Nigerian actress and producer Funke Akindele has stated that achieving success in life requires a willingness to do the “dirty work.”
Speaking on the ‘WithChude’ podcast, Akindele emphasized that beyond talent, consistent hard work and dedication are essential for career growth. She noted that many aspiring creatives admire her achievements but often underestimate the rigorous effort behind them.
“A lot of people want to do what I’m doing, but I keep telling them—for you to be successful, you need to work hard and do the dirty work,” she said.
Akindele explained that she remains focused despite her achievements and does not allow past successes to slow her down. She stressed the value of originality, self-awareness, and perfectionism in her creative process, attributing her streak of box office successes over the past four years to these traits.
While acknowledging the role of spirituality, she noted that mental strength and resilience are also key, especially when dealing with grief or personal challenges.