Funke Akindele's 'Everybody Loves Jenifa' Nears ₦2 Billion Milestone, Urges Fans for Continued Support

Nollywood star Funke Akindele is rallying her fans to help her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, reach the ₦2 billion mark at the box office. The comedy film has already earned an impressive ₦1.8 billion, but Funke, in her signature lighthearted style, shared a fun video on her X handle on Saturday to clarify that she doesn’t get to keep the entire amount.

In her playful message, Funke explained that various parties—cinemas, tax authorities, and distributors—take their share of the earnings. Jokingly, she said she’d be satisfied when the movie hits ₦2 billion, encouraging fans to keep supporting the movie and watch it in cinemas to help it reach that goal.

“I beg no be only me get the 1.8billion o!!! Cinema go collect, tax go collect, distributor go collect!!!! Maybe when I get to 2Bnaira, I fit settle. So pls go see #eljthemovie in cinemas and take us to 2billion naira. Thank you,” Funke wrote, showing her characteristic humor while humbly asking for continued support from her fans.

Celebrating Nollywood's Best: Funke Leads the Pack

In the midst of her call for support, Funke’s Everybody Loves Jenifa has already earned her the title of highest-grossing lead actress of 2024. Wunmi Toriola, with her film Queen Lateefah, took second place, while Toyin Abraham rounded out the top three with her film Alakada Bad and Boujee. This recognition of the highest-grossing lead actresses in Nollywood is a testament to the incredible talent and hard work that these women bring to the industry.

Other notable mentions include Tomike Adeoye, who secured the fourth spot with Ajosepo, and Eniola Ajao, who claimed the fifth position with Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju. The ranking highlights the impressive success and range of Nigerian actresses, showcasing the diverse and thriving Nollywood landscape.

An Industry on the Rise: Nollywood's Milestones and Growth

Funke Akindele’s ongoing success is a clear indicator of Nollywood’s growing power on the global stage. With films like Everybody Loves Jenifa continuing to break records, the industry is making its mark not just in Nigeria, but across the world. This is an exciting time for Nigerian cinema, with talented actors and filmmakers raising the bar and creating stories that resonate with audiences of all kinds.

For Funke, her ability to mix humor with authenticity has made her a household name. Her films continue to find their way into the hearts of audiences, and her social media presence only amplifies that connection. The film industry, and particularly Nollywood, is benefiting from the international recognition it is receiving as more people are drawn to the rich culture and storytelling of Nigerian filmmakers.

The Future of Nollywood: A Bright Horizon

With Everybody Loves Jenifa approaching its milestone and Nollywood films consistently performing well at the box office, it’s clear that the future is bright for Nigerian cinema. Funke Akindele’s playful approach to encouraging her fans to support the movie is just one example of how the industry continues to grow. As more films break records, as Funke’s has, the opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers and actors will only increase.

In an industry where talent meets creativity, it is evident that Nollywood is on the rise, and the world is starting to take notice. As fans support films like Everybody Loves Jenifa, they are contributing to the larger movement that will continue to elevate Nollywood on the global stage.

Funke Akindele’s call for support isn’t just about ₦2 billion—it’s about pushing the boundaries and showing the world that Nigerian cinema is a force to be reckoned with. As fans rally behind their favorite stars and films, we can look forward to even bigger milestones and successes in the years to come.

So, will Everybody Loves Jenifa reach the ₦2 billion mark? With Funke’s charm, talent, and unwavering connection to her fans, there’s no doubt that Nollywood’s success story is far from over.