‘A Tribe Called Judah’ Makes History as Nollywood’s First N1 Billion Grossing Film

Nollywood has witnessed a groundbreaking moment as ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ secures its place as the first-ever Nollywood film to surpass the N1 billion mark domestically, marking a new era in the industry.

Since its release on December 15, 2023, the film has consistently shattered records, achieving the biggest weekend opening, the highest-grossing Nollywood film, and the largest opening for a female director, all within three weeks.

As of January 2, 2024, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ has grossed a remarkable N1 billion nationwide, outpacing the previous record held by ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ which crossed the billion-naira mark after 16 weeks at the box office.

The film’s journey to success began with a historic N854 million at the box office just over two weeks after its release, surpassing Funke Akindele’s earlier films, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga,’ which now hold the second and third positions as the highest grossing films in the Nigerian box office.

Setting a new standard in the industry, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ earned N400 million within the first 12 days, breaking records for the biggest weekend opening in Nollywood, with over N122 million at the box office.

The film, a collaboration between Funke Akindele and CEAN (Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria), not only dazzled audiences but also saw a significant number of admissions, surpassing blockbusters like ‘Sugar Rush’ and ‘King of Boys’ in less than three weeks.

Despite scepticism surrounding the reported numbers, the actual admission figures, totalling 231,053, provided a clear explanation for the film’s extraordinary performance. Experts predict that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ could break ‘Omo Ghetto’s’ admission record of 449,901 before concluding its run at the cinemas.

The film’s success also reflects the resilience of Nigerians amid economic challenges, with the December period witnessing over N1.65 billion in box office earnings and selling more than 461,000 tickets. Notably, 88 per cent of this business occurred between December 15 and 31, showcasing a festive cinema resurgence.

Funke Akindele, known for her effective marketing strategies, has once again demonstrated her prowess, utilizing compelling trailers, strategic social media campaigns, and promotional materials. With a social media following of over 16 million on Instagram alone, Akindele’s films connect strongly with audiences, contributing to their massive cinematic success.

Hailing from the southwestern region of Nigeria, Akindele’s films resonate particularly with audiences in that geographic area, a significant advantage considering the South West region hosts 57 per cent of the total 81 cinemas in Nigeria. Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ not only makes history but also paves the way for future successes in the vibrant Nollywood landscape.