Funke and JJC

By Funsho Arogundade

Early January 2016, the rumour mill was agog with the news that Nollywood star actress, Funke Akindele and United Kingdom-based Nigerian singer and producer, Abdul Rasheed Bello popularly known as JJC Skillz, were reportedly dating.

According to the reports, smitten Funke had practically moved to live with JJC in his Prime Water Garden home in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos as his live-in-lover, after spending more time with the musician in his London base.

Funke and JJC at her London birthday party last year

But while the romance rumours continue to swirl around, both Funke and JJC kept sealed lips. However, friends close to the duo tactically confirmed that the two are in love but have decided to make it a very private affair.

But days ago, the rumour became stronger with JJC said to have proposed to the actress renowned for her stellar role as Jenifa in a movie of same title.

In between the whispers of romance, the two have been seen working together on different projects.

JJC and Funke Akindele (extreme left and right) during the wedding of Tunde and Abi Babalola in London

While JJC has been helping out as director on Funke’s Jenifa Diary, a TV sitcom series, the actress in turn plays the lead, mimicking ‘Olajumoke Bread Seller’ in the upcoming video of JJC’s new song, Ada.

While some have suggested that all the engagement tales could be a publicity stunt, but going by the activities of the two with an exchange of love messages on Twitter and Instagram, many could feel a true love tango between JJC and Funke.

Some weeks back, JJC, via his Instagram account, @jjcskillz, had made a shout out to his nephews: “My cute nephews singing along to #forgetmenot by @jjcskillz ft @officialpraiz made my Christmas day. Thank you to my big brother for the video @sbellophotos the man that inspired my whole musical journey. #Godblessyou.

Funke, touched by the message, had clicked a like button and responded: “My cuties. God bless them all. May the Lord never forget us. Well done boo. Always proud of u kisses. FABB.”

And JJC, the loverboy acknowledged: “@funkejenifaakindele thanks sweetheart.

Also, some have equally noticed that the two have been hanging out closely both in Nigeria and the UK.

During Funke’s 39th exclusive birthday party held at Cokobar in London last year, JJC was at the party and was very active.

They also both attended Abi and Tunde’s wedding in London last year.

Funke and JJC during the shoot of JJC’s Ada video

Meanwhile, effort by our correspondent to confirm the story from the couple proved abortive. A1l repeated calls and SMS messages sent to Funke’s PR Reps, Biodun Kupoluyi, remain unanswered.

Funke, who will be 40 this year, is a Christian. She has remained single after separating from her husband, Kehinde Oloyede, in 2013 under very controversial circumstances.

Like Funke’s estranged husband, Kenny, her new lover, JJC is also a serial monogamist.

Funke as the lead in the upcoming video

JJC, who hails from Kano State, has been married before. He was married to his first wife, the mother of his first child in 1995. They both have a daughter, Tamira Bello born in 1996. The woman, who has always lived in the UK, has remarried.

JJC also has two other children from two other women.

Many are waiting with bated breath for the couple to make an official confirmation of their relationship.