Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has just set a new benchmark in the Nigerian film industry. Her latest film, Queen Lateefah, has taken the box office by storm, grossing an impressive 350 million Naira in just two months. This success has propelled the film into the list of the top 7 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time.
Since its release in September, Queen Lateefah has outperformed Malaika, a hit film by actress Toyin Abraham, which previously held the record with a box office earnings of 302 million Naira. The remarkable success of Toriola’s movie has now placed her firmly among the biggest names in Nollywood.
In a celebratory post on social media, Toriola expressed her gratitude to her fans for their overwhelming support. “No 7 oooooooooooo. Queen Lateefah still waxing strong and shining bright! Grossing 350M and 7th Highest Grossing Nollywood Title of All Time. Big thank you to everyone who has seen this masterpiece,” she wrote, clearly elated by the milestone.
The film’s success has sparked widespread celebration across social media, with fans and industry colleagues praising Toriola for her remarkable achievement. One fan, Jidegoldalaga, took to Instagram to reflect on Toriola’s earlier ambitions, recalling a comment she made on Funke Akindele’s page about reaching 500 million Naira at the box office. “See now, she’s approaching that figure, insha Allah,” he said.
Others have followed suit, congratulating Toriola on her achievement. Habeebalagbe, another fan, expressed his excitement, saying, “7th highest-grossing Nollywood of all time. Wow, congratulations, beautiful.”
Toriola’s fans have been vocal in their support, with many acknowledging her dedication to her craft and her humble nature. Ayosojumiadeniyi praised her for both her work ethic and her humility. “WE LOVE YOU!!! You are a smart moviemaker!!! Beyond that, you are full of honor. You recognize the impact of those that have gone before you, so why will you not join the winning league? This is just the beginning o. Brace up!!! More wins, QL,” Ayosojumiadeniyi wrote.
The success of Queen Lateefah is not just a personal triumph for Toriola but also a significant moment for Nollywood as a whole. With the film’s earnings now sitting comfortably in the top 7 highest-grossing Nigerian films, it is well on its way to challenging the records set by other Nollywood heavyweights like Funke Akindele. Akindele’s films A Tribe Called Judah, Battle On Buka Street, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga have all previously dominated the box office.
With the trajectory of Queen Lateefah looking so promising, many are eager to see whether Toriola’s film will reach the 500 million Naira mark, a goal she had set for herself in the past. Industry experts believe that the film has the potential to break even more records and could even outpace some of the biggest blockbusters in Nollywood history.
The box office success of Queen Lateefah also highlights the growing influence of female filmmakers in Nollywood. Toriola, known for her impressive acting skills, has increasingly made her mark behind the camera as well, and her rise as a producer and director showcases the evolution of the industry.
While Toriola’s success is well-deserved, it also reflects a broader trend in Nollywood’s continued growth and influence. With films like Queen Lateefah making waves both locally and internationally, Nigerian cinema is solidifying its place as one of the most prominent entertainment industries on the African continent.
Toriola’s achievement has also sparked conversations about the future of Nollywood and what lies ahead for other emerging filmmakers. The Nigerian film industry has always been a dynamic space, and with the continued rise of stars like Toriola, the competition for box office dominance is bound to become even fiercer.
