‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ grosses $100,000 opening weekend abroad

• Published On: 26 December 2024 at 09:31

Funke Akindele, a Nollywood star, has once again demonstrated her star power with her latest blockbuster, "Everybody Loves Jenifa," which grossed an impressive $100,000 in its opening weekend in nine international markets: Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, and the United States.

This achievement is a historic first for Nollywood, as no Nigerian film has ever earned such money in these regions, setting a new standard for the industry.

Akindele, who also produced the film, expressed her excitement in an emotional social media post, writing, "We did it, guys. $100,000 in diaspora sales and counting—the first Nollywood film to reach this level. I'm extremely grateful to my incredible cast, the unstoppable Jenifans, my amazing colleagues, the diasporan community, and everyone who has been a part of this journey. "You are the real MVPs!"

Everybody Loves Jenifa" builds on the global popularity of Akindele's iconic character, Jenifa, by combining humour, drama, and social commentary. This winning combination has captivated audiences around the world, cementing Akindele's position as one of Nollywood's most bankable stars. Her previous hit, "Omo Ghetto: The Saga," grossed more than N1.5 billion, solidifying her legacy in the industry.

The film's international success adds to Nollywood's achievements in 2024, which has already seen record-breaking performances from films such as "Jagun Jagun," "Lisabi," and "Queen Lateefah." These successes have boosted the West African box office to a staggering N12 billion, with Nollywood films now accounting for more than half of the market share, challenging Hollywood's dominance in the region.

Meanwhile, at home, "Everybody Loves Jenifa" has been a huge hit at the Nigerian box office, grossing over N500 million in just 12 days and attracting over 101,000 visitors. Its commercial success has turned it into a cultural phenomenon, cementing Akindele's position at the top of Nigeria's film industry.

Akindele's heartfelt gratitude to her fans and collaborators emphasises the film's success as a result of a collaborative effort. With her remarkable ability to connect with audiences through universally relatable stories, "Everybody Loves Jenifa" is more than just a hit; it's a celebration of Nollywood's growing global influence.