Nollywood stars stepped out last night for the “Reel Love” premiere, bringing glamour, style, and a touch of romance ahead of its February 14th cinema release. With a Black Tie dress code in place, the cast and guests made sure to dress the part.
Lead actor and co-executive producer Timini Egbuson made a statement in a deep burgundy velvet blazer with an asymmetric lapel, giving classic black tie a bold upgrade.
Dakore Egbuson–Akande brought a refreshing pop of colour in a stunning pink power suit, with a blazer dripping in shimmering embellishments that added just the right amount of sparkle. She layered it over a simple white top. With perfectly matched nails and a short, chic hairstyle, she effortlessly balanced elegance and boldness.
Directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Ife Olujuyigbe, “Reel Love” boasts a stellar cast including Shaffy Bello, Muyiwa Ademola, Funke Akindele, Bimbo Ademoye, Jay On Air, Hermes Iyele, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Efa Iwara, Lilian Afegbai, and TJ Omusuku. The film promises a mix of love, drama, and unexpected twists—just in time for Valentine’s season.
Funke Akindele’s latest blockbuster, Everybody Loves Jenifa, has set a new benchmark in Nollywood, achieving over ₦1 billion in box office earnings within just 19 days of its release. With 201,604 tickets sold, the film now accounts for 40% of the total box office revenue in December, further cementing its place as one of the most successful films of the year in both Nigeria and Ghana.
A Historic Milestone for Nollywood
Everybody Loves Jenifa has achieved a historic feat by becoming the fastest film in West Africa to reach the billion-naira milestone. This remarkable achievement places it at the forefront of the year’s top box office hits, with total earnings of ₦1,034,091,220 as of the latest report. The success of the film marks a significant moment in the career of Funke Akindele, not only as an actress but also as a producer, showcasing her ability to produce content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Everybody Loves Jenifa Becomes a Regional Phenomenon
The film’s success has been nothing short of phenomenal, particularly in West Africa, where it has dominated the box office in Nigeria and Ghana. Its commercial triumph has been bolstered by strong ticket sales, making it a go-to film for moviegoers in the region. The overwhelming reception is a testament to Akindele’s unique talent for creating relatable, engaging content that speaks to a wide range of viewers.
The movie’s blend of humor, drama, and social commentary has struck a chord with audiences, positioning it as one of the standout films of the year. The film’s massive success proves that Nollywood continues to grow as a significant player on the global stage.
International Success: Everybody Loves Jenifa Earns ₦300 Million in Eight Days
The film’s success has not been confined to West Africa. Within just eight days of its international release on December 20, Everybody Loves Jenifa earned an impressive $194,560 (approximately ₦300 million) across major markets including the UK, US, and Canada. This highlights the growing global appeal of Nollywood films and demonstrates the film’s ability to attract international audiences.
Sold-out screenings in major cities like London and New York further illustrate the film’s widespread appeal. The international success of Everybody Loves Jenifa has added a new layer to Funke Akindele’s already stellar reputation, solidifying her position as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures.
Funke Akindele Expresses Gratitude to Fans
In celebration of the film’s monumental achievement, Funke Akindele took to social media to express her gratitude to her fans. Sharing a heartfelt message, she wrote: “GOD DID!!! Thank you, Jenifans, for supporting Everybody Loves Jenifa! This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without you. We’re thrilled about what’s ahead with this massive win. Keep watching in cinemas nationwide!”
Her message was met with an outpouring of support from fans who have followed her career since the Jenifa franchise began. The long-running success of the character Jenifa, which has evolved into a beloved figure in Nigerian pop culture, has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s broad appeal.
A Bright Future for Nollywood
The success of Everybody Loves Jenifa marks a new chapter for Nollywood, reinforcing the industry’s ability to produce high-quality, commercially successful films that resonate both locally and internationally. Funke Akindele’s latest triumph is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Nigerian cinema, highlighting the global reach and potential of Nollywood films.
A Night of Gratitude and Worship Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele recently organized a praise night to express her immense gratitude to God for a fruitful year. The mother of two invited friends, family, and colleagues from the movie industry to join her in celebrating her achievements and giving thanks.
The event featured performances by renowned gospel artists Tope Alabi and Dare Justified, who led the audience in praise and worship sessions. Funke, radiating joy, danced and worshipped alongside her guests, including Sharon Ooja and Bisola Aiyeola, in a moment captured in a viral video.
A Heartfelt Expression of Thanks In the caption accompanying her social media post about the event, Funke reflected on her gratitude, emphasizing the joy and peace she found in God’s presence. She wrote, “In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy,” further highlighting her reasons to celebrate.
This year has been particularly rewarding for Funke, who achieved significant milestones, including a highly successful cinema project that brought in millions of naira.
Fans React to Funke’s Praise Night The event and its highlights quickly gained attention online, with fans and friends sharing their admiration and well-wishes. Here are some of the reactions:
@foladelef: “Thanks for having us, Sis.”
@sandiegobeautypalace: “May I not lack good people in 2025.”
@officiallolo1: “Glorious day.”
@iam_nnetalks: “From her words, ‘Envy no one, ask God for your own space and explore.’ Lord, we are grateful for Aunty Funke.”
@nikkilaoye: “Awww, beautiful moment of worship and thanksgiving.”
Looking Back on a Successful Year Funke’s accomplishments this year serve as a testament to her hard work and resilience. As an actress, filmmaker, and mother, she has continued to inspire her fans with her talent and faith.
A Message of Inspiration Funke’s praise night not only celebrated her personal success but also conveyed a broader message of gratitude and encouragement. She reminded her fans and supporters to focus on their own journeys, seek God’s guidance, and remain thankful for every blessing.
