Ticket sales for ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu, plummeted over 50% five weeks after recording a groundbreaking feat in the industry. According to the data released by the Cinemas Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), the comedy-drama dropped by 55% in performance between January 12, 2024, and January 18, 2024.
Despite the drop, the blockbuster movie remains Nigeria’s highest-grossing movie of 2023 with N1,320,874,174. This is followed by “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” with a 48% drop. The third place was taken by Toyin Abraham’s movie “Malaika.”
With the movie’s success, the movie is being pushed forward with its international releases.
Scoop into the movie: “A Tribe Called Judah”
Indeed, behind every successful project, there is always a brilliant mind. This is the case in the making of the first Nigerian movie “A Tribe Called Judah.” The iconic movie that earned 1 billion naira ($1.1m; £900,000) in domestic theatres, was directed by Adeoluwa Owu, also known as Captain Degzy, and Funke Akindele.
The movie was further brought to life with the likes of seasoned actors such as Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde, Olumide Oworu, Nse Ikpe Etim, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Yvonne Jegede, Ebele Okaro, Genoveva Umeh, Nosa Rex, Greg Ojefua, Ibrahim Yekini, Boma Akpore, Paschaline Ijeoma Alex, Etinosa Idemudia, Juliana Olayode, and many others.
Together, they succeeded in creating relatable and authentic characters that Nigerian audiences could identify with. With the success of the movie paving the way for the industry, FilmOne Entertainment, the official film distributor on its Instagram page said, “This achievement isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, cultural pride, and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood.”
Funke Akindele, the scriptwriter, was commended for her professionalism in crafting a story that era in a significant chapter in the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian cinema.
