Released Dec 13, 2024, Funke Akindele’s film earned N206M on opening weekend, surpassing expectations and setting a new Nollywood record.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Funke Akindele expressed her gratitude, writing, “Thank you Lord!!! Thank you, Nigeria!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!”
ELJ’s debut Friday alone earned N45.22 million, marking a 30% increase in first-day admissions compared to her previous hit, “A Tribe Called Judah.” This remarkable performance highlights the growing anticipation and strong fanbase Funke Akindele continues to command.
The film’s opening weekend, with 38,353 tickets sold, now stands as the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history, setting a new benchmark for box office success in the industry.
According to Akindele’s Instagram update, ELJ also shattered the record for the highest-grossing single day in Nollywood, earning N87.8 million in just one day.
These impressive figures reflect the growing demand for quality Nollywood productions and Akindele’s ability to captivate audiences with her unique storytelling.
The film’s success extends far beyond Nigeria, with its international debut across 30 countries via Nile Group Entertainment, further boosting its global reach and positioning Nollywood on a larger international stage.
What makes ELJ’s achievements even more remarkable is that they were accomplished despite missing screenings at major cinemas like Genesis Cinemas and a part of the day at Silverbird Cinemas.
These challenges did not hinder the film’s success, instead proving the enduring appeal of Akindele’s character Jenifa and the universal themes explored in the film—identity, family, and resilience—that resonate deeply with a diverse audience.
ELJ’s success underscores Funke Akindele’s exceptional talent and contribution to Nollywood. Her ability to consistently create content that resonates with audiences has helped elevate Nollywood’s global reputation.
With ELJ breaking box office records, Akindele continues to set the standard for Nollywood excellence, solidifying her position as a key figure in Nigerian cinema.
The film’s popularity is not only a testament to Akindele’s star power but also highlights the growing audience base for Nollywood films.
ELJ’s success reflects the changing landscape of Nigerian cinema, as more local films are gaining traction and recognition both at home and abroad.
Funke Akindele’s ability to blend humor, drama, and cultural relevance has made her a household name and ensured that her projects consistently resonate with audiences.
Lateef Adedimeji, Destiny Etiko,
Additionally, ELJ’s success reflects the broader trend of Nollywood’s growing dominance in the African film industry. With increasing investment, improved production standards, and a wider distribution network, Nollywood is becoming a global force to reckon with.
Funke Akindele’s track record of delivering commercially successful films further reinforces her leadership role in this transformation.
The film’s success also highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing in Nollywood. Despite the absence of screenings at key cinemas, fans of Jenifa eagerly spread the word about ELJ, contributing to its exceptional ticket sales.
This underscores the loyalty of Akindele’s fanbase, who continue to support her projects despite any setbacks.
As Nollywood continues to grow, Funke Akindele’s achievements with ELJ demonstrate the potential for Nigerian films to break international barriers and capture global audiences.
The record-breaking success of Everybody Loves Jenifa is not just a personal milestone for Akindele, but also a significant moment for Nollywood, marking a new chapter in its quest for global recognition and respect.
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