Entertainment

Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin set to ‘clash’ at box office

...as Akindele appeals against piracy, canvassing

407

As Nollywood prepares for a competitive December at the box office, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, and Toyin Abraham are set to clash with the release of their films.

With major projects lined up for release, Akindele has taken a proactive stance, urging fans and her team to protect her highly anticipated film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, from the damaging effects of piracy.

In an Exhibitor Soirée held during the week at FilmHouse Cinemas, Akindele addressed key issues facing Nollywood, including the growing challenge of piracy.

She appealed to her fans and industry colleagues to protect the movie as they would their personal property.

“Please, let’s be very careful; let’s be vigilant. It’s our movie. We want to make money from it. Imagine what we would have made if A Tribe Called Judah wasn’t pirated,” Akindele remarked.

She stressed the importance of safeguarding the film’s release.

She also urged moviegoers to avoid using their phones during screenings to minimize the chances of illegal recording.

Fierce battle expected at the cinema

While piracy remains a pressing concern for Akindele, the competition in the cinema this December is equally fierce.

Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa will face tough competition from Mercy Aigbe’s Thin Line, set to hit cinemas on December 13, 2024.

Adding to the mix is Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad and Boujee, which is scheduled for release a week later, on December 20, 2024.

With such heavyweight releases from Nollywood’s top female stars, all eyes will be on the box office performance of these films.

Akindele’s Everybody Loves Jenifa, a comedy featuring the return of the beloved Jenifa character alongside Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, has already generated excitement among fans.

The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Jackie Appiah, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, and Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi).

Aigbe’s Thin Line, a psychological drama, will be making its debut on December 13, 2024.

The film has been anticipated for its unique storyline and the actress’s performance.

Fans are eager to see how Aigbe’s work will compete with Akindele’s offering in the same month.

On the other hand, Toyin Abraham’s Alakada Bad and Boujee will continue her successful Alakada franchise, which has consistently performed well at the box office.

Abraham’s track record in Nollywood means her film is expected to draw a strong crowd, making the box office battle even more intense.

As the release dates draw near, Akindele’s plea for piracy awareness has become a central part of the conversation.

While the films of Aigbe and Abraham are expected to generate significant buzz, Akindele is determined to ensure that Everybody Loves Jenifa enjoys a fair opportunity at the box office.

Her call for vigilance in protecting the film is indicative of the challenges Nollywood faces with illegal distribution and the industry’s ongoing battle to preserve its commercial viability.

Despite the potential clash at the cinemas, Akindele seems confident that audiences will flock to watch her film, stating that “people know what they want to watch.”

Her call to avoid canvassing in cinemas, where fans might try to persuade others to watch certain films, reflects her belief in the power of choice and respect for moviegoers.

With all three actresses releasing films in December, it promises to be a battle for dominance at the box office.

As Akindele appeals against piracy and prepares for the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa, the showdown with Aigbe and Abraham will undoubtedly shape the final weeks of 2024 for Nollywood.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Fall of Nollywood’s gatekeepers: How streaming platforms ended marketers’ reign

For decades, Nollywood’s marketers wielded immense influence, serving not only as distributors...

Just in: Alleged assault: Court grants Portable N2m bail, adjourns until March 5

Reprieve came for the controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable,...

Portable, Wanted Music Star, Finally Surrenders to Police

Embattled Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has turned himself...

Police declare singer Portable wanted over alleged assault, attempted murder

Following his alleged involvement in a violent attack on government officials, the...

2Baba’s family petitions DSS over singer’s mysterious disappearance amid marital issues

…I’m not engaged to him, she fires back The ongoing marital crisis...

Just in: Alleged N2.5bn fraud: Court acquits ex-NBC boss, Modibbo

Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has discharged and...

Asake’s New Single ‘Yoga’ Sets the Internet Buzzing

Asake, the Afrobeats phenomenon, has made waves in the music industry again...

No more bad blood: Wizkid, Don Jazzy reunite after rift

The tension that generated a lot of dust last year between Nigerian...

PMAN crisis: Pretty Okafor denies arrest, calls it ploy to embarrass him

Embattled President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor,...

Pastor Abel Damina Criticizes Nigerian Gospel Artists, Compares Them to Secular Musicians

Controversial Nigerian pastor, Abel Domina, has sparked a heated debate over the...

Nkem Owoh marks countdown to 70th birthday amid jubilation, excitement

Nollywood legend Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, is basking in excitement...

Funke Akindele opens up about humble beginnings: Iyabo Ojo defended me, Sindodo shared her clothes with me

Nollywood filmmaker and box office queen, Funke Akindele, has opened up about...

Davido Gracious in Defeat, Celebrates Tems’ Grammy Victory

Nigerian music star, Davido, and his team who were optimistic about clinching...

Tems Wins Grammy Award, Edges Out Yemi Alade, Asake, Others

International music sensation Tems added another feather to her cap at the...

67th Grammys: Nigerian artistes poised for glory today on world stage

Tonight, the world’s spotlight shifts to Los Angeles, where the 67th Grammy...

Shaffy Bello: I chase my dreams fearlessly

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has reaffirmed her commitment to staying true to...

Court adjourns Speed Darlington’s N300m suit against IGP until March 19

Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday...

Toke Makinwa, Mary Njoku slam 2Face over divorce announcement

Barely 24 hours after music icon 2Face Idibia announced his separation from...

Breaking: Shock, disbelief as 2Face confirms marriage with wife, Annie Idibia is over

Music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has confirmed that he...

Harrysong Keeps Mum as Estranged Wife Announces She’s Moved On from Their Marriage

Nigerian singer Harrison Tare Okiri, better known by his stage name Harrysong,...