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Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele said she has never been ashamed of where she started, crediting early struggles, learning from mentors like Tyler Perry, and years of growth for her success in the industry.
In an X post on Monday, the Jenifa star reflected on her journey from minor roles to becoming one of Nigeria’s top box-office filmmakers.
She stated, “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.”
Akindele, 48, began her acting career in 1996 with “waka pass” roles before her breakthrough in the NTA series I Need to Know in 1997, where she played Bisi.
She has spoken in recent interviews about borrowing clothes from colleagues like Tayo Odueke, aka Sikiratu Sindodo, to look presentable on set during those early years, and about earning her first N1 million around 1999 at age 22.
The actress said she has since built on those early lessons through workshops, experience, and finding her own voice.
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“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 stated.
Akindele is now regarded as one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers. Her productions under SceneOne TV, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), Battle on Buka Street (2022), A Tribe Called Judah (2023), Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), have collectively grossed over N4 billion and include Nigeria’s highest-grossing films.
She noted that upcoming filmmakers now cite her work as inspiration, calling it part of the creative cycle.
“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.
Akindele encouraged young creatives to embrace their start.
“Never be ashamed of where you started. Keep learning. Keep growing,” she stressed.
Akindele has described her early years as a “season of deep learning about people, purpose, and process”, and has credited discipline, resilience, and consistency for her longevity in the industry.
