Adedimeji hails Funke Akindele’s professionalism, shares insights

Nollywood star Lateef Adedimeji continues to shine as a favourite among movie fans. With his acting skills, versatility, and largely scandal-free career, Adedimeji remains a household name. Recently, the award-winning actor shared his thoughts on the rise of epic movies in Nollywood, emphasizing their cultural importance and relevance in today’s world.
New Daily Prime caught up with the actor at the premiere of Everybody Loves Jenifa, a highly anticipated movie by Funke Akindele. During a brief but engaging conversation, Adedimeji offered his perspective on why epic films have gained so much attention in recent years.
Epic movies, often rooted in history and culture, have seen a surge in Nollywood. Fans love the captivating storytelling, vibrant costumes, and rich cultural settings. However, this trend has sparked debates about the reasons behind their growing popularity. Some observers link the boom to the establishment of film villages, which have provided authentic backdrops and better resources for such productions.
Adedimeji, known for his roles in movies like Lisabi, shared his views on the phenomenon. He firmly believes that epic stories serve a crucial purpose. “It’s our story,” he said passionately. “We need to tell original stories about who we are. Over time, we’ve forgotten our traditions and culture, but these movies are bringing them back. They remind people, especially the younger generation, that we have a history worth knowing.”
The actor highlighted the need for representation, pointing out how important it is for Nollywood to showcase its heritage. “Telling epic stories is not wrong. It is who we are. Our stories matter, and they should be shared with the world,” he added. His words reflected his deep respect for Nigeria’s cultural roots and a commitment to preserving them through cinema.
Beyond sharing his thoughts on epic films, Adedimeji also addressed rumours surrounding Funke Akindele, the producer of Everybody Loves Jenifa. Over the years, Akindele has faced claims of being difficult to work with, a reputation that has sparked conversations in Nollywood circles. However, Adedimeji dismissed these allegations, praising her professionalism and dedication to her craft.
“She is amazing to work with,” Adedimeji said with confidence. “Funke Akindele is one of the most hardworking people in the industry. She knows her job and puts her all into it. It’s always inspiring to be on set with her.” His remarks shed light on Akindele’s strong work ethic and contradicted the negative rumours.
The conversation with Adedimeji revealed more than just insights about movies; it showed his passion for storytelling and his belief in Nollywood’s potential. As epic movies continue to gain traction, actors like Adedimeji are proving that cultural narratives can captivate global audiences.
In an era when many traditions are fading, the rise of epic Nollywood films is a refreshing reminder of Nigeria’s rich heritage. With stars like Lateef Adedimeji leading the way, the industry seems poised to tell more stories that resonate deeply with both local and international viewers.