It’s uncommon for Hollywood blockbusters, especially those from Disney, to falter at the box office, even less so in multiple markets. However, in Nigeria, the narrative is quite different.
Funke Akindele, one of Nollywood’s most prolific producers, has proven to be a formidable competitor. Her latest film, Everybody Loves Jenifa, has shattered records to become the highest-grossing film in Nigerian box office history.
Mufasa: The Lion King reigns supreme in key territories like France, India, the UK/Ireland, and Italy, among others. But in Nigeria, the film has struggled to keep up with the massive fanbase and cultural resonance Funke Akindele commands.
This phenomenon is not entirely new. In 2022, Akindele’s Battle On Buka Street achieved a similar feat during the holiday season, outshining James Cameron’s global juggernaut, Avatar: The Way of Water.
Despite the extensive marketing push behind Cameron’s sequel, Akindele’s local hit resonated more deeply with Nigerian audiences, securing the top spot at the national box office. In doing so, it has not only maintained a commanding hold on the top spot but has also relegated Disney’s highly-anticipated Mufasa: The Lion King to a distant second place.
