Funke Akindele Shares How Dbanj Inspired Her to Preserve the Jenifa Brand

Funke Akindele recounted how singer Dbanj inspired her to keep her popular Jenifa brand alive. Speaking at Dbanj’s 20th-anniversary dinner, the award-winning actress revealed that the singer encouraged her to continue the Jenifa series. She shared that she met Dbanj at a club for the first time, where he inquired about a sequel to Jenifa. Surprised by her negative response, Dbanj emphasized the brand’s potential and advised her to capitalize on it. To support her, he even gave her money to work on a new sequel, which led to the creation of The Return of Jenifa.

“After the big break with Jenifa, everyone loved it. I met Dbanj at a club, and he gave me his number. He asked if there was a sequel to Jenifa, and I said no. He was surprised and pointed out that Jenifa is a lucrative brand I should continue developing. He advised me to feed on the brand and make the most out of it. He generously gave me money to write another Jenifa, supporting me financially.”

Akindele praised Dbanj for being more than a musician, describing him as a movement whose music has brought joy to many and whose legacy will endure.

“Dbanj, you’re more than just a musician, you’re a movement! Your music has brought joy to our hearts, and your legacy will live on forever.”