Basketmouth’s Attempt to Collaborate with Funke Akindele
I recently watched an interview where Basketmouth revealed that Funke Akindele stopped answering his calls when he reached out for a movie collaboration. He even sent over 25 messages, yet she never responded. While he framed his approach as a genuine attempt to work together, I see it from a different angle.
Basketmouth is one of Nigeria’s most creative entertainers. If he had chosen to focus only on comedy tours, he would still be a massive success. His audience loves him, and he has the talent to keep them engaged. But great minds don’t settle—they push boundaries. That’s exactly what he did by stepping into filmmaking. His series Flatmates introduced many actors to a broader audience. While some were already known in the comedy world, many people first discovered them through Flatmates.
Funke Akindele’s Unstoppable Rise
Funke Akindele’s journey took a different path. Many first saw her in Jenifa, a film that changed her life. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. She could have remained a sought-after actress, but she chose instead to dominate Nollywood as a filmmaker. That level of success doesn’t come easy—it demands round-the-clock effort and a sharp business mind.
Anyone Funke picks for a project is guaranteed visibility. She has the power to turn talent into gold. She is both the ship and the captain, and she fully understands the influence she holds.
The Business Perspective Behind Funke’s Decision
Many Nigerians don’t fully grasp just how big Funke is in the industry. It’s important to note that Basketmouth first approached her for collaboration. When she declined, he reached out to Mo Abudu instead. That alone speaks volumes.
Funke hasn’t given her side of the story, but considering her level of success, she likely made the decision from a business standpoint. Basketmouth is a beloved entertainer, but in Nollywood, he is a canon in a cathedral where Funke is the Bishop. And in any cathedral, it is the Bishop who decides who gets a seat at the altar.
Why Funke’s Decision Sparks Debate
Fans of Basketmouth may criticize Funke for ignoring his messages. But a woman who has built such a dominant empire must have had a strong reason for keeping her doors closed. Her focus remains on building her brand, and her decision is likely calculated.
At the end of the day, success in Nollywood is about strategy. And Funke Akindele knows exactly how to play the game. In all, Basketmouth and Funke Akindele Collaboration would have birthed something huge for all.
