These Three Nollywood Leading Ladies Want Your Attention at the Box-office This Christmas Holiday
Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, and Toyin Abraham each want you for themselves this Christmas. Will you surrender to their holiday magic?
There's a notion that Nollywood's women have it easier than their male counterparts, an age-long argument thatβs taken many forms and continues even to this day.
While I donβt have hard facts to disprove or substantiate this claim, it is important that every time it tries to take root, we are reminded of the amount of work some female filmmakers pour into their craft. The last time I checked, the top three highest-grossing films in Nollywood, were all masterminded by formidable female (co)directors and from studios run by women in top executive positions. It may be not conclusive to put an end to the long-running argument once and for all, but it is a testament to their hard-earned triumph.
As Christmas approaches, three female cinematic powerhouses are gearing up for a festive clash, vying for your attention and your coin. Some are mainstays of the Christmas holiday season, while a newcomer is joining the ranks, but one thing is certain: these leading ladies are poised to captivate audiences once again. The question is, will you surrender to their holiday magic?
Letβs explore what these leading ladies have in store for the holiday season.
Funke Akindele (A Tribe Called Judah)
Funke Akindele has been there and done that. A seasoned veteran in her rights, Akindele has earned the right to be called the Queen of Nollywoodβs box office. Her prowess is evident, holding the first two positions for the highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time with Battle on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) earning β¦668,423,056 and β¦636,129,120, respectively.
Unyielding in her work ethic, Akindele recently graced Prime Video with SHE Must Be Obeyed, and now, she returns to the December spotlight in cinemas with A Tribe Called Judah. While Funke Akindeleβs track record positions her as a strong contender for this December's box office race, the ultimate outcome remains to be seen.
Akindele's upcoming film, A Tribe Called Judah, unfolds as a family drama. It narrates the tale of a family of boys orchestrating a heist on a small mall with their mother's assistance, only to be confronted by armed robbers upon arrival.
The movie boasts an ensemble cast featuring Akindele as matriarch Jedidah Judah, Jide Kene Achufusi as Emeka Judah, Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah, Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah, Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah, and Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah. Beyond the titular tribe, the film showcases talents such as Fathia Balogun, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Juliana Oloyode, among others.
Catch A Tribe Called Judah in cinemas starting December 15, 2023.
Toyin Abraham (Malaika)
After the success of last year's Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi graces this Christmas season with Malaika, a poignant family drama delving into a woman's struggle with infertility and anger.
Positioned among the league of Nollywood women competing for dominance this holiday, Toyin, after the impressive β¦278,496,384 box office feat of Ijakumo, is fervently working to maintain such glowing patronage from her fans and ensure a robust ticket sell-out. Much like Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe on this illustrious list, a glance at Toyin's social handles attests to the concerted effort poured into promoting the upcoming movie.
The cast of Malaika features Toyin Abraham, Adebayo Ridwan Abidemi (Isbae U), Anne Kansiime, Emeka Ike, Ibrahim Chatta, Oderhohwo Joseph βCarterβ Efe, Odunlade Adekola, Pelumi Olawuni (Abike Shugaa), Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Uzor Arukwe, among others.
Catch this compelling drama in cinemas from December 22, 2023.
Mercy Aigbe (Ada Omo Daddy)
Closing the roster is Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, a relative newcomer to the Christmas movie release scene, with her debut Ada Omo Daddy. The recent release of the movie's first trailer stirred a sense of dΓ©jΓ vu, prompting comparisons to The Wedding Party (2016).
While the shared lavish wedding reception scene, the presence of actress Sola Sobowale, and a familiar theme of intertribal marriage between Yorubas and Igbos serve as shared elements, deeper connections are yet to unfold. Perhaps these shared elements are ample DNA to bind the movies together, presenting an intriguing prospect. The fact that such a comparison arose after a single trailer bodes well for Mercy Aigbe's aspirations for a breakthrough at the heated box office this December.
In Ada Omo Daddy the tranquility of a family faces upheaval when Ireti, the mother, receives an unexpected call from her long-lost ex-husband, Ifeanyi, on her daughterβs introduction day. As the family anticipates the wedding, Ifeanyi exerts pressure on Ireti, expressing his desire to meet his daughter and walk her down the aisle. The bride, Perosola, confronts a shattered reality as she discovers her loving daddy is not her biological father, torn between loyalty to the man who raised her and her newfound connection to the man who birthed her.
The star-studded cast of Ada Omo Daddy includes Adeniyi Johnson, Carol King, Charles Okafor, Chinwetelu Agu, Dele Odule, Fred Amata, Mercy Aigbe, Miriam, Morenikeji Gloria, Nkechi Blessing, Omowunmi Dada, Sola Sobowale, Taiwo Adeyemi, Tayo Faniran, Tomi Ojo, Unusual Phyna, Wunmitoriola, and many more.
As December unfolds, a plethora of films, both local and international, will grace the cinemas. The competition is fierce for these women. Regardless of the financial and critical outcomes for this trio, I applaud their unwavering commitment to capitalizing on their craft, having mastered the nuances of their market, and understanding the preferences of their audience. I hope you go support them and all the other interesting titles coming out this holiday season.
See you at the cinema.
Bonus: Watch the short video below for every major blockbuster from Nollywood this December 2023:
