Nollywood superstar and prolific filmmaker Funke Akindele has credited American entertainment mogul Tyler Perry as one of her earliest and most influential role models, revealing how his films helped shape her unique approach to storytelling and writing.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) that quickly went viral, the actress and producer opened up about her humble beginnings and the power of learning from those you admire. She addressed any potential criticism head-on, emphasizing that drawing inspiration from greats like Perry is not only acceptable but essential for growth in the creative industry.
“I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be. Tyler Perry is one of my role models and I learnt a lot from watching his films, especially when it came to storytelling and writing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning from someone you admire. In fact, that’s how many great journeys begin,” Akindele declared.
The revelation comes amid discussions about her own meteoric rise, with critics sometimes questioning influences in Nollywood storytelling. Akindele used the moment to celebrate her evolution, highlighting how she moved from admiration to mastery through deliberate effort.
“Over the years, I broadened my knowledge, attended workshops, sharpened my craft through experience, and found my own voice. And I’m still learning because growth never stops,” she added.
Today, the tables have turned. Akindele now stands as a beacon for the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers and storytellers.
“Today, many upcoming filmmakers say they’ve learnt from my work, and I’m truly grateful for that. That’s how creativity is passed on. We learn, we grow and we inspire others,” she reflected.
Her advice to aspiring creatives is simple yet powerful:
“Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing.”
Funke Akindele’s journey from actress to one of Nollywood’s most successful producers and directors exemplifies this philosophy. Her recent projects continue to break box office records, proving that authentic, culturally rooted storytelling with strong narratives can achieve global appeal.