Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele has done it again! Her latest cinematic masterpiece, Everybody Loves Jenifa, has taken the Nigerian film industry by storm, raking in an astounding N783 million within just 14 days of its release. Premiering on December 13, 2024, this highly anticipated sequel has proven to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser, captivating audiences nationwide.
The movie’s performance has been nothing short of historic. In its first 12 days, it amassed a staggering N511 million, cementing its status as the highest-grossing film of the year. On Boxing Day alone, the film pulled in an unprecedented N107 million, setting a new single-day record at the Nigerian box office.
Industry data reveals that Everybody Loves Jenifa smashed expectations from the get-go, earning N355.1 million in its debut week. By the second weekend, over 71,700 moviegoers had flocked to cinemas, making it the fastest Nollywood film to cross the N500 million milestone.
Building on the success of her previous blockbuster, Omo Ghetto: The Saga—which remains Nollywood’s highest earner at over N1.5 billion—Funke Akindele has once again struck gold. Her ability to blend comedy, drama, and relatable themes continues to resonate deeply with audiences, proving her mastery in crafting films that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact.
But the success of Everybody Loves Jenifa isn’t limited to Nigeria. The film’s global appeal was undeniable, earning $100,000 in its opening weekend across nine international territories, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. This marks the first time a Nollywood film has achieved such international box office success, setting a new benchmark for the industry on the global stage.
The triumph of Everybody Loves Jenifa caps an incredible year for Nollywood, which saw record-breaking hits like Jagun Jagun, Lisabi, and Queen Lateefah. The West African box office hit a milestone N12 billion in 2024, with Nollywood productions claiming over 50% of the market share—a clear sign of the industry’s growing dominance over Hollywood imports.
As 2024 comes to a close, Nollywood’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Box office revenue for the first nine months reached N8.76 billion—a 59% increase compared to 2023—driven by higher ticket prices and a surge in demand for high-quality, homegrown content.
For fans of Nigerian cinema, Everybody Loves Jenifa is more than just a film—it’s a celebration of Nollywood’s resilience, creativity, and global influence. With Funke Akindele leading the charge, the future of Nollywood looks brighter than ever.
