Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has set a new milestone in Nollywood with her latest release, Everybody Loves Jenifa, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
The movie, which premiered on December 11, 2024, has grossed an unprecedented N1.466 billion at the Nigerian box office, surpassing previous record-holders and reaffirming Akindele’s dominance in the industry.
Historic Box Office Achievement
The groundbreaking achievement was confirmed by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, through a celebratory Instagram post:
“Everybody Loves Jenifa has officially reached a historic ₦1.466 billion and counting at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film of all time! A massive THANK YOU to our incredible audiences in Nigeria and Ghana for making this dream a reality! Your support means everything. On to even greater heights! Still showing in cinemas near you—experience the magic on the big screen.”
The film’s rapid success was evident from its opening day, which brought in over ₦40 million, setting a record for the highest opening day gross for a Nollywood film. Within two weeks, the film had already earned ₦355 million, maintaining momentum with packed cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana.
Everybody Loves Jenifa has unseated the previous record-holder, A Tribe Called Judah, which grossed ₦1.404 billion in 2023. It also far surpassed Funke Akindele’s earlier works, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga (N636 million) and Battle on Buka Street (N668 million).
The movie’s success is part of the Jenifa franchise, which began in 2008 with the release of Jenifa. Over the years, the franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, resonating deeply with Nigerian audiences and showcasing Akindele’s knack for delivering relatable and entertaining stories.
Star-Studded Cast and Direction
Directed by Funke Akindele alongside Tunde Olaoye, Everybody Loves Jenifa features an ensemble cast that has captivated audiences with its mix of humor and drama. The cast includes:
- Funke Akindele as Jenifa
- Deyemi Okanlawon
- Regina Daniels
- Toke Makinwa
- Brain Jotter
- Williams Uchemba
- Shaffy Bello
The chemistry among the cast members and their performances have been widely praised for contributing to the film’s widespread appeal.
Jenifa navigates new challenges while retaining her signature humor and charm. The movie combines elements of comedy with poignant social commentary, tackling themes such as friendship, love, and self-discovery.
Effective marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and word-of-mouth promotion, have also played a crucial role in the movie’s success.
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