27th February, 2016
Funsho Arogundade
Early January 2016, the rumour mill was agog with the news that Nollywood star actress Funke Akindele and UK-based Nigerian singer and producer, Abdul Rasheed Bello popularly known as JJC Skillz were dating.
According to reports, smitten Funke has practically moved into JJC’s Prime Water Garden home in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos as his live-in-lover, after spending more time with the musician in his London base.
But while romance rumours continue to swirl, both Funke and JJC kept their lips sealed.
However, friends close to the duo tactically confirmed that two are in love but have decided to make it a very private affair.
Days ago, JJC was rumoured to have proposed to the actress renowned for her stellar role in Jenifa.
While JJC has been helping out as director on Funke’s Jenifa Diary, a TV sitcom series, the actress in turn played 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 their activities on social media suggests otherwise.
Weeks back, JJC, via his Instagram account, @jjcskillz, 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 duo 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.
Meanwhile, effort by our correspondent to confirm the story from the couple proved abortive. Calls and text messages sent to Funke’s PR rep, 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 philanderer.
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.