Nollywood reached a remarkable milestone in 2024, with the top 10 highest-grossing films collectively earning a staggering N3.6 billion at the box office.

This marked a significant jump from the N1.94 billion recorded in 2023, reflecting an impressive 85.5% increase. Even with the exclusion of Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, which contributed N156.6 million, the total could have reached N3.7 billion, showing the incredible growth of the Nigerian film industry.

This success can be attributed to several factors, including an average ticket price of N5000, stronger cinema admissions, and more films crossing the N100 million benchmark. However, the true driving force behind this growth lies in the actors and actresses who have become the faces of these films.

Whether established stars or rising talents, these performers have brought their characters to life with skill and passion, captivating audiences and propelling their films to box office triumph. Here, we highlight the lead actors and actresses behind 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood films.

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Kehinde Bankole

Kehinde Bankole, a celebrated Nollywood actress, continues to make her mark in the industry with an impressive body of work. In 2024, she earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ biopic, which grossed N156.6 million in Nigerian cinemas before streaming on Prime Video.

She bagged the Best Lead Actress award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for her role in the movie, Adire.

Bankole’s career, which began in the early 2000s with Super Story, spans over two decades, with notable roles in Desperate Housewives Africa and Prophetess. Recently, she secured a role as Moremi in the Disney animated series Kizazi Moto, marking a significant milestone in her career.

As she reflects on her achievements, Bankole is determined to leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment world, with her portrayal of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti serving as a defining moment in her journey.

Gbubemi Ejeye  

Gbubemi Ejeye’s portrayal as the lead actress in the 2024 film Farmer’s Bride marked a significant milestone in her career.

Directed by Jack’enneth Opukeme and Adebayo Tijani, the drama, set in 1980s Ibadan, tells the story of a wealthy farmer whose life is turned upside down when he marries a young woman from a different social class.

Ejeye’s exceptional performance, alongside a talented cast including Mercy Aigbe, Tobi Bakre, and Femi Branch, captivated audiences and contributed to the film’s N167.2 million box office gross.

Originally from Delta State and raised in Lagos, Ejeye initially pursued a law degree before transitioning to acting, following a passion for the arts that emerged after her stage debut in Color Me Pink, a play centred on breast cancer awareness.

Ejeye’s breakthrough came in 2019 with her first screen appearance in the movie Rickety. She soon gained recognition for her roles in Citation,

Ayo Makun

Ayo Makun, a multi-talented Nigerian actor, comedian, and film director, took on the lead role in the 2024 film The Waiter, which went on to gross an impressive N184.7 million at the Nigerian box office.

In this comedy-drama, Makun’s comedic timing and charismatic screen presence were key to the film’s success, as he brought to life a story about a waiter caught in a complex web of relationships and expectations.

As one of Nigeria’s top comedians and film producers, Makun’s career began to take shape in the early 2000s. Known for his role as the host of AY Live comedy shows and his creation of AY’s Crib sitcom, Makun has long been a dominant force in Nigerian entertainment.

His debut movie, 30 Days in Atlanta, was both a commercial and critical success, further establishing him as a major player in Nollywood.

Toyin Abraham

Toyin Abraham, one of Nollywood’s leading actresses and producers, starred in the hit films Malaika and Alakada, which grossed N158.5 million and N229.1 million, respectively, at the Nigerian box office. Her stellar performances in these films have further solidified her position as one of the most successful and influential figures in the Nigerian film industry.

Abraham’s career began in 2003 when she was discovered by actress Bukky Wright while she was in Ibadan for a movie shoot. Over the years, she has starred in numerous successful films, including Alani Baba Labake, Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, and Ebimi Ni.

Her talent and determination have earned her several accolades, including a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards.

In addition to her acting career, Toyin Abraham is a successful producer and entrepreneur, with her production company, Toyin Abraham Productions, and various brand endorsements. Her influence and business acumen continue to propel her forward in Nollywood’s competitive landscape.

Odunlade Adekola & Eniola Ajao

Odunlade Adekola and Eniola Ajao are two of Nollywood’s most beloved actors, whose collaboration in films like Lakatabu and Ajakaju has garnered significant attention and success.

Their remarkable performances in these films helped them achieve impressive box office earnings of N202.3 million and N252.8 million, respectively.

Odunlade Adekola is one of the most versatile and popular actors in Nollywood. He gained fame with his role in Asiri Gomina Wa (2003) and has since appeared in numerous films, produced, directed, and written several notable movies.

