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Funke Akindele has solidified her status as one of Nollywood’s most successful actresses and filmmakers. Her career, which began in 1997, gained significant traction with her role in the UN-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know. Known as the “Queen of Box Office,” Funke holds the top three positions for the highest-grossing Nigerian films.
Her latest blockbuster, A Tribe Called Judah, became the first Nollywood movie to surpass the N1 billion mark, while her previous films Battl£ on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) have also achieved remarkable box office success. Funke ability to star in and produce such high-grossing films underscores her piv0tal role in the industry’s growth.
2 Kayode Kasum – Ajosepo
Box Office Revenue: N256.6 million
Kayode Kasum has emerged as a powerhouse director and producer in Nollywood, with his film Ajosepo grossing over N200 million in cinemas. This success pushes his cumulative box office gross as a director to more than N1 billion.
Kasum is renowned for his dedication to preserving African cultural practices, which is reflected in his diverse filmography that includes h|ts like Sugar Rush, This Lady Called Life, and Far From Home on Netflix. His ability to craft stories in English, Pidgin English, and various African dialects has resonated with a wide audience, making him one of the most influential filmmakers in Nigeria today.
3- Eniola Ajao – B£ast of Two Worlds
Box Office Revenue: N252.8 million
Eniola Ajao has made a significant impact in the Yoruba-language film sector of Nollywood. With over 75 film appearances under her belt, Ajao ventured into producing with B£ast of Two Worlds in 2024.
Directed by Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani, the film tells the intrigu|ng story of a d£sperate king who marries a woman from another world to secure his legacy, leading to unexpected cha0s. Premiering on March 25, the film attracted over 72,532 cinema admissions, solidifying Ajao’s reputation as a versatile and dynamic f0rce in the industry.
4- Odunlade Adekola – Lakatabu
Box Office Revenue: N202.2 million
Odunlade Adekola is a celebrated actor and filmmaker, best known for his lead role in the 2003 film Asiri Gomina Wa. As the founder and CEO of Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), Adekola has been instrumental in producing numerous successful Nollywood films.
His 2024 release, Lakatabu, premiered on June 21 and quickly grossed over N200 million, with 55,048 tickets sold. Adekola’s dual role as both actor and producer in the film highlights his versatility and deep commitment to Nollywood’s continued success.
5- Toyin Abraham – Malaika
Box Office Revenue: N158 million
Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has established herself as a leading actress and filmmaker in Nollywood since her debut in 2003. With a repert0ire that includes films like Alani Baba Labake and Ijakumo: The Born Again Str|pper, Abraham has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences.
Her 2024 film, Malaika, grossed over N158 million, showcasing her ability to lead commercially successful projects. Additionally, Abraham’s involvement in reality TV and her role as an ambassador for Revolution Plus Properties highlight her multifaceted influence beyond the film industry.
6- Bolanle Austen-Peters – Funmilayo Ransom Kuti
Box Office Revenue: N157 million
Bolanle Austen-Peters is a trailblazer in Nigerian theatre and film, recognized by CNN and Forbes Afrique for her influential contributions. As the founder of BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, Austen-Peters has been a key player in promoting arts and culture in Lagos and beyond.
Her film Funmilayo Ransom Kuti holds the title of the highest-grossing biopic in West Africa, earning N157 million at the box office. Her work with Terra Academy for the Arts and notable productions like Saro, the Musical and Fela and The Kalakuta Queens have garnered international acclaim, cementing her legacy in Nollywood.
This writeup(Caption) is from Ayeni Abayomi page
7- Deyemi Okanlawon – All’s Fair in Love
Box Office Revenue: N131 million
Deyemi Okanlawon is a prominent actor & entrepreneur who made his producing debut in 2024 with the romantic comedy All’s Fair in Love. Premiering on February 14, the film quickly became the highest-grossing romantic comedy in Nigeria, amassing N131.34 million.
Okanlawon’s strategic casting, innovative marketing & collaboration with directors Kayode Kasum and Ifeme C.S. were key factors in the film’s success. His extensive career which includes over 50 film appearances and accolades such as a Best Actor award at the In-Short Film Festival, highlights his significant impact on Nollywood.
8- Naz Onuzo Muri & Co
Box Office Revenue: N120.4 million
Naz Onuzo is a key figure in both the creative and financial aspects of Nollywood, leading Inkblot Productions to become one of Nigeria’s foremost independent film and TV production companies.
As the Executive Producer of Muri & Ko, released in June 2024, Onuzo helped the film gross over N100 million within weeks of its debut. His extensive experience in private equity and strategic roles with FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse Cinemas, and Global Accelerex underscores his ability to blend creative vision with financial acumen, driving Inkblot’s continued success.
