Amidst Nigeria’s dynamic and evolving film industry (Nollywood), a select group of actors emerged as true box office champions in 2023, grossing an estimated N2.939 billion from blockbuster hits like ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, ‘Malaika’, ‘Afamefuna’, and ‘Merry Men 3’ among others.
According to data from Comscore and FilmOne, these celebrities have captivated audiences and shattered records, cementing their status as the industry’s highest-grossing stars in 2023.
While notable actors like Femi Adebayo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Wale Ojo of ‘Breath of Life’ fame, and Bolanle Ninalowo did not make the list, actors such as Emeka Ike, Odunlade Adekola, and Charles Okafor were among the top 10 highest-grossing Nollywood actors for the year in review.
Unveiling Nollywood’s Elite Earners:
Leading the pack is Timini Egbuson, who amassed an impressive N1.098 billion in box office earnings.
Egbuson’s remarkable performance in various roles has earned him the top spot among his peers.
Following closely is Jide Kene, whose captivating performances brought in a remarkable N799 million in revenue.
Stan Nze follows with N166 million, showcasing his strong presence in the industry.
The veteran actor Ramson Nouah, known for his versatility, earned N151 million, while Kunle Remi garnered N148 million. Emeka Ike, making a significant comeback, grossed N144 million.
Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, earned N137 million, continuing his successful streak in comedy and drama.
Deyemi Okanlawon brought in N130 million, further solidifying his status as a leading man in Nollywood.
Odunlade Adekola, a consistent favorite among fans, grossed N128 million, and Charles Okafor rounded out the list with N126 million.
Top 10 Highest-Grossing Nollywood Actors for 2023:
Timini Egbuson – N1.098 billion
Jide Kene – N799 million
Stan Nze – N166 million
Ramson Nouah – N151 million
Kunle Remi – N148 million
Emeka Ike – N144 million
Ayo Makun – N137 million
Deyemi Okanlawon – N130 million
Odunlade Adekola – N128 million
Charles Okafor – N126 million
A Year of Milestones
This year’s list underscores the evolving dynamics of Nollywood, where a blend of veteran talent and emerging stars has propelled the industry to new heights.
The impressive box office numbers reflect the growing popularity and global reach of Nigerian films.
Timini Egbuson’s ascent to the top of the list marks a significant milestone in his career. His ability to draw audiences across diverse genres has solidified his position as a leading figure in Nollywood.
Similarly, Jide Kene’s remarkable earnings highlight his versatility and broad appeal. The consistent performance of established actors like Ramson Nouah and the resurgence of Emeka Ike demonstrate the enduring appeal of seasoned talent in the industry.
