Funke Akindele: The Undisputed Queen of the Box Office Just Made History (Again!)

 

Lagos, Nigeria – December 31, 2025 – As the final hours of 2025 tick away, the Nigerian entertainment industry is celebrating a monumental achievement that has solidified Funke Akindele's reign as the undisputed queen of the box office.

Today, her latest cinematic masterpiece, Behind The Scenes, officially soared past the ₦1.1 Billion mark. But this isn't just another hit—it’s a record-shattering moment that changes the rules of Nollywood forever.

A Historic Milestone

With this triumph, Funke Akindele has become the first filmmaker in history to deliver three consecutive billion-naira films in a single calendar year. Following the massive success of A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa earlier this year, Behind The Scenes has completed the "Billion-Naira Hat Trick."

Why "Behind The Scenes" is Taking Over

The movie, which centers on the relatable and heavy theme of "Black Tax"—the financial pressure on successful individuals to support extended family—has resonated deeply with audiences across West Africa.

The numbers tell a story of total dominance:

• Speed Record: It became the fastest film in West Africa to hit the ₦1 Billion mark, reaching it in just 17 days.

• Boxing Day Boom: It recorded the highest single-day gross in Nollywood history on December 26, raking in over ₦129.5 Million in 24 hours.

• Global Reach: While it dominates Nigerian screens, it is already showing in the UK and Ireland, with a US premiere set for January 9, 2026.

The Power of the "Funke Strategy"

How does she do it? Industry experts point to her relentless marketing and her "Multiplier" casting strategy. By bringing together veterans like Ibrahim Chatta, fresh stars like Scarlet Gomez, and social media sensations like Wanni and Handi, she ensures that every demographic is represented and excited.

What’s Next?

As we step into 2026, the bar for African cinema has been raised to the stratosphere. Funke Akindele isn’t just making movies; she’s building an empire.

“This win is for all of us,” FilmOne Entertainment stated today, and we couldn't agree more. Nollywood is no longer just "growing"—it has arrived.