Everybody Loves Jenifa

Everybody Loves Jenifa
Directed by	Funke Akindele Tunde Laoye
Written by	Funke Akindele Collins Okoh Akinlabi Ishola
Story by	Funke Akindele
Produced by	Funke Akindele Olayemi Oshodi
Starring	Funke Akindele Falz Nancy Isime Stan Nze Jackie Appiah Juliana Olayode
Cinematography	John Njaga Demps
Edited by	Valentine Chukwuma
Music by	Tolu Obanro
Production company	Funke Ayotunde Akindele Network (FAAN)
Distributed by	FilmOne Distributions Nile Entertainment
Release date	13 December 2024 (2024-12-13)
Running time	120 minutes
Countries	Nigeria, Ghana
Languages	English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Nigeria Pidgin
Box office	₦511 million

Everybody Loves Jenifa is a 2024 Nigerian English-language comedy-drama film directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye. It was produced by Filmone Entertainment in association with Funke Akindele Network and Olayemi Oshodi. The film stars Funke Akindele in the titular role, alongside Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Adedimeji Lateef, Falz, Layi Wasabi, Jackie Appiah, Omowunmi Dada, Chimezie Imo and Patience Ozokwor. As the sixth installment in the Jenifa film series and a sequel to Jenifa on Lockdown (2021), the movie continues the story of Jenifa as she confronts the challenges posed by a new neighbor who threatens to outshine her charity organization, leading to a series of confrontations fueled by jealousy, rivalry, and personal growth.

In April 2024, Funke Akindele announced a spinoff from the Jenifa franchise titled Everybody Loves Jenifa, scheduled to premiere in December 2024. Akindele served as both writer and director, expressing ambitious expectations for the film, setting a target of ₦5 billion in ticket sales. She confidently stated her belief that the movie could surpass this milestone. Shortly after the announcement, returning and new cast members were announced. Tolu Obanro, who composed the score for Jenifa's Diary and A Tribe Called Judah, returned to compose the film's score. Cinematography was handled by John Njaga Demps, while Valentine Chukwuma served as the editor. Filming began in early 2023 wrapped in 2024, with additional locations including Amen Estate in Lagos, Nigeria; Kumasi, Ghana; and Accra, Ghana. The film is the third in the series since Jenifa series since The Return of Jenifa (2011), which currently ranks 96th among the highest grossing Nigerian films of all time.

Everybody Loves Jenifa premiered at the Filmhouse Lekki IMAX in Lagos on December 8, 2024, and was theatrically released across Nigeria on December 13, 2024, by Filmone Distribution and Nile Entertainment. The film received generally positive reviews from audiences, and it grossed ₦500 million worldwide within 12 days of its release, making it the fastest Nollywood film to reach this milestone. This impressive performance cemented its status as a Nigerian box-office success.

Plot summary

Jenifa has evolved from her bumbling past into a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, becoming a beloved figure in her community through her impactful charity organization, which provides aid and empowerment programs to the less privileged. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a new neighbor, Lobster, moves into the area. Lobster, a sophisticated and well-connected individual, quickly gains the admiration of the community, overshadowing Jenifa’s efforts and threatening her position as the local favorite.

Initially, Jenifa welcomes Lobster with her characteristic charm and humor, but tensions rise when he rejects her proposal to collaborate. Lobster's competitive streak and increasing popularity make Jenifa suspicious of his motives. Her suspicions are confirmed when she witnesses a shocking incident—Lobster violently assaults his wife, Olivia, leaving her in a coma. Determined to seek justice, Jenifa involves Madam Bassey, a prominent women’s rights activist, but faces resistance as Lobster’s sister-in-law, Ogechi, refuses to testify.

Matters escalate when Lobster threatens Jenifa, sneaking into her room to intimidate her. Fearing for her safety but resolute in her mission, Jenifa attempts to expose Lobster while grappling with her own vulnerability. During Eko Fest, a thrilling turn of events sees Jenifa and her friends, Toyosi and Adaku, chased by Lobster's men. Seizing an opportunity, Jenifa takes a gig in Ghana, hoping the distance will provide respite.

However, the trip takes an unexpected turn when Jenifa and her friends stumble upon a sinister drug cartel led by the enigmatic Bebe. Their investigation into Lobster’s past leads to a series of comedic misadventures, including mistaken identities, awkward encounters, and a bold infiltration of one of Lobster’s high-profile events disguised as reporters.

Amid the chaos, Jenifa struggles with feelings of inadequacy and tension in her personal life. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Shege, reaches a breaking point when she declines his marriage proposal, choosing to focus on her mission. In Ghana, her confrontation with the drug cartel turns perilous, forcing Jenifa and her friends to navigate life-threatening situations.

In a grand charity gala where Jenifa and Lobster’s rivalry reaches its peak. During a heated confrontation, Lobster’s insecurities and need for validation are laid bare. Jenifa, moved by his vulnerability, decides to put their differences aside. She collaborates with Lobster, merging their efforts to create a stronger, more impactful organization.

