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.
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.