Adekola is also the founder of Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP). He has won numerous accolades, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in 2014, and is a respected brand ambassador for various companies like RevolutionPlus Property and Globacom.

Eniola Ajao, who made her debut in 2004 with Ìgbà Aìmọ̀, has built a successful career in Nollywood. She is known for her roles in Eniola, Erin Orin, and The Vendor, among others.

Ajao’s impressive talent and range have earned her several nominations, including for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2015.

Her continued success alongside Odunlade in films like Lakatabu and Ajakaju has solidified her as one of the industry’s top actresses.

Mike Afolarin&Tomike Adeoye

In Ajosepo, the dynamic lead roles are expertly handled by Tomike Adeoye and Mike Afolarin, two of Nollywood’s rising stars with the movie going on to gross N257 million at the box office.

Their chemistry and compelling performances have been key to the film’s massive success at the box office.

Tomike Adeoye is a multi-talented actress, media personality, and entrepreneur, known for her versatility. Before entering Nollywood, Tomike made a name for herself as a radio and TV presenter, gaining recognition for her hosting skills and natural charm.

She found mainstream fame in 2005 with her role as Tania in the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary and continued to build on this success in Industreet. Her transition into hosting red-carpet events for EbonyLife TV and NdaniRealTalk expanded her profile, cementing her position as an influential media figure. Beyond acting, she is also a sought-after brand influencer and a successful entrepreneur.

In Ajosepo, Tomike’s emotional depth and impressive range shine through as she takes on a challenging lead role, captivating audiences with her ability to portray complex emotions with grace.

Mike Afolarin, born on September 1, 1993, has already made a significant impact in Nollywood. He is best known for his breakthrough role in Far From Home on Netflix, a series that displayed his impressive acting skills to a global audience.

Before entering the entertainment world, Mike studied Economics at the University of Lagos. He made his acting debut in the movie Ajosepo, where he brought a fresh, authentic energy to his role, showing a natural gift for deeply emotional performances.

Wunmi Toriola 

Wunmi Toriola is one of Nollywood’s fast-rising actresses, known for her impressive versatility and powerful performances.

She gained significant recognition with her role and directorial debut in Queen Lateefah, a movie that became a box office hit, grossing a remarkable N365.5 million.

Wunmi Toriola, born in Lagos, Nigeria, attended Providence Primary and Secondary School before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Ilorin. Her career began in 2009 with her first role in Odunfa Caucus.

She produced her debut film, Ajewunmi, in 2015 and quickly became a rising star in Nollywood. In 2018, she won the Fastest Rising Actress (Yoruba) award at the City People Entertainment Awards.

Other notable films she has starred in include Alakada Reloaded (2017), Ayomipo, Wedding Ring, Our Love Story, False Flag (2017), and The Cokers (2021). In 2023, Wumi announced the end of her four-year marriage.

Funke Akindele

Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele is a versatile Nigerian filmmaker, actress, director, producer, politician, and realtor. Known for her iconic role as Jenifa in the hugely successful TV series Jenifa’s Diary and the Jenifa movie franchise, Funke has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, becoming a household name both locally and internationally.

With a career spanning acting, directing, and producing, she has become the highest-grossing director in Nigerian box office history, grossing over N2.9 billion and making her the second director to gross over a billion naira.

Her films, A Tribe Called Judah and ELJ, grossed N611.3 million and N1.24 billion, respectively, further cementing her position at the top of the Nollywood industry.

Funke Akindele obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic). She also earned a Law degree from the University of Lagos.

Her breakthrough came in 1998 when she starred in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom I Need to Know, playing Bisi, a brilliant secondary school student. She rose to massive fame in 2008 after her role in the movie Jenifa, which became an instant hit.

The film’s success led to a sequel, The Return of Jenifa in 2011, and a soft reboot television series, Jenifa’s Diary, in 2015, where she continued her portrayal of the hilarious, street-smart Jenifa. Funke’s career expanded with successful films like Omo Ghetto (2010), which became a cult classic, and her directorial debut with the 2019 political drama Your Excellency.

Funke Akindele’s achievements go beyond acting, with multiple awards to her name, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009 for Jenifa.

She has won the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022, making her the most-awarded actress in this category.

She is the most nominated actress/filmmaker at the AMVCAs and holds the record for the most wins by an actress with six awards.