Funke Akindele’s latest film, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ has achieved a historic milestone in Nollywood, becoming the first Nigerian film to gross one billion Naira at the box office within just 21 days of its release.
The renowned actress and producer shared the news on her Instagram page, expressing gratitude to Nigeria and Ghana for the remarkable success.
In her post, she wrote: “Thank You LORD!!!, Thank NIGERIA!! Thank you GHANA!!”
The movie premiered in cinemas on December 15, 2023, breaking records by grossing over N133 million in its opening weekend.
Within the first 14 days of its release, it surpassed N613 million, becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2023.
The film set another record on January 2, grossing a reported N854 million within 18 days, emerging as the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever in the box office.
This achievement surpasses Akindele’s previous films such as ‘Battle on Buka Street’ (N668.4 million) and ’Omo Ghetto’ (N636.1 million), which currently rank as the second and third highest-grossing films in the Nigerian box office, respectively.
NAN reports that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy, and is distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.
The star-studded movie features seasoned actors, including Nse Ikpe Etim, Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, Nosa Rex, among others.
Additional cast members include Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Achufusi, Olayode Juliana, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe, and Yvonne Jegede.
Akindele explained that the plot of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ revolves around a woman named Jedidah Judah, who has five sons from five different men, each belonging to a different tribe.
She added, “The story is so dear to my heart and it has a part of my late mum in it. It represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society.”
The movie is currently screening in cinemas in Ghana and the United Kingdom.