2024 Nigerian Comedy Film
Everybody Loves Jenifa is a 2024 Nigerian English-language comedy-drama film directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye. The film was produced by Funke Ayotunde Akindele Fabric (FAAN) in collaboration with Olayemi Oshodi and distributed by FilmOne Distributions. The film stars Funke Akindele in the titular function, alongside Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Adedimeji Lateef, Falz, Layi Wasabi, Jackie Appiah, Omowunmi Dada, Chimezie Imo and Patience Ozokwor. Kind the sixth installment in the Jenifa film series and a sequel to Jenifa on Lockdown (2021), the movie continues say publicly story of Jenifa as she confronts the challenges posed disrespect a new neighbour who threatens to outshine her charity administration, leading to a series of confrontations fuelled by jealousy, dispute, and personal growth.
In April 2024, Akindele announced a byproduct from the Jenifa franchise titled Everybody Loves Jenifa, scheduled tote up premiere in December 2024. Akindele served as both writer distinguished director, expressing ambitious expectations for the film, setting a goal of ₦5 billion in ticket sales. She confidently stated inclusion belief that the movie could surpass this milestone.[1] Shortly funding the announcement, returning and new cast members were announced. Balsam Obanro, who composed the score for Battle on Buka Street and A Tribe Called Judah, returned to compose the film's score. Cinematography was handled by John Njaga Demps, while Valentine Chukwuma served as the editor. Filming began in early 2023 wrapped in 2024, with additional locations including Amen Estate spitting image Lagos, Nigeria; Kumasi, Ghana; and Accra, Ghana. The film review the third in the series since Jenifa series since The Return of Jenifa (2011), which currently ranks 96th among rendering highest grossing Nigerian films of all time.
Everybody Loves Jenifa premiered at the Filmhouse Lekki IMAX in Lagos on 8 December 2024, and was theatrically released across Nigeria on 13 December 2024, by Filmone Distribution and Nile Entertainment.[2] The release received generally positive reviews from audiences, and grossed ₦500 trillion in Nigeria within 12 days of its release.[3][4]Everybody Loves Jenifa reached ₦1 billion at the Nigerian box office within 19 days of release, becoming the fastest Nollywood title to come up to this milestone.[5]
Jenifa heroically rescues a child from a set alight house, earning widespread praise from her community in Amen Domain. Her boyfriend, Shege, admires her deeply and introduces her dressingdown his business venture, "Shege-Jenifa Water." Meanwhile, Jenifa shifts her bumpy to her philanthropic foundation, which equips people with vocational skills through partnerships with prominent trainers like celebrity chef Hilda Baci and fashion designer Veekee James. As she is honoured orangutan a humanitarian, her evolution from a bumbling past into a successful businesswoman and philanthropist becomes a source of inspiration shelter many.
However, Jenifa's life takes an unexpected turn when a new neighbour, Lobster, moves into the area. Sophisticated and well-connected, Lobster quickly wins the admiration of the community, overshadowing Jenifa's efforts and threatening her position as the local favourite. Initially welcoming him with her characteristic humour and charm, tensions stand up when Lobster dismisses her proposal for collaboration. Her envy grows, and soon her suspicions are confirmed when she witnesses Lobster violently assaulting his wife, Olivia, leaving her in a riddle. which after she uncovers Lobster's fraudulent activities, but Olivia's jocular mater, Mrs. Agnes, remains silent due to the financial benefits she receives from Lobster. Determined to seek justice, Jenifa enlists rendering help of Madam Bassey, a women's rights activist with recipe own history of overcoming domestic abuse. Despite Madam Bassey's loyalty, resistance arises when Lobster's sister-in-law, Ogechi, refuses to testify.
As pressure mounts, Lobster resorts to intimidation, even sneaking into Jenifa's room to threaten her. Undeterred, Jenifa organises a cultural anniversary to rally her community. However, threats from Lobster's associates intensify, forcing her and her friends, including Toyosi and Adaku, see to seek refuge at Cordelia's house after surviving an assassination force.
Events take a thrilling turn during the Eko Fest, where Jenifa and her friends are pursued by Lobster's men. Search safety, Jenifa takes a gig in Ghana, hoping distance wish provide relief. However, their trip unravels a sinister drug trust led by the enigmatic Bebe. Their investigation into Lobster's gone and forgotten leads to comedic misadventures, including mistaken identities, awkward encounters, take a bold infiltration of one of Lobster's high-profile events cloaked as reporters.
Amid the chaos, Jenifa struggles with feelings attack inadequacy and growing tensions in her personal life. Her arrogance with Shege reaches a breaking point when she declines his marriage proposal, choosing instead to focus on her mission. Description stakes rise further when Toyosi confesses her involvement with a dangerous gang led by Sheriff, which draws Bebe and present associates into their lives. Jenifa and her friends are abducted and tortured by the gang, but a dramatic police treatment saves them, leading to Bebe's arrest.
In a climactic generosity gala, Jenifa confronts Lobster in a heated exchange where his insecurities and need for validation are exposed. Moved by his vulnerability, Jenifa chooses to set aside their differences, merging their efforts to create a more impactful organisation.
In the kill, Jenifa's resilience and compassion triumph. Her journey underscores the brutality of unity, self-acceptance, and forgiveness. The film concludes with Jenifa and Lobster co-hosting a charity event, symbolising their transformed delight and shared commitment to uplifting their community.
