The Nigerian movie industry, popularly is named Nollywood, has continued its impressive ascent in 2024, building on the momentum from high-profile releases in December.
With the sector amassing a sturdy N6 billion in entire earnings and securing a 50.05% market half, Nollywood is smartly on its procedure to meeting its plucky N10 billion earnings aim for the 365 days, a outstanding jump from final 365 days’s N7.24 billion.
Amidst this thriving landscape, plenty of filmmakers contain stood out by surpassing the N100 million imprint at the sector office. Here are the tip Nollywood filmmakers who contain made waves in 2024.
Funke Akindele – A Tribe Known as Judah
Field Office Earnings: N610.7 million
Funke Akindele has solidified her position as one of Nollywood’s most worthwhile actresses and filmmakers. Her career, which started in 1997, gained valuable traction with her position in the UN-subsidized sitcom I Must Know. Is belief as the “Queen of Field Office,” Akindele holds the tip three positions for the absolute most life like potential-grossing Nigerian movies.
Her most modern blockbuster, A Tribe Known as Judah, grew to turn into the main Nollywood movie to surpass the N1 billion imprint, whereas her outdated movies Battle on Buka Road (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) contain also accomplished outstanding field office success. Akindele’s means to big name in and originate such high-grossing movies underscores her pivotal position in the industry’s order.
Kayode Kasum – Ajosepo
Field Office Earnings: N256.6 million
Kayode Kasum has emerged as a powerhouse director and producer in Nollywood, with his movie Ajosepo grossing over N200 million in cinemas. This success pushes his cumulative field office damaging as a director to extra than N1 billion.
Kasum is distinguished for his dedication to preserving African cultural practices, which is reflected in his various filmography that includes hits love Sugar Hurry, This Lady Known as Life, and Far From Dwelling on Netflix. His means to craft studies in English, Pidgin English, and various African dialects has resonated with a wide target audience, making him one of the most notable influential filmmakers in Nigeria this day.
Eniola Ajao – Beast of Two Worlds
Field Office Earnings: N252.8 million
Eniola Ajao has made a main impact in the Yoruba-language movie sector of Nollywood. With over 75 movie appearances below her belt, Ajao ventured into producing with Beast of Two Worlds in 2024.
Directed by Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani, the movie tells the intriguing sage of a desperate king who marries a lady from any other world to genuine his legacy, leading to unexpected chaos. Premiering on March 25, the movie attracted over 72,532 cinema admissions, solidifying Ajao’s reputation as a versatile and dynamic force in the industry.
Odunlade Adekola – Lakatabu
Field Office Earnings: N202.2 million
Odunlade Adekola is a distinguished actor and filmmaker, absolute most life like known for his lead position in the 2003 movie Asiri Gomina Wa. As the founder and CEO of Odunlade Adekola Movie Manufacturing (OAFP), Adekola has been instrumental in producing deal of worthwhile Nollywood movies.
His 2024 release, Lakatabu, premiered on June 21 and fleet grossed over N200 million, with 55,048 tickets sold. Adekola’s dual position as every actor and producer in the movie highlights his versatility and deep dedication to Nollywood’s continued success.
Toyin Abraham – Malaika
Field Office Earnings: N158 million
Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi has established herself as a leading actress and filmmaker in Nollywood since her debut in 2003. With a repertoire that includes movies love Alani Baba Labake and Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, Abraham has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences.
Her 2024 movie, Malaika, grossed over N158 million, showcasing her means to manual commercially worthwhile projects. Additionally, Abraham’s involvement in actuality TV and her position as an envoy for Revolution Plus Properties spotlight her multifaceted influence beyond the movie industry.
Bolanle Austen-Peters – Funmilayo Ransom Kuti
Field Office Earnings: N157 million
Bolanle Austen-Peters is a trailblazer in Nigerian theatre and movie, diagnosed by CNN and Forbes Afrique for her influential contributions. As the founding father of BAP Productions and Terra Kulture, Austen-Peters has been a key player in promoting arts and culture in Lagos and beyond.
Her movie Funmilayo Ransom Kuti holds the title of the absolute most life like potential-grossing biopic in West Africa, earning N157 million at the sector office. Her work with Terra Academy for the Arts and notable productions love Saro, the Musical and Fela and The Kalakuta Queens contain garnered international acclaim, cementing her legacy in Nollywood.
Deyemi Okanlawon – All’s Most interesting in Worship
Field Office Earnings: N131 million
Deyemi Okanlawon is a prominent actor and entrepreneur who made his producing debut in 2024 with the romantic comedy All’s Most interesting in Worship. Premiering on February 14, the movie fleet grew to turn into the absolute most life like potential-grossing romantic comedy in Nigeria, amassing N131.34 million.
Okanlawon’s strategic casting, innovative marketing, and collaboration with administrators Kayode Kasum and Ifeme C.S. had been key components in the movie’s success. His in depth career, which includes over 50 movie appearances and accolades reminiscent of a Simplest Actor award at the In-Immediate Movie Festival, highlights his valuable impact on Nollywood.
Naz Onuzo – Muri & Ko
Field Office Earnings: N120.4 million
Naz Onuzo is a key figure in every the ingenious and financial capabilities of Nollywood, leading Inkblot Productions to turn into one of Nigeria’s main independent movie and TV production companies.
As the Executive Producer of Muri & Ko, released in June 2024, Onuzo helped the movie damaging over N100 million within weeks of its debut. His in depth ride in deepest fairness and strategic roles with FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse Cinemas, and International Accelerex underscores his means to blend ingenious vision with financial acumen, driving Inkblot’s continued success.
Emmanuel Iren – What About Us
Field Office Earnings: N100 million
Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren is a multifaceted Nigerian preacher, gospel singer, songwriter, and filmmaker. As the founding father of Celebration Church International (CCI), Iren has built a worldwide ministry with over 15,000 individuals across 30 branches worldwide.
His foray into filmmaking in 2024 as the government producer of What About Us marked a main milestone, with the movie grossing N100 million at the Nigerian field office. Directed by Kayode Kasum and written by Ife Olujuyigbe, the movie exemplifies Iren’s various abilities and his means to merge his non secular and inventive pursuits successfully.
