Nollywood star Funke Akindele has once again demonstrated her star power with her latest blockbuster, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” which earned an impressive $100,000 in its opening weekend across nine international markets: Germany, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, and the USA.
This achievement marks a historic first for Nollywood, as no Nigerian film has ever reached such earnings in these regions, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Akindele, who also produced the film, shared her excitement in an emotional social media post, saying, “We did it, guys. $100,000 in diaspora sales and counting—the first Nollywood film to hit this milestone. I’m beyond grateful to my incredible cast, the unstoppable Jenifans, my amazing colleagues, the diasporan community, and everyone who’s been part of this journey. You’re the real MVPs!”
Everybody Loves Jenifa” builds on the global appeal of Akindele’s iconic character, Jenifa, mixing humor, drama, and social commentary. This winning combination has resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying Akindele’s status as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars. Her previous hit, “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” grossed over N1.5 billion, further cementing her legacy in the industry.
The film’s international success adds to Nollywood’s achievements in 2024, a year marked by record-breaking performances from films like “Jagun Jagun,” “Lisabi,” and “Queen Lateefah.” These successes have propelled the West African box office to a staggering N12 billion, with Nollywood films now commanding over 50% of the market share, challenging Hollywood’s dominance in the region.
Meanwhile, at home, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has been a massive success at the Nigerian box office, grossing over N500 million in just 12 days and attracting more than 101,000 admissions. Its commercial success has made it a cultural phenomenon, further cementing Akindele’s place at the top of the Nigerian film industry.
Akindele’s heartfelt gratitude to her fans and collaborators underscores the collective effort behind the film’s success. With her remarkable ability to connect with audiences through universally relatable stories, “Everybody Loves Jenifa” is not just a hit—it’s a celebration of Nollywood’s growing global influence.
