Entertainment
Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” Breaks Records
Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” Breaks Records
The Nigerian film industry, often referred to as Nollywood, has once again proven its mettle on the global stage with the astounding success of Funke Akindele’s latest cinematic offering, “A Tribe Called Judah.” In a groundbreaking achievement, the action-packed comedy has surged past the billion-naira mark in ticket sales within a mere 20 days of its theatrical release, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing Nollywood film to date.
The narrative of “A Tribe Called Judah” revolves around a family entangled in a gripping heist at a luxury furniture store, only to find themselves facing off against armed robbers within the confines of a bustling mall. With a stellar ensemble cast featuring the likes of Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, and Olumide Oworu, the film has captivated audiences across the nation, drawing them into a world of high-stakes action and uproarious comedy.
Distributed nationwide by Film One, this cinematic spectacle burst onto the silver screen on December 15, 2023, swiftly eclipsing the previous box office records set by acclaimed Nollywood hits such as “Sugar Rush” and “King of Boys,” amassing an impressive 231,053 admissions alongside a staggering N1.02 billion in gross earnings.
A closer examination of the film’s box office trajectory reveals a remarkable journey of unparalleled success. Within its first 15 days, “A Tribe Called Judah” had already amassed a staggering N780 million, maintaining an exceptional daily gross of between N55 million and N75 million during the festive season, a testament to its widespread appeal. Notably, the film raked in approximately N60 million within its first 48 hours of release, setting the stage for an unprecedented financial ascent.
In a mere two weeks, the film had garnered an impressive N613 million, a figure that continued to soar, culminating in a recent milestone of N854 million. As of January 3, the film crossed the monumental threshold of N997 million in ticket sales, ultimately surging past the billion-naira mark, an achievement that reverberates throughout the Nigerian film industry and beyond.
Funke Akindele, widely hailed as the reigning queen of the box office, has previously tasted success with her acclaimed films such as “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” which grossed N636 million in 2020, and “Battle on Buka Street,” which amassed N668 million in 2022. The resounding success of “A Tribe Called Judah” not only cements her status as a cinematic powerhouse but also underscores the immense impact of her creative vision on the industry at large.
The billion-naira mark set by “A Tribe Called Judah” is especially significant because it surpasses the previous record of N1.04 billion set by Hollywood’s “Black Panther 2,” heralding a new era of triumph for Nigerian cinema. Kene Okwuosa, the CEO of Film House Group, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement, highlighting the burgeoning strength of the Nigerian creative industry in the face of formidable competition from international streaming platforms.
“We are witnessing a golden era for Nigerian cinema, and Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ reaching the 1 billion Naira mark is an indication that the creative industry, despite the stiff competition from international streaming platforms, continues to thrive, engaging audiences on a grand scale,” remarked Kene Okwuosa, encapsulating the resounding impact of this momentous achievement.
The unprecedented success of “A Tribe Called Judah” not only serves as a testament to the boundless creativity and storytelling prowess inherent in Nollywood but also heralds a new chapter in the industry’s narrative, one defined by unparalleled growth, unwavering resilience, and an unyielding commitment to captivating audiences both at home and abroad. As the film continues to shatter records and captivate audiences, it stands as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the imagination of filmmakers and enthusiasts alike and reaffirming the enduring power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and resonate with audiences on a global scale.
In conclusion, the meteoric rise of “A Tribe Called Judah” to the summit of Nollywood’s box office echelons stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of creativity and innovation that defines the Nigerian film industry. As the film continues to make waves and etch its name in the annals of cinematic history, it serves as a resounding affirmation of the industry’s boundless potential and enduring impact, setting the stage for a future brimming with promise, possibility, and unparalleled cinematic excellence.