Omanghana
In an interview with BellaNaija, the award-winning actress, producer, and filmmaker opened up about her unconventional journey into filmmaking and addressed criticism over similarities some viewers have noticed between her storytelling style and Perry’s work.
Rather than distancing herself from the comparison, Akindele proudly embraced her self-taught beginnings, saying her creative foundation came from curiosity, observation, and years of practical experience rather than formal film education.
A Self-Taught Filmmaker Without Film School
Akindele revealed that she never attended a traditional film school and instead built her knowledge of filmmaking through hands-on experience and independent study.
She explained that much of her understanding of script structure, character development, and storytelling rhythm came from carefully watching and analyzing Tyler Perry’s productions.
By studying Perry’s films and television series, she learned how to build emotional narratives, develop relatable characters, and create stories that connect with everyday audiences.
Her approach was based on observing storytelling patterns, breaking down scenes, and understanding why certain moments worked with viewers.
Learning Through Experience in Nollywood
Before becoming one of Africa’s most successful filmmakers, Akindele gained valuable experience working in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Her early career included her role in the popular television series “I Need to Know,” which helped introduce her to professional acting and production environments.
She later became deeply involved in the Yoruba-language film industry, where she developed a strong understanding of audience preferences, storytelling traditions, and the realities of Nollywood filmmaking.
Those experiences, combined with her independent study of international cinema, helped shape the creative style that would eventually make her one of Nigeria’s most influential filmmakers.
Responding to Critics Over Tyler Perry Comparisons
Akindele recently addressed online discussions suggesting that some of her films follow storytelling structures similar to Tyler Perry’s work.
Instead of viewing the comparisons as criticism, she said she was proud of the influences that helped shape her career.
Taking to her X account, she explained that she was not ashamed of her creative journey or the fact that she learned by studying another successful filmmaker.
She emphasized that Perry was an early inspiration, but over time she expanded her knowledge through workshops, collaboration, and experience, eventually developing her own unique filmmaking identity.
Tyler Perry Remains a Major Inspiration
Akindele described Tyler Perry as her ultimate role model and expressed admiration for his ability to build a global entertainment empire from humble beginnings.
She said she hopes to collaborate with Perry someday, describing such an opportunity as a dream achievement.
Perry’s success as a filmmaker, producer, studio owner, and storyteller has influenced many filmmakers around the world, particularly those who focus on creating stories centered around family, community, resilience, and everyday struggles.
Box Office Success Proves Her Formula Works
Akindele’s career success has demonstrated the effectiveness of her audience-focused storytelling approach.
She has become one of Nollywood’s biggest box office figures, earning the title of the industry’s box office queen after breaking multiple records with major film releases.
Her blockbuster achievements include:
- “Battle on Buka Street” — which earned more than ₦640 million at the Nigerian box office.
- “A Tribe Called Judah” — the first Nollywood film to cross the ₦1 billion box office milestone.
- “Behind the Scenes” — her latest major success, which surpassed the historic ₦2 billion mark.
These milestones have cemented her reputation as one of Africa’s most commercially successful filmmakers.
Building a Legacy Through Authentic Storytelling
Funke Akindele’s journey reflects a broader reality within Nollywood, where many filmmakers have built successful careers through practical experience, creativity, and a deep understanding of local audiences.
Her story highlights the power of self-education and the importance of learning from global influences while developing an original voice.
From studying Tyler Perry’s storytelling techniques to creating record-breaking Nigerian films, Akindele has transformed her early inspirations into a distinctive filmmaking career that continues to reshape Nollywood’s global presence.
Source: Omanghana
