Nigeria: Queen Lateefah, Farmer’s Bride Achieve Impressive N95.3m in Opening Weekend

Nollywood has continued to exhibit strong box-office performance with the successful launches of Queen Lateefah and Farmer’s Bride, which together grossed N95.3 million during their opening weekend.

Released on September 27, 2024, the two films dominated the Nigerian cinema landscape and achieved significant milestones.

A prominent Nollywood actress, Wumi Toriola, marked her directorial debut with Queen Lateefah, which topped the box office with earnings of N58 million.

The independently distributed film has achieved the highest weekend box-office gross for a Nollywood title not associated with a holiday, marking a significant milestone for both Toriola and the film’s backers.

The storyline of ‘Queen Lateefah’ revolves around Lateefah Adeleke, a 30-year-old businesswoman with dreams of grandeur and high-society status.

Her illusion of success is shattered when she meets Jide Rhodes, a 35-year-old businessman, who gradually exposes her facade. It becomes clear that Lateefah is not the sophisticated globetrotter she presents herself to be.

Raised in poverty by an illiterate mother, her current life in a dilapidated building surrounded by eccentric neighbors starkly contrasts with the image she projects to the world. Her talent for deception, combined with her glamorous appearance, drives much of the film’s intrigue.

Co-produced by Wumi Toriola Productions and Captain of the Sea Productions, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Kunle Remi, Femi Adebayo, Nancy Isime, and two-time African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award winner Broda Shaggi.

In related news, ‘Farmer’s Bride’ also enjoyed significant success, earning N37.3 million in its opening weekend. Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the film was praised for its strong box-office performance, with the distributor releasing an official statement celebrating the record-breaking figures.