just an aspiring talent bubbling with energy and ideas.
He said, “I have always been a pioneer at whatever I do. Back in the early 2000s, I produced Nigeria’s first ever educational Nollywood movie entitled, “The Secret of Success.”
Before producing the movie, I had seen some of Funke Akindele’s works and instantly I saw her talent shining through. My instinct told me I had to work with her. She played the lead role of the movie which was sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc.”
Omaraye added that he got in touch with Mikel Parish, who founded the Nollywood Travel Festival and African Film Consortium, as he came to Lagos and asked him to contact Funke Akindele for the job.
The movie eventually became a big success with Funke Akindele as the lead actress.
Funke has gone on to become a hit after that movie with her most popular TV series Jenifer’s Diary.
