Funke Akindele reveals Tyler Perry’s Influence on her filmmaking journey, sharing how his movies and storytelling lessons shaped her creative growth

Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has revealed that Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry’s creative approach has played a significant role in shaping her career, describing his work as a major source of inspiration for her growth in storytelling.

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Akindele shared her thoughts in a recent post on X, where she described Tyler Perry as one of her role models and explained that studying his films helped her understand important aspects of writing, character development and filmmaking.

The actress, who has built a successful career as one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainers, said her journey has been shaped by continuous learning, practical experience and a commitment to improving her craft.

She noted that watching Perry’s movies provided valuable lessons that influenced the way she approaches storytelling and creativity.

“Watching his movies taught me a lot,” Akindele said while reflecting on the impact of Perry’s work on her creative development.

Beyond learning from established filmmakers, Akindele highlighted the importance of growth and mentorship within the entertainment industry.

She encouraged emerging creatives to remain open to learning and to keep developing their skills regardless of their starting point.

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

The filmmaker also acknowledged the new generation of Nigerian creatives who have drawn inspiration from her own body of work, describing creativity as a process passed from one generation to another.

“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 added.

Akindele’s comments reflect her evolution from an actress into a leading force in Nollywood filmmaking. Through projects such as Jenifa and other successful productions, she has expanded her influence beyond acting into production and directing.

Tyler Perry, known for building a global entertainment empire through writing, acting and producing, has similarly inspired filmmakers worldwide with his independent approach to creating films and television projects.

Akindele’s recognition of Perry’s influence highlights the growing connection between Nollywood and the wider global film industry, where filmmakers continue to exchange ideas, techniques and creative experiences.

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As Nollywood continues to expand internationally, Akindele’s message reinforces the importance of mentorship, consistency and lifelong learning in building lasting creative careers.