Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has opened up on her regret at turning down an early opportunity to work alongside colleague Funke Akindele, admitting she failed to recognise her potential at the time.
Speaking on the “Talk to B” YouTube podcast, Bunmi reflected on her history with Akindele, cautioning against underestimating others based on their present circumstances.
“I didn’t see Funke going far. That’s why in life, don’t underestimate anybody. Don’t look down on anyone except you’re admiring their shoelace. If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight because I can’t even see her back now,” she said.
Bunmi revealed that it was Akindele who first introduced her to the Odunfa Caucus, a respected theatre group and acting academy, after the two connected through a mutual friend.
At the time, Bunmi was supplying houses as filming locations for producers. She said Akindele had repeatedly urged her to join the industry, but she brushed off the invitations, unaware of the opportunity she was letting slip by.
“I missed that big opportunity because Funke was telling me then that, ‘Ah, why don’t you come? I was telling her, ‘I’ve heard a lot about the Yoruba industry. They will say you should say auntie. They will say you should kneel down. Then one person will say you should carry bag,’” she recounted.
She added that the experience taught her the value of humility: “That is why you need to humble yourself in life. If there’s anything I’ve learned in life now, it’s humility.”
Bunmi went on to apologise publicly to actors Kunle Afod and Sodiq Adebayo, and appealed for a fresh opportunity to work with Funke Akindele.
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