Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Funke Akindele has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with her latest film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, becoming the first Nollywood production to surpass $100 million in diaspora sales. This monumental success cements Akindele’s status as a global force in the entertainment industry.
The movie, a continuation of the beloved Jenifa franchise, premiered on December 13 and has been breaking records ever since. It marked the largest opening weekend for a Nollywood film released outside Africa, captivating audiences in cinemas across the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
Reacting to the film’s unprecedented success, Funke Akindele took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her heartfelt gratitude. “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. Your love and support have been the fuel behind this dream. I couldn’t have done this without you. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote.
Back in Nigeria, Everybody Loves Jenifa has emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2024. Within just 12 days of its release, the film amassed an impressive ₦500 million at the box office. It also set a new benchmark for the biggest opening weekend in Nollywood history, grossing ₦206 million, leapfrogging Akindele’s previous record-holder, A Tribe Called Judah, which debuted at ₦113 million last year. Additionally, the film recorded the highest single-day earnings of the year, raking in ₦87.8 million.
The movie’s narrative follows the life of Jenifa, portrayed by Funke Akindele, a beloved figure in her community whose charm and influence face a challenge when a new neighbor, Lobster (played by Stan Nze), moves in. Lobster, while running an NGO, uses it as a façade to fraudulently acquire grants from international humanitarian organizations.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Falz, Omowunmi Dada, Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, Destiny Etiko, Chy Nwakanma, Patience Ozokwor, Lateef Adedimeji, Bisola Aiyeola, and many others. The production also includes cameo appearances from notable personalities such as D’banj, Hilda Baci, and Cute Abiola.
Funke Akindele’s success with Everybody Loves Jenifa not only highlights the global appeal of Nollywood but also underscores her ability to consistently produce compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. This achievement is a testament to the growing influence of African cinema on the global stage.
