Meet Muyiwa Adesokun

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Muyiwa Adesokun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Muyiwa , so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

As an author and filmmaker, I should struggle with writer’s block, but the truth is—I rarely experience it. The closest thing I carry around is a notepad, and it’s no coincidence that the Notes app is the one I use the most.

Stories are everywhere in the fabric of everyday life, waiting to be noticed. A quiet walk in the park isn’t just a stroll; it’s a scene unfolding—an elderly man feeding pigeons, a child chasing bubbles, a couple arguing in hushed tones. Everywhere you look, there’s a story begging to be told. The world is filled with inspiration for those who pay attention. My notepad is filled with these observations—snapshots of life, moments that spark ideas, and fragments of dialogue or emotions that could one day become a full-fledged story.

If I ever feel stuck while writing, whether it’s a poem or a screenplay—I revisit my notes. Instead of forcing creativity where it feels stalled, I shift my focus to another idea. I’ve found that stepping away from one story and engaging with another helps reignite the creative flow. Even better, this approach doesn’t just help me overcome creative blocks, it also strengthens my workflow. By working on multiple ideas, I’m constantly developing new projects, ensuring that even a momentary pause in one piece leads to progress elsewhere.

For me, writer’s block isn’t an obstacle—it’s just a signal to look in a different direction.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a passionate author and filmmaker, dedicated to storytelling in both literature and cinema. My debut book, The Taxi Driver and Other Poems, resonated with readers worldwide. This poetry collection reflects contemporary realities and highlights neglected conversations. With keen observations and a touch of humor, it offers an engaging and thought-provoking read. Shortly after its publication in the United Kingdom, it reached the top 15 in the African Poetry category on Amazon.

Expanding my creative journey, I ventured into writing and directing for film and television. My debut feature film, SHINA, which I wrote and directed, became an instant hit on Netflix. By the end of 2024, it ranked as the third most-streamed film on the platform in Nigeria.

My work in both literature and cinema reflects my passion for storytelling and my ability to connect with audiences through relatable themes and fresh perspectives. I am honored to be recognized as an Exceptional Talent by the Arts Council of England.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy birdwatching and wildlife photography. I have a little shop called PrintsandPrayers where I create prints with Bible verses. It’s been a way for me to combine faith and creativity. You can find more on that here http://bit.ly/3EgIKUh and @muyiwaadesokun on Instagram.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

A writer is only as good as the number of books they read. My advice to aspiring writers? Read. Read. Read. You improve by immersing yourself in great writing. The same principle applies to filmmaking—watch as many films as you can, but don’t just watch for entertainment. Keep a notepad by your side and study every frame, every dialogue, every story. Treat it like a class in session—observe, analyze, and learn.

If I were to condense the key qualities, skills, or knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey, I’d highlight three: hard work, time management, and prayer. Hard work ensures you stay committed to the craft. Time management helps you balance creativity with discipline, making sure your ideas don’t just stay ideas but turn into finished works, and praying to God keeps me grounded, and gives me the strength to push forward even when the road gets tough.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My mom did everything to ensure I became the best version of myself. She gave me everything—her time, her sacrifices, her unwavering belief in me. Her love and dedication shaped the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16265725/
• Instagram: muiywaadesokun
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olumuyiwaadesokun/
• Other: https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/05/bn-book-review-the-taxi-driver-and-other-poems-muyiwa-adesokun/https://www.pulse.ng/articles/entertainment/movies/shina-director-muyiwa-adesokun-didnt-expect-netflix-hit-2024092615584503184

  https://shockng.com/muyiwa-adesokun-director-nigerian-movie-shina-profile/