Review: 'A Tribe Called Judah' — a billion-naira blockbuster

Nigeria’s first film to gross $1-million could have used some nips and tucks – but all’s well that ends well.

Wilfred Okiche

Nollywood reached a new highwater mark early this year when A Tribe Called Judah, the latest comedy by superstar Funke Akindele, became the first local film to top one-billion naira at the box office. Only Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had previously managed this feat. Akindele, who co-directs and co-writes her projects, is Nollywood’s most bankable name, as evidenced by the runaway hits Battle on Buka Street (2022) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020).

You know what to expect from a Funke Akindele film: big-hearted takes on lowincome class culture that play well to practically every demographic. Akindele’s star persona – solidified since 2008 when her Jenifa became a runaway hit – has been sharpened to portray characters that are as boisterous as they are relatable.

A Tribe Called Judah is in conversation with Akindele’s previous outings. She leads an ensemble cast, playing Jedidah Judah, a put-upon single mother of five down-on-their-luck adult sons. In a running gag that also works as a marketing tool, all of Jedidah’s five sons are fathered by men from five different tribes. When she develops a chronic ailment, her brood must rally together to find the resources that will keep her alive. If this involves stealing from a crime lord, then so be it.

After a corny but effective introduction, A Tribe Called Judah soon loses pace amid repetitive scenes. There simply isn’t enough engaging material to justify its 134-minute runtime. That said, the film does pick up about halfway in, with a heist sequence that is handled with surprising vigour and efficiency and then powers its way to a rather satisfying climax. Is this rallying enough to make up for the first hour of bloat? The record box office numbers seem to suggest so.

Watch the trailer here.