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Funke Akindele’s box office record, other entertainment highlights this week

As the year begins, the entertainment industry is already bubbling with achievements and celebrations.

• January 7, 2024
FUNKE AKINDELE
FUNKE AKINDELE(Credit: Businessday NG)

As the year begins, the entertainment industry is already bubbling with achievements and celebrations. In case you missed all the fun this week, here are the highlights.

Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ tops box office

In a significant achievement for Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, her latest movie, “A Tribe Called Judah”, has made history by becoming the first to gross ₦1 billion at the box office. 

The movie hit the cinema on December 15.

Its distributor, Filmoneng, said via their Instagram page that the accomplishment goes beyond figures and reflects the “impact of storytelling, cultural pride, and the unyielding spirit of Nollywood.”

The actress, who also emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood director of all time, appreciated her fans in an Instagram post, saying, “Thank you Lord!!! Thank you, Nigeria!! Thank you, Ghana!!”

Among those that congratulated the ace actress were President Bola Tinubu and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi.

Halle Bailey and DDG welcome first child 

American Musician and actress Halle Bailey welcomed her first child with her rapper boyfriend DDG.

The actress took to her Instagram page on Sunday to announce the birth of her baby boy named Halo. 

“Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me was bring me my son.. welcome to the world, my halo,” she said. 

The ‘Little Mermaid’ star was rumoured to have been pregnant in 2023 but never said anything about it until after her child’s birth.

Commenting, DDG wrote, “Super Mom ❤️❤️❤️

Also, rapper Nicki Minaj wrote, “Welcome to earth, Halo, we’ve been expecting you, congrats mama!”

The Black  Entertainment Television Awards, known as BET, also congratulated the couple by saying, “Thanks for letting us be a part of your World, welcome Halo. Congrats Mom and Dad.”

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