Nollywood star, Funke Akindele has made a public appeal to her fans to continue supporting her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, which is on the verge of a historic ₦2 billion box office milestone. With the film already having earned a staggering ₦1.8 billion, Akindele’s project has rapidly become one of the highest-grossing movies in Nigeria’s film industry.
In a light-hearted video shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Akindele explained that she does not take home the full ₦1.8 billion, as various stakeholders are entitled to portions of the earnings. “Abeg, no be only me get the ₦1.8 billion o! Cinema go collect, tax go collect, distributor go collect! Maybe when I get to ₦2 billion, I fit settle,” she joked, encouraging fans to continue watching the movie in cinemas and pushing for that all-important ₦2 billion mark.
The movie’s success has helped further solidify Akindele’s dominance in Nollywood, with the actress earning recognition as the highest-grossing lead actress of 2024. According to FilmOne, a leading Nigerian movie distribution company, Akindele’s achievement reflects her consistent appeal at the box office and her significant role in Nollywood’s growing international reach.
Trailing Akindele in second place is actress Wunmi Toriola, whose film Queen Lateefah performed admirably at the box office. Toyin Abraham secured the third spot with her film Alakada Bad and Boujee, which also made waves this year. These actresses, along with Akindele, continue to lead the way for female stars in Nollywood, showcasing their box office power and audience appeal.
Other actresses who made notable appearances in the highest-grossing lead actress list include Tomike Adeoye, ranked fourth for her role in Ajosepo, and Eniola Ajao, who came in fifth for her work in Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju. Sixth place went to Kehinde Bankole for her role in Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, a film that earned critical acclaim.
The list of top-ten highest-grossing lead actresses continues with Adunni Ade for Lakota, and Uche Nwaefuna, who took the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots for her roles in Thinline, Silent Intruder, and The Betrayed respectively. Regina Daniels and Gbugbemi Ejeye, for their performances in Farmer’s Bride, rounded out the top ten.
These actresses represent the crème de la crème of Nollywood, all contributing significantly to the success of the Nigerian film industry in 2024. Their ability to draw large audiences and dominate the box office reflects the changing dynamics in Nollywood, where female stars are now at the forefront of major financial successes.
As Everybody Loves Jenifa continues to break records and push toward the ₦2 billion milestone, Funke Akindele’s career continues to thrive. Her sustained success demonstrates her staying power in an ever-evolving industry and reaffirms her position as a formidable force in Nollywood’s box office landscape.
Peace OdekunleFebruary 3, 20252 Mins read