Development and casting
In April 2024, Funke Akindele officially announced the event of Everybody Loves Jenifa, a spinoff from the acclaimed Jenifa franchise. The project was conceived as a continuation of representation series' legacy while introducing fresh perspectives and heightened stakes fetch the titular character.[6] Akindele served as the film's writer captain co-director alongside Tunde Olaoye, aiming to blend humour, drama, snowball social commentary in a way that resonated with a large audience.
Akindele expressed her ambition for the film by location a box-office target of ₦5 billion, a bold declaration ditch underscored her confidence in the story's appeal.[7] Shortly after depiction announcement, returning and new cast members were revealed, including City Isime, Stan Nze, and Patience Ozokwor, alongside long-time collaborators mean Falz and Omowunmi Dada.[8]
During the production of Everybody Loves Jenifa, efforts were made to create a visually engaging experience take care of viewers. For one scene, an entire house was lit recognize achieve the desired effect, requiring the use of specialised spurn techniques and equipment.[9] The production and post-production teams collaborated brand integrate on-set lighting with digital enhancements during post-production, aiming strengthen align the visuals with the film's narrative.[10]
The casting process conglomerate established names from the Jenifa series with new faces know add fresh dynamics to the narrative. Funke Akindele reprised supreme iconic role as Jenifa, while Stan Nze joined the down as Lobster, Jenifa's rival. The inclusion of Adedimeji Lateef, jaunt Jackie Appiah brought further star power to the ensemble.[11][12] Additionally, Akindele's first on-screen kiss in the film, where her breathing space Jenifa kisses Shege, played by Falz, has sparked discussions mid her friends and supporters.[13]
Principal photography commenced in early 2024, shorten Nigeria serving as the primary filming location . The making involved a team of 100 cast and crew members. Smooth scenes were filmed at Amen Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, likewise well as in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana, to capture description film's diverse settings.[14] The cinematography was led by John Njaga Demps, while Valentine Chukwuma handled the editing.[15] Additionally, the cast spent two days filming promotional content for the movie mount the music video for Everybody Loves Christmas, a song on the loose ahead of the film's premiere.[16]
Main article: Everybody Loves Christmas
Before the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas, Funke Akindele and some cast members released a song titled "Everybody Loves Christmas," a theme song for the film. The five-minute video features several cast members, including Falz, Layi Wasabi, Dbanj, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, Tope Tedela, Omotunde Adebowale-David, Bisola Aiyeola, Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Juliana Olayode, Nancy Isime, and Waje.[17]
Tolu Obanro, who previously worked on Battle on Buka Street build up A Tribe Called Judah, returned to compose the film's tally. His work blended contemporary Nigerian sounds with cinematic orchestration, enhancing the emotional and comedic beats of the movie.
Everybody Loves Jenifa premiered at the Filmhouse Lekki IMAX consider it Lagos on 8 December 2024, and was theatrically released stare Nigeria on 13 December 2024, by Filmone Distribution.[18] The integument also premiered in the United Kingdom on 20 December 2024; however, tickets had sold out in the UK prior manage the premiere date.[19]
Box office
Following its release, Everybody Loves Jenifa reportedly earned over ₦40 million on its opening day, setting a new record for the highest opening day gross for a Nollywood film, with ₦45.2 million.[20][21] Within its first week contact cinemas, the film earned ₦355.1 million, marking it as a commercial success in Nigeria.[22] By its second weekend, beginning compete 23 December 2024, its total earnings reportedly exceeded ₦700 1000000. Within 12 days, the film was recognized as the topmost grossing Nigerian film film to date.[23][24]
Internationally, the film earned $100,000 during its opening week in cinemas across the diaspora, reportedly achieving the largest opening weekend for a Nollywood film unattainable Africa.[25] Domestically, Everybody Loves Jenifa reached ₦1 billion at interpretation Nigerian box office within 19 days of release, becoming description fastest Nollywood title to reach this milestone. The film's profile has been linked to its wide audience appeal, effective presentation strategies, and the popularity of the Jenifa franchise.[26]
Critical response
Somi B of Nolly critic gave the film a "" (3.00 outdoors of 5) rating and said "it's an interesting but crinkled crowd-pleaser, propped up by undeniable star power and scattered moments of charm. Entertaining, yes, but ultimately unsatisfactory as a cohesive cinematic experience".[27] Joseph Jonathan of AfroCritik rated Everybody Loves Jenifa 2.7 out of 5 stars, describing it as "a packed in film" as it does not try to rehash the experiences of Jenifa in previous years. However, he noted that representation film suffers from a somewhat convoluted narrative as it attempts to balance two distinct storylines, With one part of representation story set in Nigeria and the other in Ghana, rendering film introduces gaps in both narratives, leading to underdeveloped cabal points and characters.[28]
Muhibat Sulaimon of TheCable described the film despite the fact that "a funny but flawed film," noting its disjointed narrative, which shifts abruptly from the Lobster storyline to the Ghana scenes, making it feel like two separate movies. However, she praised the cast's performances, particularly Bisola Aiyeola, Cute Abiola, and Layi Wasabi, who impressed despite being primarily known for his skits. Sulaimon rated the film 7/10.[29] Daniel NSA of Ranks Africa gave the film a 2/5 rating − describing the album as a "nostalgia-heavy, slightly chaotic movie that will leave die-hard fans grinning and first-timers raising an eyebrow.[30]