Nollywood’s influence continues to grow as two of its blockbuster films, Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa and Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad & Boujee, have collectively raked in an astounding ₦2 billion at the Nigerian box office.
Record-Breaking Numbers
According to FilmOne, a leading film distribution company in West Africa, Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa brought in a whopping ₦1.6 billion, accounting for 80% of the total revenue. Meanwhile, Abraham’s Alakada Bad & Boujee contributed a solid ₦401 million, representing 20% of the combined earnings.
Both movies premiered in December 2024 and played a significant role in pushing Nigeria’s box office revenue to a record-breaking ₦11.58 billion for the year.
Everybody Loves Jenifa: A Comedy Powerhouse
Premiering on December 13, 2024, Funke Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa shattered records right out of the gate.
- Opening two weeks: ₦783 million.
- First 12 days: ₦511 million, making it the fastest Nollywood film to cross the ₦500 million mark.
- 19 days: Surpassed the ₦1 billion milestone, grossing ₦1,034,091,220 from 201,604 tickets sold.
- International earnings: $327,723 in just 22 days.
A captivating mix of comedy, drama, and societal themes, the movie resonated strongly with audiences, solidifying Akindele’s dominance after her previous hit, A Tribe Called Judah (₦1.2 billion in revenue).
Alakada Bad & Boujee: A Holiday Favorite
Debuting on December 20, 2024, Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad & Boujee brought a fresh dose of humor and charm to the holiday season.
- Opening weekend: ₦58.6 million.
- First week: ₦134 million.
- Total gross so far: ₦401 million.
The film, part of the successful Alakada franchise, continues to showcase Abraham’s knack for creating relatable and comedic stories. Earlier installments, such as Alakada Reloaded (₦74.3 million) and Fate of Alakada (₦100 million in 53 days), have further cemented her as a Nollywood heavyweight.
Nollywood’s Box Office Boom
The year 2024 was groundbreaking for Nigerian cinema, with box office revenue hitting an all-time high of ₦11.58 billion—a 60% increase from ₦7.35 billion in 2023 and an incredible 460% growth compared to 2020 figures.
Key highlights:
- 207 films released, with 75 Nigerian productions showcasing the industry’s expanding creativity.
- 15 Nollywood films crossed the ₦100 million mark, reflecting strong audience engagement.
Other major holiday releases, including Moana (₦395 million) and Mufasa: The Lion King (₦482 million), further contributed to the record-setting year.
A New Era for Nigerian Cinema
The success of Everybody Loves Jenifa and Alakada Bad & Boujee underscores Nollywood’s growing global appeal and the audience’s appetite for quality storytelling. As the industry continues to evolve, these milestones mark the beginning of a brighter future for Nigerian cinema.
What’s your favorite Nollywood hit of 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments!
