Entertainment
Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Smashes Nollywood’s Billion-Naira Record
Funke Akindele’s newest film, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, has made history in Nollywood, becoming the first-ever movie to surpass a billion naira at the box office.
This incredible feat not only establishes the film as the highest-grossing Nollywood production but also secures Funke Akindele’s position as the top-grossing director in Nollywood history.
The movie’s earnings continue to soar, solidifying its record-breaking status.
In an unprecedented three-week period following its release, Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ stormed into the record books, becoming the fastest Nollywood film to soar past the billion-naira mark.
Film One Studios, in a press release on January 4, 2024, officially confirmed this groundbreaking achievement attributed to the holiday blockbuster.
Kene Okwuosa, the Group CEO of Film House Group, hailed the milestone, stating, “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.”
The movie made its nationwide debut in cinemas on December 15, 2023 raking in an impressive ₦113.3 million during its opening weekend, claiming the top spot as the highest-grossing Nollywood film launch of the year.
The movie swiftly became a nationwide sensation, drawing sold-out audiences and expanding its presence to the United Kingdom.
Closing out 2023 with a whopping ₦854.3 million in total earnings, as reported by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), the film not only clinched the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood movie for 2023 but also ascended to the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever.
‘A Tribe Called Judah’ made headlines by swiftly surpassing the admission records set by blockbusters like ‘Sugar Rush’ (229,060) and ‘King of Boys’ (220,565) within just three weeks of its release.
By December 30, within its first fifteen days, the film had already amassed a remarkable N780 million, maintaining an exceptional daily gross ranging between N55 million to N75 million throughout the festive season.
Within the initial 48 hours of its release, the movie recorded an astounding N60 million in earnings.
Funke Akindele, renowned as the box office queen, has previously tasted success with films like “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” grossing N636 million in 2020, and “Battle on Buka Street,” which earned N668 million in 2022.
The unprecedented billion-naira achievement, previously claimed by Hollywood’s “Black Panther 2” at N1.04 billion, signifies a momentous milestone for the Nigerian film industry.
In ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ the narrative revolves around five brothers: Jide Kene Achufusi as Emeka Judah, Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah, Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah, Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah, and Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah.
The plot follows their journey as they unite to execute a company heist aimed at saving their mother, portrayed by Akindele in the role of Jedidah Judah.
Nigerian music icon Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.
Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.
In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’
Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:
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@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”
@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”
@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”
In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”
Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”
Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.
Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”
READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up
Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.
Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.
Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.
Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.
As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.
Entertainment
’46 Minutes To Heaven’: Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel DMW Celebrates First US Trip
Israel DMW, the logistics manager to renowned Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, has expressed profound gratitude following his recent visit to the United States.
In a heartfelt post shared via his Instagram page, Israel, who secured a five-year US visa just last month, described his experience in America as otherworldly, likening it to being just “46 minutes to Heaven.”
His excitement and appreciation were evident as he thanked God, his boss Davido, his Edo community, and Nigerians at large for their support.
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“It’s 46 minutes to Heaven when you get to America. 5yrs visa shit. Thank you, God Almighty. Thank you, baba twins. Thank you, sir. Thanks to my Edo people. Thanks to all Nigerians,” he wrote.
This milestone highlights yet another chapter in Israel’s journey alongside Davido, who has been instrumental in elevating the lives of those in his circle.
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