Nollywood’s Queen Of PR And Box Office Prepares For December Release
Funke Akindele, hailed as Nollywood’s “Queen of Box Office” and a PR mastermind, is set to make a grand return with her highly anticipated film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, scheduled for release on December 13, 2024. Known for breaking boundaries with her magnetic storytelling and unmatched audience engagement, Akindele continues to prove why she holds the crown as Nollywood’s top director.
Following the success of her previous blockbusters—Omo Ghetto: The Saga (₦636 million, 2020), Battle on Buka Street (₦662 million, 2022), and A Tribe Called Judah (₦1 billion, 2023)—Everybody Loves Jenifa is poised to raise the bar even higher. With each release, Akindele has cemented her place as not just a box office powerhouse but also a PR genius, seamlessly blending entertainment with impactful promotional strategies.
Mastering the Art of PR: Funke’s Strategy for Success
Ahead of the film’s release, Akindele has launched a well-orchestrated PR campaign, starting on her birthday, August 24, 2024. Over the span of 33 days, she captivated her audience with daily Instagram content, generating over 4 million likes and 119,151 comments from 56 posts. Her YouTube strategy was equally successful, with 11 posts garnering 128,317 views, proving her dominance across digital platforms.
One of the standout moments of her campaign was a heartfelt gesture where Funke distributed branded umbrellas to Lagos street vendors, accompanied by a video captioned, “Jenifa’s love is covering the streets.” This simple yet powerful act resonated deeply with her fanbase, reinforcing her brand’s connection to everyday Nigerians. She further strengthened this bond by visiting communities in Shomolu, Yaba, and Mushin, distributing food and spreading joy, a campaign tied to the message, “Jenifa’s joy is contagious.”
In another strategic move, Funke celebrated Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day with a customized green-and-white outfit emblazoned with the title Everybody Loves Jenifa. Her message of hope and resilience struck a chord with the public, connecting her film to national pride and reinforcing her influence as a cultural icon. “Nigeria has weathered storms, but our spirit remains unbroken,” she shared, drawing parallels between the nation’s resilience and the themes of her film.
Star-Studded Cast and Collaborations
A hallmark of Akindele’s success is her ability to collaborate with top-tier talent. For Everybody Loves Jenifa, she has assembled a star-studded cast, including fan favorites like Bisola Aiyeola, Destiny Etiko, and Jackie Appiah, alongside newcomers like Chimezie Imo and Layi Wasabi. This mix of Nollywood greats and rising stars ensures the film will attract a diverse audience, boosting its visibility across demographics.
Behind the scenes, Funke continues to engage with her fans through humorous and relatable posts. In one, she quips, “For me to wear a crop top, this film must sell!”—showing her personal commitment to the project while keeping her followers entertained. Her ability to mix humor, vulnerability, and professionalism has become a defining feature of her PR strategy.
A Legacy of Storytelling and Branding
Funke Akindele’s success is not just about box office numbers; it’s about her ability to craft immersive experiences that go beyond the screen. Her branding genius is evident in the way she integrates PR into her films. With A Tribe Called Judah, her team sported customized merchandise, creating a unified visual identity that resonated with fans. She continues this trend with Everybody Loves Jenifa, using branded food items and immersive promotional activities to engage audiences.
In addition to her branding prowess, Akindele’s films are known for their unpredictable twists and heartfelt narratives. “Before I got here, my eyes saw pepper, but I want to keep breaking grounds,” Funke shared in a recent interview, inspiring her fans and peers alike with her relentless drive and hustle.
The Anticipation Builds: What to Expect from Everybody Loves Jenifa
Set to release on December 13, Everybody Loves Jenifa is already generating immense buzz. Since April, when Akindele teased the return of her beloved character Jenifa, excitement has been building steadily. Fans have been eagerly following updates on social media, with glimpses of behind-the-scenes footage, cast reveals, and filming locations in Lagos and Accra, where a crew of 175 worked over nine weeks.
The film, directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, promises to retain elements from the original Jenifa franchise, including Jenifa’s old salon, a nostalgic nod to long-time fans. Returning cast members like Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, and Olayode Juliana are joined by new faces, ensuring a fresh take on the familiar story.
Cinematography is helmed by John Njaga Demps, while Funke teams up with writers Collins Okoh and Akinlabi Ishola to craft a screenplay that blends humor, drama, and life lessons. With a reputation for delivering blockbusters, all eyes are on Akindele to see if Everybody Loves Jenifa will once again dominate the box office and rekindle the cinema-going experience in Nigeria.
Funke Akindele’s return with Everybody Loves Jenifa is more than just another movie release, it’s a cultural event. Her unmatched ability to combine entertainment, branding, and PR has turned her films into experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. As December 13 approaches, the excitement continues to build, and fans are left wondering: how will Funke surprise us this time? One thing is certain, she is ready to reignite Nollywood with her charm, creativity, and unstoppable drive.
