For days, Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele has dominated social media conversations, not for a new award, red-carpet outfit or dance challenge, but for stepping out with an unusually curvy silhouette that left many wondering whether she had secretly undergone cosmetic surgery.
Videos showing the actress flaunting exaggerated hips and a fuller backside went viral during the week, with fans doing double takes.
In one Instagram clip, Akindele confidently swung her new figure, prompting speculation that she had joined the growing list of celebrities enhancing their bodies.
But the actress is simply playing a character.
In the video, Akindele is seen in a simple, chic outfit, strutting proudly as she showcases the enhanced figure.
“Hello, beautiful people. My name is Adetutu Fernandez. Do you love my body? I will spend anything to be beautiful. I spent a fortune to get my body done,” she said.
The “new body” is part of an elaborate promotional campaign for her upcoming film, Behind The Scenes, in which she plays Adetutu Fernandez, a woman she describes as having “the body of a goddess.”
Although her transformation initially fooled many, Akindele has continued to lean into the joke as she ramps up promotion for the movie.
In another post, she wrote, “Detutu Fernandez sure got the body of a goddess. Clock it if you’re loving her body.”
As part of the build-up to the film’s release, Akindele unveiled her star-studded cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Wandi and Handi, Uche Montana, Tobi Bakare, Ini Dima, Mr Macaroni, Uzor Arukwe, Ibrahim Chatta and Iyabo Ojo, with a themed runway video.
The comical butt has also sparked a wave of reactions from industry colleagues who joined in the fun.
Actor Deyemi wrote, “This one na Akowonjo BBL!”
Mo Bimpe teased, “Mama! Hipsy funky.”
Bisola added, “Aunty Funke, these hips are speaking volumes.”
Blessing Obasi commented, “Hips na water.”
Broda Shaggi joked, “Fresh out of booty from Doctor Shaggi and Nurse Kiekie. Please tag us, ma’am, so people can patronise us. Best BBL in Lagos.”
Janemena added, “This hip is so hipsy, momma.”