“Tyler Perry Is One Of My Role Models And I Learnt A Lot From Watching His Films”-Funke Akindele Reveals

Funke Akindele, the Nigerian actress and filmmaker, has cited American entertainment mogul Tyler Perry as a major inspiration for her storytelling and writing techniques.

The award-winning actress recently took to her X page to open up about her creative influences.

Akindele emphasised the value of learning from admired figures, stating that such influences are often the foundation of great careers.

She noted that Perry, whom she described as one of her role models, significantly shaped her early approach to filmmaking.

“I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be,” she wrote.

“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.”

The filmmaker acknowledged that her development did not stop with emulation. She said she went on to attend workshops, gain hands-on experience, and refine her skills over time until she established her own distinctive creative voice. She added that her commitment to growth remains ongoing.

“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, 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.

“Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing.”

Akindele has enjoyed remarkable success at the box office in recent years. In 2023, her film ‘Battle on Buka Street’ became Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie after earning N640 million.

She broke another record in January 2024 when ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ became the first Nollywood film to gross N1 billion at the Nigerian box office.

Later that year, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ set a new record, becoming the highest-grossing film in West Africa.

Most recently, ‘Behind the Scenes’ became her third film to cross the N2 billion mark at the Nigerian box office.

Source: The Cable

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