The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, has maintained its spectacular rise in 2024, building on the momentum of high-profile releases in December.
With a healthy N6 billion in overall revenue and a 50.05% market share, Nollywood is well on track to fulfill its ambitious N10 billion revenue target for the year, a significant increase from last year’s N7.24 billion.
In this vibrant market, numerous filmmakers have stood out by grossing more than N100 million at the box office. Here are the top Nollywood filmmakers who made an impact in 2024.
Funke Akindele – A Tribe Called Judah
Box Office Revenue: N610.7 million
Funke Akindele has established herself as one of Nollywood’s most successful actors and filmmakers. Her career, which began in 1997, took off with her performance in the UN-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know. Akindele, dubbed the “Queen of Box Office,” is one of Nigeria’s top three highest-grossing films.
Her most recent hit, A Tribe Called Judah, became the first Nollywood film to gross over N1 billion, while her prior films, Battle on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), were also huge box office successes. Akindele’s ability to star in and produce such high-grossing films demonstrates her critical role in the industry’s development.
Kayode Kasum – Ajosepo
Box Office Revenue: N256.6 million
Funke Akindele has established herself as one of Nollywood’s most successful actors and filmmakers. Her career, which began in 1997, took off with her performance in the UN-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know. Akindele, dubbed the “Queen of Box Office,” is one of Nigeria’s top three highest-grossing films.
Her most recent hit, A Tribe Called Judah, became the first Nollywood film to gross over N1 billion, while her prior films, Battle on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), were also huge box office successes. Akindele’s ability to star in and produce such high-grossing films demonstrates her critical role in the industry’s development.
Eniola Ajao – Beast of Two Worlds
Box Office Revenue: N252.8 million
Eniola Ajao has had a considerable impact on the Yoruba-language cinema sector of Nollywood. Ajao, who has appeared in over 75 films, made her debut as a producer with Beast of Two Worlds in 2024.
Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani direct the film, which depicts the fascinating narrative of a desperate king who marries a woman from another realm to safeguard his legacy, resulting in unanticipated mayhem. The picture premiered on March 25 and received over 72,532 theater admissions, cementing Ajao’s status as an adaptable and dynamic force in the business.
Odunlade Adekola – Lakatabu
Box Office Revenue: N202.2 million
Odunlade Adekola is a well-known actor and filmmaker who played the lead in the 2003 film Asiri Gomina Wa. As the founder and CEO of Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), Adekola has played a key role in the production of various popular Nollywood films.
His 2024 release, Lakatabu, debuted on June 21 and instantly grossed more than N200 million, with 55,048 tickets sold. Adekola’s dual role as actor and producer in the film demonstrates his versatility and unwavering devotion to Nollywood’s continued success.
Toyin Abraham – Malaika
Box Office Revenue: N158 million
Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has established herself as a top Nollywood actor and filmmaker since her debut in 2003. Abraham’s portfolio includes films such as Alani Baba Labake and Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, and he has constantly given performances that appeal with viewers.
Her 2024 film, Malaika, made more than N158 million, demonstrating her ability to direct economically successful productions. Furthermore, Abraham’s involvement in reality TV and role as an ambassador for Revolution Plus Properties demonstrate her broad influence outside of the film industry.
Bolanle Austen-Peters – Funmilayo Ransom Kuti
Box Office Revenue: N157 million
Bolanle Austen-Peters is a trailblazer in Nigerian theatre and film, having been acknowledged by CNN and Forbes Afrique for her significant accomplishments. Austen-Peters, the creator of BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, has played a vital role in fostering arts and culture in Lagos and beyond.
Her film Funmilayo Ransom Kuti is the highest-grossing biopic in West Africa, collecting N157 million at the movie office. Her work with Terra Academy for the Arts, as well as renowned productions such as Saro, the Musical, Fela, and The Kalakuta Queens, has earned her international praise and solidified her legacy in Nollywood.
Deyemi Okanlawon – All’s Fair in Love
Box Office Revenue: N131 million
Deyemi Okanlawon is a well-known actor and entrepreneur who made his production debut in 2024 with the romance comedy All’s Fair in Love. The film debuted on February 14 and instantly became Nigeria’s highest-grossing romantic comedy, earning N131.34 million.
Okanlawon’s creative casting, innovative marketing, and teamwork with directors Kayode Kasum and Ifeme C.S. all contributed significantly to the film’s success. His lengthy filmography, which includes over 50 film performances and awards such as Best Actor at the In-Short Film Festival, demonstrates his tremendous impact on Nollywood.
Naz Onuzo – Muri & Ko
Box Office Revenue: N120.4 million
Naz Onuzo is a significant figure in Nollywood’s creative and financial sides, having built Inkblot Productions into one of Nigeria’s leading independent film and television production firms.
As Executive Producer of Muri & Ko, which was released in June 2024, Onuzo helped the film gross over N100 million within weeks of its launch. His significant experience in private equity and strategic roles with FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse Cinemas, and Global Accelerex demonstrates his ability to combine artistic vision and financial acumen, resulting in Inkblot’s continuous success.
Emmanuel Iren – What About Us
Box Office Revenue: N100 million
Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren is a versatile Nigerian preacher, gospel singer, songwriter, and filmmaker. As the founder of Celebration Church International (CCI), Iren has established a global ministry with over 15,000 members spread across 30 branches globally.
His entrance into filmmaking in 2024 as executive producer of What About Us was a watershed moment, with the film generating N100 million at the Nigerian box office. The film, directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Ife Olujuyigbe, showcases Iren’s numerous talents as well as his ability to skillfully combine spiritual and creative interests.
