‘A Tribe Called Judah’: Tinubu reacts as Funke Akindele’s movie becomes first Nollywood film to gross N1bn

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, on the success of her latest movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.

The president through a press statement through his Special Adviser to the President, (Media & Publicity) Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in his congratulatory message hailed the actress for her contribution in the industry.

“President Bola Tinubu celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

Funke Akindele’s blockbuster, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, broke the box office record within 21 days of its release in cinemas to become the first Nollywood film to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira).

Ace Nollywood actress and producer of the movie, Funke Akindele, disclosed this on her Instagram page as she shared the N1bn feat flier.

She wrote, “Thank You LORD!!!, Thank NIGERIA!!, Thank you GHANA!!”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the movie which hit cinemas on December 15, 2023, has continued to break records, becoming the first to gross over N133m in its opening weekend.

It became the highest-grossing Nollywood film for the year 2023 after grossing over N613m within the first 14 days of its release.

The film earlier made history on January 2, as it emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever with a reported N854m at the box office within 18 days in cinemas.

This feat has surpassed Akindele’s previous films ‘Battle on Buka Street’ (N668.4m), and ’ Omo Ghetto’ (N636.1m) which currently sit as the second and third highest-grossing films at the Nigerian box office, respectively.

Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, aka Captain Degzy, the film tells the story of a family of boys, who decide to rob a mall to raise money for their mother’s hospital bill. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers.

The star-studded movie featured seasoned actors and actresses including Nse Ikpe Etim, Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, and Nosa Rex, among others.

Other cast include Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Achufusi, Olayode Juliana, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe and Yvonne Jegede.

According to Akindele, the plot of ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ revolves around a woman called Jedidah Judah, who has five sons from five different men, all belonging to different tribes.

She said, “The story is so dear to my heart and it has a part of my late mum in it, and it represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society.”

According to her, the movie is currently showing in cinemas in Ghana and the United Kingdom.