African Entertainment News: A Tribe Called Judah by Funke Akindele has become the only Nollywood movie with the highest-grossing film in Nigerian cinemas, outshining Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Since its release on December 15, 2023, the movie has had incredible success, raking in over 1bn naira ($1.1m; £900,000) in domestic theatres. Garnering praise from both audiences and critics, the film’s compelling storyline and exceptional performances by the cast have contributed to its triumph.
Read also: A Tribe Called Judah: Funke Akindele’s masterpiece of drama with comedy – MOVIE REVIEW
At 46 years old, director Funke Akindele has clinched the top spot as Nollywood’s highest-grossing director with this remarkable achievement. Her gratitude overflowed on Instagram, thanking Nigeria and Ghana amidst a flow of congratulations. FilmOne Entertainment, the film’s distributor, hailed the accomplishment as more than just numbers, emphasizing its reflection of the potency of storytelling, cultural pride, and the indomitable spirit of Nollywood.
Co-directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu, the movie revolves around a family intending to rob a mall, only to discover armed robbers already present. Featuring a stellar cast including Jide Kene Achufusi, Funke Akindele, Boma Akpore, Paschaline Alex, and more, the film’s triumph stands as a testament to the relentless effort and commitment of its team, bolstered by the unwavering support of the Nigerian audience.
Okwuosa reiterated
“This outstanding accomplishment follows the success of Funke Akindele’s 2021 film, ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga,’ which grossed 500 million naira, and 650 million naira from last year’s “Battle on Buka Street,” further solidifying her position as the clear frontrunner of Nigerian cinema.”
Records
At this moment, Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” film is still really popular and getting lots of good reviews. It’s been less than three weeks since it came out, and it’s already beaten the records set by big movies like Sugar Rush (which ran for 13 weeks and had 229,060 viewers) and King of Boys (ran for 17 weeks and had 220,565 viewers).
On January 3, the movie was at the top, making the most money out of all Nollywood films. It earned 854M, beating Akindele’s Battle on Buka Street with 668M and Omo Ghetto: The Saga with 636M.
Background of A Tribe Called Judah by Funke Akindele
During the premiere of the movie, the deputy candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the March governorship election in Lagos State Funke Akindele shared that the film was a dedication to her late mother, Adebanjo Akindele. She expressed that the story deeply resonates with her as it represents part of her late mother’s essence. Additionally, she emphasized that the movie portrays the challenges confronted by single parents and mothers in our society.