Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has once again captured the hearts of her fans, this time with the announcement of her latest cinematic venture, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.” The acclaimed filmmaker and actress, fresh off her record-breaking success with “A Tr!be Called Judah,” is set to dominate the box office once more, as anticipation builds for her newest project.
In a clever marketing move, Akindele recently took to social media to engage her audience. She shared a video featuring a playful tussle between the casts of “Everybody Loves Jenifa” and “A Tr!be Called Judah 2,” asking fans to vote for which film they’d prefer to see in cinemas this December. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of “Everybody Loves Jenifa.”
The engagement was off the charts,” said social media analyst Yemi Adebayo. “It’s a testament to Funke’s connection with her audience and the enduring popularity of the Jenifa character.”
THE BATTLE OF TWO CHAMPIONS!!!
Who will emerge victorious?
Get ready for the ultimate showdown!#everybodylovesjenifa @funkeakindele pic.twitter.com/myqCFd86M6— Adedimeji Lateef (@TheDimejiLateef) September 23, 2024
Moved by the outpouring of support, Akindele shared her appreciation on Instagram, posting photos of the “Everybody Loves Jenifa” cast. She wrote, “WOW! We’re overwhelmed with love! Thank you to our amazing fans for the incredible response to our ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ announcement video!”
The post continued, “Your kind words and excitement mean the world to us. Keep sharing the love! Don’t forget, the movie hits cinemas NATIONWIDE on December 13th!
Behind the scenes, Akindele’s latest production is making waves for its commitment to nurturing new talent. In a previous Instagram post, she revealed that the film is a self-funded project employing 175 crew members, with 95% being young professionals.
It’s not just about making movies; it’s about creating opportunities,” Akindele stated. “I’m honored to have empowered a team of talented individuals to showcase their skills over nine intense weeks of production.”
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Funke Akindele’s reputation as the “Queen of the Box Office” was solidified in January 2024 when “A Tr!be Called Judah” grossed over ₦1.4 billion, making her the first Nigerian filmmaker to break the billion-naira mark at the cinema.
Industry insider Chukwudi Okoye commented, “Funke’s success is no fluke. Her work ethic is legendary, and she has an uncanny ability to read the pulse of the Nigerian audience.
As December 13th approaches, all eyes are on Akindele and “Everybody Loves Jenifa.” With her track record of success and the palpable excitement from fans, the film is poised to be another landmark in Nollywood cinema.
Everybody Loves Jenifa” promises to blend Akindele’s signature humor with heartfelt storytelling, a combination that has proven irresistible to Nigerian moviegoers. As the release date nears, Nollywood enthusiasts and casual viewers alike eagerly await what could be the season’s biggest blockbuster.