Everybody Loves Jenifa, the latest installment in Funke Akindele’s beloved Jenifa franchise, has made history as the first Nollywood film to surpass $100,000 in diaspora box office sales. Released on December 13, 2024, the movie is screening across the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, breaking multiple records along the way.
A Groundbreaking International Success
The film achieved the biggest opening weekend for a Nollywood movie released outside Africa, cementing Funke Akindele’s place as a global ambassador for Nigerian cinema. Reacting to the milestone, Akindele expressed her gratitude on X:
“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. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.”
A Box Office Juggernaut in Nigeria
Domestically, Everybody Loves Jenifa has set an unprecedented pace, raking in ₦500 million within 12 days of release. The film boasts:
• The biggest opening weekend of all timefor Nollywood, grossing ₦206 million.
• The highest-grossing single-day performancein 2024, with ₦87.8 million.
• The biggest opening weekend in 2024, surpassing Akindele’s own 2023 record with A Tribe Called Judah, which earned ₦113 million.
A Star-Studded Plot
The film follows Jenifa (Funke Akindele), a beloved figure in her community, whose charm is tested when a flashy new neighbor, Lobster (played by Stan Nze), arrives. Lobster, running a fraudulent NGO, steals Jenifa’s spotlight and the affection of the community, leading to a showdown of wit, humor, and resilience.
The ensemble cast features heavyweights like Falz, Omowunmi Dada, Nancy Isime, Patience Ozokwor, Jackie Appiah, Lateef Adedimeji, Bisola Aiyeola, and even cameos from celebrities such as D’banj and Hilda Baci.
A Triumph for Nollywood
The record-breaking success of Everybody Loves Jenifa reflects the growing global recognition of Nollywood and the impact of Funke Akindele’s storytelling. With its heartfelt humor and relatable themes, the film has captured audiences worldwide, showcasing the power and potential of African cinema.
Fans can catch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas worldwide as it continues to set new milestones.
