Funke Akindele stars in Nollywood’s top-grossing films, including Everybody Loves Jenifa and A Tribe Called Judah, reshaping Nigerian cinema

Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has cemented her influence on Nollywood, starring in multiple films that have become the highest-grossing in the industry.

Also read: Funke Akindele Celebrates 27 Years in Nollywood

Recent box-office reports highlight Akindele’s dominance, with her films combining humour, heart, and cultural relevance to attract millions of viewers.

The 2024 release Everybody Loves Jenifa grossed ₦1.88 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film to date.

Akindele co-directed the comedy-drama, reprising her iconic character Jenifa with a mix of sass, nostalgia, celebrity cameos, and social commentary that resonated with audiences nationwide.

Another major hit, A Tribe Called Judah (2023), earned ₦1.40 billion. The film, a family comedy-drama also headlined by Akindele, tells the story of a sick mother and her five sons, blending humour, emotion, and Nollywood’s signature cultural flavour.

Earlier successes include Battle on Buka Street (2022), grossing ₦668 million, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), which earned ₦636 million.

Both films showcased community-driven narratives and street-wise comedy, appealing to a broad audience base and shaping modern commercial Nollywood.

Other notable films featuring Akindele or peers include Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024) at ₦500 million, The Wedding Party (2016) at ₦452 million, and its sequel in 2017 at ₦433 million.

Comedy-dramas like Chief Daddy (2018) and Queen Lateefah (2024) further illustrate Nollywood’s rising box-office power.

he latest addition, Reel Love (2025), grossed ₦354 million, confirming the industry’s expanding commercial reach.

These films have become cultural touchstones, inspiring memes, catchphrases, fashion trends, and discussions across Nigeria.

Akindele’s recurring presence as an actress, producer, or director demonstrates her exceptional influence on commercial Nollywood cinema, while younger actors continue to contribute to the industry’s growing global recognition.

Also read: Funke Akindele Celebrates 27 Years in Nollywood

With films now routinely surpassing ₦500 million and even ₦1 billion, Nollywood has firmly established itself as a multi-billion-naira industry, providing employment for thousands and shaping Nigerian pop culture.