A Win for All.
We all thought we had that moment with Funke Akindele’s groundbreaking works like ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ and ‘Battle on Buka Street’. But hold onto your seats because she has outdone herself yet again, shattering records and setting an astonishing new benchmark in Nollywood with ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.
This isn’t just another blockbuster; it’s a historic milestone. ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ has not only become Nollywood’s first film to rake in a staggering one billion naira but also broken records left, right, and centre. We’re talking about the biggest weekend opening in Nollywood’s history, the largest opening ever for a female director, and now, the highestgrossing Nollywood film of all time.
This isn’t just a win for Funke Akindele or her team but for the entire Nollywood industry. From the days of Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ and ‘Living in Bondage’, Nollywood has evolved into a global powerhouse. Today, it stands as the second-largest in the world in terms of output—a testament to the sheer willpower, creativity, and resilience of Nigerian filmmakers.
Now, we’re witnessing a new generation of filmmakers who are not only carrying the torch passed on by the industry’s founders but also elevating Nigerian cinema to compete on an international stage. These artists are blending traditional storytelling with modern filmmaking techniques, creating movies that resonate across borders and cultures. You can’t help but love it.
I think it’s time we rally behind Nollywood with the same enthusiasm and passion we’ve shown for Afrobeats. Let’s make Nigerian cinema an even more significant cultural export. Yup. We did it with Afrobeats; we can do it with Nollywood.
So, how’s your year going so far?
Remember not to put too much pressure on yourselves with resolutions and plans. Let’s approach this year with intention, knowing that everything will eventually fall into place. Life always has its twists and turns, but in the end, it all comes together in a beautiful narrative. May 2024 be a year of personal triumphs and shared joys.
Love,