Everything You Need to Know About Actress Funmi Awelewa

Background

She was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, but originally from Iwo, Osun State. She is the second to the last child of the family. Her fond childhood memories include that of playing a game called Kelegbe with her siblings and some friends.

Education

She attended Francis ‘M’ Nursery and Primary School, Agbowo, Ibadan, for her elementary education and Orogun Grammar School, Orogun, Ibadan, for her secondary education. She also attended the University of Ibadan where she got a Diploma and BSC in Library Archival and Information Studies.

Career

She was given her first role by Sola Kosoko and the title of the movie is So So Kenke. Meanwhile, she have always had passion for acting right from when she was in secondary school. Her first time on set wasn’t too difficult. She got her lines right but was naive at first because she was so shy.

Parent’s reactions

Her mum wasn’t surprised at all; as a matter of fact she prayed for her and wished her well. It was after she lost her  father that she started acting.  She said " i am sure if my father was still alive, he would have also been proud of me".

Breakthrough

She was brought to the limelight by the movie Aromimawe. It was her second personal production but many people think it was her first. She produced the movie in 2015.  Some of the movies she have featured in are Morili Orofo, Ebu-Ika, Aruga, Excursion, Simbi Alamala, The Chain and Egg.

Challenges

Challenges are everywhere. Most producers or directors want to sleep with actresses before giving them roles, but only desperate actors fall for it. That is why it is good for one to be financially stable so as not to fall victim of this. If they don’t call you for jobs, you work hard and become a producer.

Personal productions

She have produced about five movies and their titles are Aromimawe, Omo Ibadan, Natasha, Gbakoje and Morili Bilisi. She is currently working on a multimillion naira project that she have to shoot before the end of the year. Though she stay in Ibadan, she don’t think it can limit her reach as an actress because she travel often and  believe there is no limit to what one can achieve with hard work.

Role

She found the role of playing a typical Ibadan girl very challenging. Her character in Gba Ko Je as Morili was exceptional because as an actor, you should be able to transform into any character in order not to be stereotyped. Before accepting a script, she consider the script and the director of the movie. She like to play the role of a ghetto bred. She said "I love everything about being an actress because it is what I enjoy doing. I am very passionate about acting. I would love to act alongside Gabriel Afolayan and Majid Michel because I admire the way they act".

Fame

She said "Nothing has changed about me". She still remain the same Funmi Awelewa Babalola and it has been God’s grace so far. But being famous can cost one’s privacy. People say all sorts of things about them. Some people have even accused her of bleaching her skin but it is not true.

Other interests

She currently don’t have other interests because she focused on her acting career and building a brand for herself. She believe everything in life is by God’s grace.

Role models

Her role model is Funke Akindele, she love Funke Akindele, aka Jenifa, because she is an amazing actress.