Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has credited American filmmaker Tyler Perry as one of the biggest influences on her journey as a storyteller, saying she drew valuable lessons from watching his films in the early stages of her career.
In a post shared on X, Akindele said she has never been embarrassed by her humble beginnings, stressing that learning from accomplished professionals is an important part of personal and creative growth.
“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,” she wrote.
The filmmaker explained that while Perry’s work inspired her, she continued to develop her skills by attending workshops, gaining practical experience and refining her craft over time.
According to Akindele, those experiences enabled her to establish a unique creative identity while remaining committed to continuous improvement.
“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.
Reflecting on her career, Akindele said she is encouraged that many emerging filmmakers now look to her work for inspiration, describing it as a natural progression of creative mentorship.
“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 said.
She concluded by encouraging aspiring creatives to remain proud of their beginnings and continue investing in their personal and professional development.
“Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing,” Akindele advised.
