Funke Akindele, the celebrated actress and producer, announced the phenomenal success of her movie ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ on Instagram, revealing its historic achievement as the first Nollywood film to surpass one billion naira at the box office within just 21 days of its cinema release.
Akindele shared her elation on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the audience and God: “Thank You LORD!!! Thank NIGERIA!! Thank you GHANA!!” The post celebrated the monumental achievement of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ grossing one billion naira, an unprecedented milestone in Nollywood’s history.
The movie, released on December 15, 2023, set a series of records, making N 133 million during its opening weekend and becoming the highest-grossing film in 2023 by earning over N 613 million within its first 14 days.
The staggering success continued as the film set another benchmark, crossing N 854 million within 18 days, claiming the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, surpassing Akindele’s previous acclaimed works like ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ‘Omo Ghetto.’
‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ directed by Adeoluwa Owu (Captain Degzy) and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, features a star-studded cast including Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, Nosa Rex, and a host of other seasoned actors.
Akindele shared that the movie’s storyline revolves around Jedidah Judah, a woman with five sons from five different men belonging to different tribes, reflecting the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society, inspired by a personal connection to her late mother.
The movie’s success has transcended borders; it is currently screening in cinemas in Ghana and the United Kingdom, solidifying its widespread appeal and impact beyond Nigeria’s borders.
