Nollywood's renowned producer and actress, Funke Akindele, has achieved a remarkable milestone with her latest film, 'Everybody Loves Jenifa,' which has set a new record as the highest-grossing movie in West Africa. Within just one month of its release, the film has garnered an impressive N1.6 billion.

Filmone, the distributor of the movie, announced this achievement on its Instagram account, @filmoneng, on Monday.

“A billy gang, we’re up! Everybody Loves Jenifa has grossed over N1.6 billion at the box office! We can’t thank you enough for showing this movie all your love!” the company wrote.

Joining in the celebration, Akindele expressed her gratitude to fans on her Instagram page, @funkejenifaakindele. “Na God do am. I am so grateful to you all. I no know wetin I go write again,” she wrote.

Everybody Loves Jenifa made its debut at the Filmhouse Lekki IMAX in Lagos on December 8, 2024, and was released in theaters throughout Nigeria on December 13, 2024, by Filmone Distribution. 

The film also had its premiere in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2024, where tickets had already sold out before the premiere date. Within just 12 days, the film generated an impressive ₦1.4 billion at the box office, exceeding the performance of Mufasa: The Lion King, one of the most eagerly awaited films globally in recent years.

The film surpasses Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King at the Nigerian box office, while also performing strongly in major international markets such as France, India, the United Kingdom/Ireland, and Italy, among others.

Funke Akindele stands as a formidable force in Nollywood. Her career took off with the hit film Jenifa (2008), which rapidly became a cultural sensation. Since then, she has continued to achieve remarkable success in both film and television, notably with her series Jenifa’s Diary, solidifying her status as one of Nigeria's most cherished and commercially viable stars.

Her participation in Everybody Loves Jenifa has been instrumental in driving its box office triumph.

Akindele boasts a vast fanbase that extends beyond Nigeria, guaranteeing substantial attendance in theaters, especially since her comedy-drama series Jenifa’s Diary has garnered a dedicated following over the years.

With a character like Jenifa—humorous and relatable—there is already an eager audience anticipating each new release.

Her adaptability and enduring appeal position her as one of the most sought-after personalities in Nollywood, ensuring that her projects receive considerable attention.