Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly named American entertainment mogul Tyler Perry as one of her biggest inspirations in the film industry. In a recent post on her X page, the award-winning star shared how Perry's work profoundly influenced her early storytelling and writing techniques.
“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,” she wrote. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with learning from someone you admire. In fact, that’s how many great journeys begin.”
Embracing Humble Beginnings and Continuous Growth
Akindele emphasized the importance of embracing humble beginnings and committing to lifelong learning. “I’ve never been ashamed of my humble beginnings, and I never will be,” she stated. “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 that she now finds fulfillment in inspiring younger filmmakers, just as Perry inspired her. “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.”
Record-Breaking Box Office Success
Akindele’s career is marked by extraordinary box office achievements. In 2023, her film Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie at the time, earning ₦640 million. She shattered her own record in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nollywood film to gross ₦1 billion at the Nigerian box office. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa set a new record as West Africa’s highest-grossing film. Most recently, Behind the Scenes crossed the ₦2 billion mark, solidifying her status as one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers.
Using Dance to Promote Her Movies
Earlier, Funke Akindele explained her unconventional method of dancing to promote her films. During the release of Battle on Buka Street, she lacked funds for a conventional PR campaign, so she created dance content at home and shared it online until audiences connected with the movie. She noted that dancing is a natural part of her personality, a trait she inherited from her mother, and stressed that other filmmakers are free to choose their own promotional styles.
