Funke Akindele has responded to Kunle Afolayan after he made remarks about filmmakers who constantly dance to promote their cinema projectsThe actress shared a dance video promoting her ₦2.4 billion movie Behind the Scenes after Kunle Afolayan’s commentFans flooded Funke’s comment section with supportive messages, encouraging her to keep dancing as her movies continue breaking box office recordsNollywood actress Funke Akindele has responded to Kunle Afolayan after his remarks on filmmakers using dance skits to promote their movies, sharing a video of herself dancing while urging fans to watch her blockbuster film.
The clip was posted shortly after Afolayan criticised colleagues who rely on dance skits and social media challenges to sell their projects, explaining that such methods drain his energy and distract him from his creative focus.
Funke Akindele shares dance video after Kunle Afolayan’s remark about filmmakers dancing to sell movies. Photo credit: funkejenifaakindele/kunleafo
Source: InstagramLegit.ng earlier reported that the exchange began when Afolayan, during the premiere of his latest film, said cinema earnings of ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion were meaningless if he could not secure at least ₦10 million in returns.
The statement came amid Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham’s record-breaking box office numbers in Nigeria.
Funke’s Behind the Scenes has grossed ₦2.4 billion, while Toyin Abraham’s Oversabi Aunty has crossed the ₦1 billion mark.
In response, Funke made it clear she was not responsible for anyone else’s struggles in the industry.
She advised against jealousy and stressed that the sky is wide enough for everyone to succeed, urging colleagues to create their own path rather than criticise others’ achievements.
Funke Akindele reacts to Kunle Afolayan’s remark with a dance video. Photo credit: funkejenifaakindele/kunleafo
Source: InstagramKunle Afolayan speaks on using dance skits to promote moviesAfolayan later took a swipe at fellow filmmakers for constantly dancing to promote their work while speaking at the 2026 Lagos Business of Film Summit.
He explained that using dance skits and social media challenges to promote or sell movies drains him, and he prefers to let his films speak through storytelling.
Kunle said he does not know how his colleagues sell their movies with dance instead of focusing on quality storytelling, citing Funke Akindele and others.
He recalled participating in promotional activities abroad as far back as 2006 but admitted the experience left him exhausted, reinforcing his decision to avoid such stunts.
In response, Funke then taunted him with a dance video, promoting her movie Behind the Scenes.
She said the movie is still showing in cinemas across Nigeria and is also available in the UK, US, and Canada.
In her post, she reminded fans to check the link in her bio for more details, turning the very strategy Afolayan criticised into a jab that doubled as effective publicity.
“BEHIND THE SCENES IS STILL IN ALL CINEMAS NATIONWIDE!! ALSO SHOWING IN THE UK, US AND CANADA. PLS CHECK LINK IN BIO FOR MORE DETAILS.”Watch Funke Akindele’s video below:
Netizens react to Funke Akindele’s response to Kunle AfolayanLegit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below:
@kamo_state said:
“Dancer Eyan Awa Skit Maker 😂😂”@abb.ydek wrote:
“Aunty funke,my joy giver, my forever, A force, a vision, a standard. Not just successful, not just consistent, but impactful. You don’t just make films, you make moments. You don’t just entertain, you shift culture. Grace, grit, brilliance, and excellence wrapped in one woman. Africa’s finest, Nollywood’s backbone, and proof that hard work, discipline, and purpose still win. We see you. We celebrate you. We are proud of you,loudly and unapologetically”@hardeholaharbisola commented:
“OLUFUNKE AYOTUNDE OMO AKINDELE,the only name that makes the whole industry have sleepless night, the host of heaven are with and around you and your children, the hand of the Lord is heavily upon your endeavors. This 2026 is yours for the taking, God dey your back”@hajaratajoke1504 wrote:
“I love you my favorite skit maker and the baddest dancer ever….. keep dancing and keep getting your billions mami😍😍😍 anybody can choke on it”@ayometide reacted:
“Iyalaya won. Koni ragba fun won lapapo 👏. Drag them my Queen. If he easy, make dem gbege si😂😂😂❤️”@ebrofola said:
“Karin kapo yiye ninyeni….if you can’t beat or join them, create your own path…..👏👏👏 If you can’t dance to promote your movie, then do what works for you”Kunle Afolayan addresses rivalry rumours with Ibrahim ChattaEarlier, Legit.ng reported that Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan addressed reports of rivalry between his film village and that of fellow filmmaker Ibrahim Chatta.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 28, at the watch party of Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens held at Igbojaye, Oyo state, with Chatta in attendance, Afolayan dismissed the claims.
According to Afolayan, he and Chatta were working towards preserving culture and heritage, not competing with each other.
Source: Legit.ng
Authors:
Kola Ogunkami (Entertainment Editor)
Kola Ogunkanmi is an entertainment journalist and digital content writer with experience in news reporting, content curation, and social media management. He has written entertainment, celebrity, sports, and trending stories for Gistreel.com and was also a freelance contributor to FotNews. Kola currently works at Legit.ng as an Entertainment Editor, where he covers entertainment news, pop culture, and digital trends. He is also a self-published author with experience in fiction and nonfiction writing, alongside work in storytelling, transcription, and administrative support.
