If there’s one name that consistently shakes the core of Nollywood, it’s Funke Akindele. She isn’t just a star; she’s the whole damn galaxy of Nollywood. Her name is synonymous with power, success, and a level of hustle that’s difficult to rival. But don’t just take my word for it, let’s look at her accomplishments.
Breaking Records Like It’s Nothing
In 2021, Funke Akindele turned Nollywood on its head with Omo Ghetto: The Saga. Released in 2020, this film made history by raking in ₦468 million, overtaking The Wedding Party (2016), which held the previous record of ₦453 million. But that was just the beginning. By the end of its cinematic run, Omo Ghetto grossed ₦636.1 million.
But Funke wasn’t content with just one record. In 2022, she was back with Battle on Buka Street, and the numbers just kept growing. With ₦668.42 million in box office earnings, she proved that her success wasn’t by chance. It wasn’t just a hit film, it was proof that Funke knew how to turn storytelling into a box-office event. But she didn’t stop there.
The Billion-Naira Mark
Fast forward to 2023, and Funke was at it again. A Tribe Called Judah grossed an eye-watering ₦1.06 billion, further cementing her position as one of Nollywood’s most successful filmmakers. While other movies struggle to hit ₦200 million, Funke is pulling in numbers that are borderline out of this world. Her ability to break her own records has made it almost impossible for anyone else to compete at her level.
The Christmas Surprise We Didn’t See Coming
And just when you thought she was done, Funke pulls out yet another ace from her sleeve. Ahead of her much-anticipated release of Everybody Loves Jenifa, scheduled for December 13, 2024, she dropped a Christmas suprise. A Christmas song, Everybody Loves Christmas. With performances from D’banj, Falz, Waje, and the film’s cast, and produced by the legendary Cobhams Asuquo, this track is already available on all streaming platforms. Not only is she dominating the box office, but now she’s also making sure her holiday season is part of the conversation.
Funke Akindele: The Queen of Nollywood
Funke Akindele isn’t just an actress. She’s a brand, and a force to be reckoned with. As we eagerly await Everybody Loves Jenifa to hit cinemas, there’s no doubt that she’s about to break more records. Will she hit ₦5 billion this time? Who knows, but if anyone can do it, it’s Funke. For now, all we can do is sit back and watch her.