So, grab a comfy spot, and let’s take a trip down memory lane to relive the highlights of Nollywood’s biggest hits this year.
It’s been a phenomenal year for Nollywood! From jaw-dropping blockbusters to emotionally charged dramas, Nigeria’s film industry has once again proven its mettle on both local and international stages.
Whether you’re a die-hard cinema fan or someone who casually keeps up with the latest hits, there’s no denying that this year has given us a lineup of movies worth talking about.
As the year winds down, let’s take a look at the films that truly captured our hearts, ruled the box office, and had us hitting social media to rave about their brilliance.
1. Everybody Loves Jenifa
In this film, Akindele brings back our favourite character, Jenifa, but this time she’s not just cracking us up with her misadventures, she’s also pulling at our heartstrings.
With a mix of comedy, drama, and some unexpected twists, the film stars Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.
2. Queen Lateefah
Queen Lateefah, by first-time cinematic producer Wumi Toriola, made an impressive start with ₦57 million in its first weekend of release.
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, Queen Lateefah follows the life of Lateefah Adeleke, a 30-year-old businesswoman who claims to have travelled the world, and belongs to a high society status.
Her encounter with Jide Rhodes, a 35-year-old businessman reveals all her hidden secrets. Sadly, Lateefah is not who she claims she is as she was raised in abject poverty and is the only child of an illiterate mother.
The cast includes Kunle Remi, Femi Adebayo, Nancy Isime, Bimbo Manuel, Elvina Ibru, Enioluwa, and Gbubemi Ejeye.
3. Ajosepo
Directed by award-winning director, Kayode Kasum, the story follows a young couple’s wedding preparations, only for tension, secrets, and family conflicts to jeopardise the big day.
The film had the internet buzzing especially for its star-studded cast which includes Timini Egbuson, Tomike Adeoye, Bisola Ayieola, Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Solade and Mike Afolarin.
Ajosepo raked in ₦51.9 million in its first week of release and grossed a total of ₦257.2 million at closing.
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4. Farmer’s Bride
Set in 1980s Ibadan, Farmer’s Bride tale of Odun, a wealthy, lonely farmer, who seeks solace in marriage with a young bride, Funmi.
However, their union is fraught with challenges as Funmi struggles to find happiness and eventually embarks on a forbidden affair with Odun’s nephew.
The consequences of their actions lead to a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural. Released to the cinemas on September 27, 2024, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Tobi Bakre, Gbubemi Ejeye, Femi Branch, Mercy Aigbe, Efe Irele, and Wumi Toriola.
5. Family Gbese
Produced by Inkblot, Family Gbese earned ₦28 Million at the box office 2 weeks after its release. Family Gbese follows the story of a young man who, although excelling in his career, is perturbed by his elder brother’s gambling addiction.
He owes a ton of money to dangerous street gangs, and thus has to make a tough decision; to protect his family or his love life.
The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of success. Its star-studded cast includes Ireti Doyle, Muyiwa Ademola, Adeniyi Johnson, Yemi Solade, Fathia Williams, Seun Kentebe, Mike Ezuruonye, Teniola Aladese, Lilian Afegbai, Sandar Okunzuwa, Genovevah Umeh, and Susan Peters.
6. What About Us
Released on June 12, 2024, What About Us grossed ₦24.6 million in its first three days and went on to become the highest-grossing film for the weekend of July 12-14, 2024.
Produced by Emmanuel Iren and directed by Kayode Kasum, What About Us? follows a couple whose struggling relationship is further strained when a new couple moves in next door.
The wife begins a relationship with the husband next door; a relationship too close to be platonic. The film explores the complexities of a couple’s relationship.
The cast includes Uzor Arukwe, Folu Storms, Kunle Remi, Teniola Aladese, Seyi Awolowo, Marycolette Unamka, and Atlanta Bridget Johnson.
7. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
The film was released in Nigerian theatres on 17 May 2024. The epic garnered so many positive reviews and even won the Best Movie of the Year at the 2023 edition of AFRIFF.
It grossed ₦157 million at the Nigerian Box Office. It features Kehinde Bankole as lead and portrays the life of the Nigerian activist and mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti.
Written by Tunde Babalola the movie tells the tale of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s mother, from her groundbreaking years as the first female pupil at Abeokuta Grammar School to her union with Israel Ransome-Kuti.
Together with her husband, Funmilayo opposed injustice and founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union. This led to a bloody conflict with traditional and colonial leaders who stood in the way of justice.
Other cast includes veteran actor Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, Adebayo Salami, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Delete Odule, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Yewande Osamein and Iremide Adeoye.