Funke Akindele, the renowned Nollywood actress, has reached a remarkable milestone with her latest film, “A Tribe called Judah,” as it emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year 2023. In a phenomenal feat, the movie surpassed the impressive sum of #613M within a mere 14 days of its global release on December 15.
The film’s success story began with an extraordinary opening weekend, where it achieved a groundbreaking record of over #133M. What makes this achievement even more poignant is Akindele’s revelation that the film holds a special place in her heart, as it is dedicated to her mother, reflecting aspects of her own life. This personal touch added depth and resonance to the cinematic narrative, connecting with audiences on a profound level.
Expressing her gratitude, Funke Akindele took to her social media platforms with an appreciation message. She thanked the audience and, in particular, her home country, saying, “Thank you Lord!! Thank You Nigeria!! We are grateful for the record-breaking journey of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ in Nigeria and West Africa. #1 movie! Thanks for making it the biggest film of this year.”
Acknowledging the collaborative effort that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece, she extended her appreciation to the cast and crew, emphasizing, “To the cast and crew members of this great movie, we say THANK YOU!! We made a movie!! This is definitely an ultimate cinematic triumph of 2023! If you haven’t seen it, make sure you make it a date this week to see the biggest movie in Nigeria.”
While “A Tribe Called Judah” takes the lead in the highest-grossing films of 2023, it’s intriguing to note other notable mentions in the lineup. Odunlade Adekola’s “Orisa” achieved an impressive #127M, Itele’s “Kesari” is currently running in cinemas with a gross of over #77M, and Moses Inwang’s “Merry Men” secured a noteworthy #117M.
A tribe called Judah
However, Funke Akindele’s previous work, “Battle on Buka Street,” continues to maintain its stronghold as the number one highest-grossing film in the country since its release in 2022, amassing a staggering #668M. The top five in the ranking currently include “Battle on Buka Street,” “Omo Ghetto,” “The Wedding Party 1 & 2,” and “Chief Daddy,” showcasing the enduring popularity and success of these cinematic endeavors in the Nigerian film industry.