A recent social media post has reignited discussions on the frequent comparisons between Nollywood star Funke Akindele and Hollywood actress Taraji P. Henson.
Nigerian content creator and actor Enioluwa Adeoluwa took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval of the recurring analogy, questioning why African stars are often measured against their Western counterparts.
“I really don’t like seeing comments calling Aunty Funke the ‘Nigerian version of Taraji P. Henson,'” he wrote.
“As much as I love Taraji and admire her work, I don’t understand the constant need to compare our icons to Western figures. Funke Akindele is The Funke Akindele; an unstoppable box office record-breaker. She’s not a version of anyone but herself.”
His remarks quickly gained traction, sparking widespread conversation about the broader issue of African talents being validated through Western benchmarks.
Many social media users weighed in on the debate, with some agreeing that the comparison undermines Akindele’s unique achievements, while others attributed the similarities to their physical resemblance and on-screen charisma.
Enioluwa countered by pointing out a deeper issue: “Fair, but there’s a deeper layer to it; where we often view our own as lesser, especially in the entertainment space. No one ever calls Taraji the American version of Funke Akindele.”
The debate highlights a recurring pattern where African entertainers are often measured against their Western counterparts rather than being acknowledged for their independent success. Many argue that this mindset diminishes the strides made by local talents and reinforces the idea that international validation is necessary for recognition.
Funke Akindele remains a dominant force in Nollywood, consistently setting box office records with blockbuster hits. Similarly, Taraji P. Henson has made her mark in Hollywood, earning critical acclaim for her roles in film and television.
While comparisons between artists are inevitable, the ongoing discussion raises an important question, should African creatives be celebrated for their individuality rather than being seen as equivalents of Western figures?