Everybody Loves Jenifa, the latest film by renowned Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has achieved remarkable success, surpassing Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King at the Nigerian box office.
Within just 19 days of its release, the film grossed over ₦1 billion, making it the fastest Nollywood film to reach this milestone.
Everybody Loves Jenifa premiered on December 8, 2024, at Filmhouse Lekki IMAX in Lagos and was released nationwide on December 13, 2024. The film’s rapid ascent in box office earnings is unprecedented in Nollywood, with reports indicating that it grossed ₦500 million within the first 12 days.
In contrast, Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King has been performing well internationally but has been outpaced by Everybody Loves Jenifa in the Nigerian market. While Mufasa led the North American box office during the Christmas period, earning $14.7 million on Christmas Day,
Akindele’s film has resonated more with Nigerian audiences, leading to its impressive local box office performance.
The film has received generally positive reviews from audiences, who praise its humor, relatable storyline, and strong performances. The continuation of the Jenifa series, with its blend of comedy and social commentary, has struck a chord with viewers, contributing to its box office success.
Akindele has expressed ambitious expectations for the film, setting a target of ₦5 billion in ticket sales. Given its current trajectory, industry analysts believe that Everybody Loves Jenifa has the potential to become one of the highest-grossing Nollywood films ever.
In summary, Everybody Loves Jenifa has not only surpassed Mufasa: The Lion King at the Nigerian box office but has also set new records for Nollywood films, reflecting the growing influence and reach of Nigerian cinema.
