The Nigerian movie industry has expanded worldwide, with numerous homemade films being streamed globally.
This growth has not only showcased the rich stories and talents of Nollywood but also placed it on the international cinema stage, drawing audiences from different cultures and backgrounds to appreciate its unique narrative style.
The roles of movie directors cannot be denied because they use their creativity and skills to make these movies come alive.
Meet Nigeria’s richest movie directors:
Funke Akindele – N2 billion
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele is a standout in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, excelling as an actress, director, producer, and politician. She is the highest-grossing Nigerian director, with her films collectively earning over N2.9 billion. Her first film as a director, ‘Your Excellency’ (2019), was a major success, earning N160 million.
Akindele’s top films include ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, ‘Battle on Buka Street’, and ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’, making her one of the richest directors with assets like a UK home, a mansion in Lagos, and luxury cars including a Jeep and a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Niyi Akinmolayan – N1 billion
A versatile filmmaker, Niyi Akinmolayan has directed some of Nigeria’s top-grossing films like ‘The Wedding Party 2’ and ‘Chief Daddy’. His work spans several film genres and has been showcased internationally, including at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Kayode Kasum – N760 million
Kayode Kasum began his career as a motion graphics designer before directing Nigeria’s first live-action animation film, ‘Dognapped’. His notable films include ‘Oga Bolaji’, ‘Sugar Rush’, and ‘Fate of Alakada’. Kasum is a prominent figure in Nollywood, directing significant projects for series like ‘Unbroken’ and ‘Riona’.
Kemi Adetiba – N680 million
Starting in radio and transitioning to TV, Kemi Adetiba became famous on channels like MTV Base and Channel O. Her directorial debut, ‘The Wedding Party’, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was followed by ‘King of Boys’, which was highly successful at the box office.
Robert O Peters – N610 million
Robert O. Peters is known for his work as a producer, director, cinematographer, actor, and voice-over artist. He directed ’30 Days in Atlanta’ and other successful projects like ‘Shades of Attractions’ and ‘A Trip to Jamaica’. He began his career in acting and has made substantial contributions to both Nollywood and Hollywood.
Moses Inwang – N500 million
Moses Inwang tackles social issues in his films, addressing topics like female circumcision and domestic violence. His notable films include ‘Torn’, ‘Merry Men 2‘, and ‘Alter Ego’, establishing him as a key player in the industry.
Biodun Stephen – N440 million
Known for romantic dramas and comedies, Biodun Stephen started with ‘The Visit’, earning significant acclaim. Her films like ‘Picture Perfect’ have been praised for their storytelling and direction, making her a prominent director in Nollywood.
Tope Adebayo – N398 million
Son of renowned actor Adebayo Salami, Tope Adebayo has made his mark as an actor, producer, lawyer, and director. Notable for his work in films like ‘Kinni Igbeyawo’ and ‘King of Thieves’, his contributions have greatly added to his earnings and reputation in the industry.
Adebayo Tijani – N278.50 million
Adebayo Tijani, a renowned figure in Yoruba cinema, is celebrated as both an actor and a filmmaker. Known for his directorial works including “The New Patriots” (2021), “Iwa Pele” (2006), and “Igbeyin Ewuro” (2009), he originates from Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, born in 1975.
He leads two highest grossing movies; King of thieves and Ijakumo, which gathered all together a total of N424m.
Kunle Afolayan – N245.64 million
Kunle Afolayan, a Nigerian actor, producer, and director, is widely recognized for his significant contributions to elevating the quality standards of Nollywood movies. Renowned for his use of larger budgets, shooting on 35mm film, and releasing films in cinemas, Afolayan is celebrated for revitalizing traditional Nollywood storylines.
His newly project, Anikulapo: Rise of The Spectre is primed for a global and exclusive release on Netflix come March 1, 2024. His net worth is said to be N245.64 million.
