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.
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.