In the end, Jenifa’s resilience and compassion prevail. Her journey highlights the power of unity and self-acceptance. The film concludes with Jenifa and Lobster co-hosting a charity event, symbolizing their transformed relationship and shared commitment to uplifting their community.

Cast

• Main characters: (left to right) Funke Akindele, Stan Nze and Bisola Aiyeola

• Funke Akindele as Jenifa
• Stan Nze as Lobster
• Omowunmi Dada as Mimi
• Jackie Appiah as Bebe
• Nancy Isime as Olivia
• Destiny Etiko as Angel
• Patience Ozonkwo as Mrs Agnes
• Omotunde Adebowale as Adaku
• Falz as Shege
• Juliana Olayode as Toyo
• Layi Wasabi as Rex
• Tobi Makinde as Timini
• Bisola Aiyeola as Madam Bassey
• Lateef Adedimeji

Production

Development and casting

Film promotional title card

In April 2024, Funke Akindele officially announced the development of Everybody Loves Jenifa, a spinoff from the acclaimed Jenifa franchise. The project was conceived as a continuation of the series' legacy while introducing fresh perspectives and heightened stakes for the titular character. Akindele served as the film’s writer and co-director alongside Tunde Olaoye, aiming to blend humor, drama, and social commentary in a way that resonated with a broad audience.

Akindele expressed her ambition for the film by setting a box-office target of ₦5 billion, a bold declaration that underscored her confidence in the story’s appeal. Shortly after the announcement, returning and new cast members were revealed, including Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, and Patience Ozokwor, alongside long-time collaborators like Falz and Omowunmi Dada.

The casting process combined established names from the Jenifa series with new faces to add fresh dynamics to the narrative. Funke Akindele reprised her iconic role as Jenifa, while Stan Nze joined the cast as Lobster, Jenifa’s rival. The inclusion of Adedimeji Lateef, and Jackie Appiah brought further star power to the ensemble.

Additionally, Akindele's first on-screen kiss in the film, where her character Jenifa kisses Shege, played by Falz, has sparked discussions among her friends and supporters.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in early 2024, with Nigeria serving as the primary filming location . The production involved a team of 100 cast and crew members. Key scenes were filmed at Amen Estate in Lagos, Nigeria, as well as in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana, to capture the film's diverse settings. The cinematography was led by John Njaga Demps, while Valentine Chukwuma handled the editing. Additionally, the team spent two days filming promotional content for the movie and the music video for Everybody Loves Christmas, a song released ahead of the film's premiere.

Music and score

Main article: Everybody Loves Christmas

Before the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas, Funke Akindele and some cast members released a song titled "Everybody Loves Christmas," a theme song for the film. The five-minute video features several cast members, including Falz, Layi Wasabi, Dbanj, Patience Ozokwor, Chimezie Imo, Tope Tedela, Omotunde Adebowale-David, Bisola Aiyeola, Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada, Juliana Olayode, Nancy Isime, and Waje.

Tolu Obanro, who previously worked on Jenifa's Diary and A Tribe Called Judah, returned to compose the film's score. His work blended contemporary Nigerian sounds with cinematic orchestration, enhancing the emotional and comedic beats of the movie.

Release and distribution

Everybody Loves Jenifa premiered at the Filmhouse Lekki IMAX in Lagos on December 8, 2024, and was theatrically released across Nigeria on December 13, 2024, by Filmone Distribution and Nile Entertainment. Akindele also announced premiere of the film in UK on 20 December 2024, however tickets have all sold out in UK just before the premiere date.

Reception

Box office

Following the release of Everybody Loves Jenifa, the film grossed over ₦40 million on its opening day, setting a new record for the biggest opening day for a Nollywood film with ₦45.2 million. Within its first seven days at the cinemas, the movie earned an ₦355.1 million, solidifying its status as a Nigeria box-office hit. By its second weekend, starting on December 23, 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa had surpassed ₦500 million in total earnings. In just 12 days, the film achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming highest grossing Nigerian films title in revenue.

Critical response

Somi B of Nolly critic gave the film a "" (3.00 out of 5) rating and said" its an interesting but uneven crowd-pleaser, propped up by undeniable star power and scattered moments of charm. Entertaining, yes, but ultimately unsatisfactory as a cohesive cinematic experience. Joseph Jonathan of AfroCritik rated Everybody Loves Jenifa 2.7 out of 5 stars, describing it as "a worthwhile film" as it does not try to rehash the experiences of Jenifa in previous years.. However, he noted that the film suffers from a somewhat convoluted narrative as it attempts to balance two distinct storylines. This approach, he argued, creates more questions than answers. With one part of the story set in Nigeria and the other in Ghana, the film introduces gaps in both narratives, leading to underdeveloped plot points and characters.