Tunde Olaoye, co-director of the blockbuster film Everybody Loves Jenifa, has praised Bisola Aiyeola’s performance in the movie, describing it as exceptional.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with QEDNG publisher Olumide Iyanda, Olaoye commended Bisola’s portrayal of Madam Bassey, a passionate women’s rights advocate who helps Jenifa confront Lobster’s abuse.
“Bisola has always been a fantastic actor, no doubt. She absolutely killed it in Everybody Loves Jenifa. She brought her A-game to the show, it was really impressive,” he said.
Olaoye also reflected on his initial hesitation when Funke Akindele approached him with the idea of revisiting the Jenifa franchise.
Having worked on the original Jenifa in 2008, its sequel in 2010 and the hugely successful Jenifa’s Diary series that premiered in 2015, he felt the character had run its course.
However, Funke convinced him to take a fresh perspective. “She said, ‘Let’s see and talk about it.’ Even though it’s the same character, the story is completely different.
“Everybody Loves Jenifa has drama, romance, action, even martial arts—everything. Funke’s ability to reinvent Jenifa is remarkable.”
Released on December 13, 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa has become the highest-grossing Nigerian film of the year, earning over N1.6 billion at the domestic box office.
