Funke Akindele’s latest masterpiece, Everybody Loves Jenifa (ELJ), has taken Nollywood to not so surprising new heights. With a jaw-dropping N206 million earned in just its opening weekend, the film has cemented itself as a record-breaking hit, bringing fresh energy to Nigerian cinema. 

Released on December 13, 2024, the movie’s phenomenal success is no surprise to fans who have followed the beloved character Jenifa’s journey over the years.

 

Historic start at the box office

From its very first day, Everybody Loves Jenifa set the tone for greatness. The film raked in N45.22 million on Friday alone, outshining last year’s A Tribe Called Judah by a significant margin. 

In fact, ELJ’s opening day turnout of 9,409 viewers surpassed A Tribe Called Judah’s 8,870—a clear sign that the audience was ready and eager to welcome Jenifa back to the big screen.

Even more astonishing is the single-day earnings record ELJ achieved, pulling in N87.8 million on one day during the weekend. This milestone not only solidifies Funke Akindele’s place in Nollywood history but also proves the undying love fans have for the iconic Jenifa character.

Challenges? No Problem for Jenifa!


Despite some challenges—such as missing showings at Genesis Cinemas and delays at Silverbird Cinemas—Everybody Loves Jenifa still managed to dominate. With 38,353 tickets sold over the weekend, the film didn’t just perform well; it shattered records.

Critics and audiences alike are predicting that ELJ could soon surpass Omo Ghetto’s attendance record of 450,000 viewers. Funke Akindele’s consistent ability to draw massive crowds shows her knack for creating films that strike the perfect balance between humor, drama, and life lessons.

What the film is all about


In this latest film, Jenifa’s life takes an unexpected turn when a cunning new neighbor, Lobster, threatens her community initiatives. But the real drama unfolds when Jenifa and her friends accidentally cross paths with a dangerous drug baron during a trip to Ghana. 

The result? A whirlwind of comedic chaos and heartfelt moments that keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

Co-written by Akindele herself alongside Akinlabi Ishola and Collins Okoh, and co-directed with Tunde Olaoye, the movie delivers everything fans could hope for—hilarious antics, unforgettable characters, and a strong dose of relatable life lessons.

The film boasts an impressive cast featuring Nollywood greats like Patience Ozokwor, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Omowunmi Dada, Jackie Appiah, and Falz. Their brilliant performances add depth and charisma to a movie that’s already a must-watch.

Why Jenifa always wins

Funke Akindele’s magic lies in her ability to create a character that audiences see as one of their own. Jenifa’s charm, resilience, and hilarious escapades mirror everyday struggles and triumphs, making her relatable to fans of all ages. This universal appeal is what continues to drive massive ticket sales and loyal viewership.

Everybody Loves Jenifa isn’t just making waves in Nigeria; it’s also gone international. With its release in 30 countries through Nile Group Entertainment, the film has put Nigerian storytelling on the global stage, proving once again that Nollywood is a force to be reckoned with.

With ELJ smashing records left and right, Funke Akindele has not only raised the bar for Nollywood but has also shown the world that Nigerian cinema is thriving. As the numbers roll in and the love for Jenifa grows stronger, one thing is clear—everybody truly loves Jenifa.