Funke Akindele’s #EverybodyLovesJenifa Breaks Nollywood Record With N206m Opening Weekend

Award-winning actress Funke Akindele’s latest film, EverybodyLovesJenifa (ELJ), has shattered records at the Nigerian box office, grossing an unprecedented N206 million in its opening weekend.

Released on December 13, 2024, the movie has set a new benchmark for Nollywood.

Akindele shared her excitement on Instagram, writing: “Thank you Lord!!! Thank you Nigeria!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!” The film’s debut Friday alone brought in N45.22 million, a 30% increase over the first-day performance of her previous film, A Tribe Called Judah.

EverybodyLovesJenifa sold 38,353 tickets over the weekend, making it the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history. It also achieved the industry’s biggest single-day earnings, raking in N87.8 million in just one day.

The film’s international debut across 30 countries, distributed by Nile Group Entertainment, has further solidified its global success.

Remarkably, the record-breaking numbers were achieved despite the film not screening at Genesis Cinemas and missing part of its first day at Silverbird Cinemas.

EverybodyLovesJenifa continues to redefine success in Nollywood, showcasing Funke Akindele’s enduring influence in the entertainment industry.