‘Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has taken the West African box office by storm, grossing over N1 billion in just 19 days.
The film, which has already garnered 201,604 ticket admissions, now accounts for 40% of the December box office revenue, with earnings totaling N1,034,091,220.
This milestone marks the fastest film to reach this revenue in the region, marking a significant achievement for the Nollywood actress and producer.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa” has become one of the top box office hits of the year in both Nigeria and Ghana, further cementing Akindele’s influence in the Nollywood industry. Expressing her gratitude, Akindele tweeted, “GOD DID!!! Thank you Nigeria and Ghana!!! Let’s keep spreading the news about #eljthemovie showing in all cinemas nationwide!! Also showing in the UK!! US!!”
The film’s success extends beyond West Africa, with international screenings driving global interest. Just eight days after its release abroad on December 20, the movie grossed $194,560 (approximately N300 million) in the UK, US, Canada, and other territories. Sold-out screenings in London and packed theaters in New York reflect the warm reception the film has received worldwide.
The success of “Everybody Loves Jenifa” is part of a broader trend of Nollywood’s growing dominance in the West African box office. Nollywood films now account for over 50% of the region’s market share, with “Everybody Loves Jenifa” adding to this surge.
With the Nigerian box office set to close at nearly N12 billion in 2024, Nollywood continues to solidify its position on the global stage. Akindele’s previous film, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” remains Nollywood’s highest-grossing film to date, further establishing her as one of the industry’s most influential figures.
