Funke Etti

EARLY LIFE

Oluwafunke Abidemi Durosinmi Etti was born on 25 April 1979 in Lagos, Nigeria. She is the last of four siblings and was raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Etti. Her mother passed away in 1988 and her father in 1996. She attended St. Angus Primary School in Somolu, Lagos, for her primary education. She began secondary school at Igbobi Girls College and later moved to Oregun High School after her mother’s death. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.From a young age she showed interest in acting, joining the drama club in school. She was inspired by the presence of actors and actresses around her estate and school. Her role models include Joke Silva, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), and Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow).

CAREER

She entered the Yoruba movie industry professionally in 2002. An aunt who worked at the National Film and Video Censors Board (Mrs. Bola Athar) helped introduce her to the industry; she was directed to Kolawole Olatunde of Latunde Films. Her first role was in Ina Abe Aso), directed by the late Yinka Ajomo, in which she played a rich man’s daughter.She gained wider recognition with her 2009 production Kikelomo Omo Oluso (directed by Don Richard and co-produced with Kolawole Olatunde). Other notable films include Iyawo Oni Gold, Okunrin Meta, Owu Iya, Maami, Iro Funfun, Abebi, Astray, and Owo Ago. She has appeared in dozens of Yoruba Nollywood productions (estimates in earlier interviews ranged from 80 to over 100) and has produced films including Owu Iya, Maami, and Kikelomo Omo Oluso.Beyond acting and producing, she is an event planner, hosts the lifestyle show Arakenge, and runs House of La Funky (a hair-related business). She has served as a brand ambassador (including for Gonowtravels and Tours). In a 2026 interview she publicly recounted an alleged incident in which a director attempted to solicit a sexual encounter in exchange for a lead role; she stated she refused and that the director subsequently spoke against her to the producer.She has continued working in the industry for over two decades, balancing production comebacks with acting and entrepreneurial activities.

PERSONAL LIFE

Funke Etti is married and has one son, Oluwajomiloju. She keeps details of her husband private, stating that marriage is a sacred and personal matter, and has emphasised that he is not in the film industry. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing acting, motherhood, and marriage, noting her husband’s support and her son’s understanding of her work schedule.She converted to Christianity (her father was Muslim and her mother Christian; she made the decision independently, describing an experience at the Redemption Camp). She lives a relatively simple life and has said stardom has not drastically changed her everyday habits. In recent years she has referred to herself as “Her Excellency Ayinkeade” or “Princess Funke Etti Ayinkeade,” particularly around her birthdays.

Funke Etti has spoken about the importance of hard work, prayer, respect, patience, and humility for aspiring entertainers. She maintains an active presence on social media sharing career updates, promotional content, and personal celebrations.