Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has expressed regret over turning down an opportunity to work with actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, admitting that she failed to recognise her potential at the time.
Reflecting on the past, Nelson said she underestimated Akindele and warned people against looking down on others.
“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.”
She added, “If I knew Funke would go far like this, I would have held her tight because I can’t even see her back now.”
Nelson explained that Akindele introduced her to Odunfa after they met through a mutual friend. At the time, Nelson provided houses as filming locations and had worked with several people in the industry.
She said Akindele later approached her for a location and repeatedly encouraged her to join the industry.However, Nelson admitted that she took Akindele’s calls for granted and missed what could have been a major career opportunity.
She recalled that the incident happened around 2006 or 2007, when the industry was less populated. Rumours about the Yoruba film industry also made her hesitant.
“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 Yoruba industry. They will say you should say auntie. They will say you should kneel down. Then one person say you should carry bag.’”
Looking back, Nelson said she had judged the industry based on things she had only heard and had learned the importance 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.”
She also apologised directly to Kunle Afod, Sodiq Adebayo and Funke Akindele and appealed for another opportunity to work with her.
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