Nollywood movie star Funke Akindele has once again captivated audiences with her latest cinematic venture, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
The film has shattered box office records, grossing over ₦1 billion within 19 days of its December 13, 2024 release.
Box Office Triumphs
Upon its debut, Everybody Loves Jenifa garnered significant attention, earning over ₦40 million on its opening day—a new record for Nollywood films. The momentum continued, with the film amassing ₦355.1 million in its first week. By the 12th day, it had reached ₦511 million, becoming the fastest Nollywood film to cross the ₦500 million mark.
The film’s rapid ascent culminated in surpassing the ₦1 billion threshold by the 19th day, achieving a cumulative total of ₦1,034,091,220 with 201,604 ticket admissions. This feat positions Everybody Loves Jenifa as the fastest Nollywood film to reach this milestone, solidifying its status as one of the top box office hits of the year in both Nigeria and Ghana.
International Acclaim
The film’s success transcends Nigerian borders. Internationally, it earned $100,000 during its opening week in cinemas across the diaspora, marking the largest opening weekend for a Nollywood film outside Africa.
Critical Reception
Critics have lauded the film’s appeal. Somi B of Nolly Critic described it as “an interesting but uneven crowd-pleaser, propped up by undeniable star power and scattered moments of charm.” Joseph Jonathan of AfroCritik referred to it as “a worthwhile film that adds value to the ‘Jenifa’ franchise, despite some narrative complexities.”
Funke Akindele’s Gratitude
Expressing her gratitude, Funke Akindele took to social media, stating, “We couldn’t have gotten here without you. We’re excited for what’s to come with this massive win. Keep watching in all cinemas nationwide!”
Everybody Loves Jenifa has not only broken box office records but has also set a new benchmark for Nollywood films, both domestically and internationally. Its rapid ascent to the ₦1 billion mark underscores the growing appeal and potential of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
This achievement also reflects a broader trend in the Nigerian film industry. In 2024, Nigerian films secured 50.4% of box office revenue, surpassing foreign films—a testament to the industry’s growth and the increasing support for local content.
The film’s success has contributed significantly to the Nigerian box office’s performance during the festive season. Between December 20 and December 26, 2024, the box office amassed a staggering ₦1.02 billion, with Everybody Loves Jenifa playing a pivotal role in this achievement.
As Everybody Loves Jenifa continues to draw audiences, it sets a precedent for future Nollywood productions, highlighting the potential for Nigerian films to achieve unprecedented success both locally and internationally.
