Tunde Olaoye, co-director of the blockbuster film Everybody Loves Jenifa, has opened up about his initial doubts when Funke Akindele approached him with plans to revisit the Jenifa franchise.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with QEDNG publisher Olumide Iyanda, Olaoye shared his skepticism, especially considering the character’s extensive history.
Olaoye recalled how the Jenifa journey began in 2008, followed by a sequel in 2010 and the highly successful spin-off TV series Jenifa’s Diary, which premiered in 2015.
As the head writer of the series for its first 10 episodes, Olaoye admitted he felt the character had run its course.
“When she told me she wanted to do something around Jenifa again in 2024, I was a bit skeptical because the reason why I stopped writing and directing the series on television… I felt like we’ve exhausted the character,” he explained.
“Jenifa had been a taxi driver, a business person, a salon staff, and I just felt we’ve milked this character. I needed to breathe, so I left the project and moved on to other things.”
Olaoye shared how Akindele convinced him to take a fresh look at the character, describing the new film as a significant departure from the familiar storyline.
“She said, ‘Let’s see and talk about it.’ Even though it’s the same character, the story is completely different. In Everybody Loves Jenifa, you see drama, romance, action, martial arts — everything. It’s a new take on the character, and Funke’s ability to create something captivating from Jenifa is truly remarkable.”
Reflecting on Funke’s talent, he added, “She is the best actor-character fit I have seen in a long time.”
Released on December 13, 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa has become the highest-grossing Nigerian film of 2024, earning over N1.6 billion domestically.
This achievement follows the success of Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah, which grossed N1.4 billion in 2024.
The new film explores Jenifa’s challenges as she faces a fierce rivalry that threatens her charity work and public image.
The star-studded cast includes Falz, Nancy Isime, Stan Nze, Omowunmi Dada, Layi Wasabi, Patience Ozokwor, Jide Kosoko, Juliana Olayode, Kamo, Tobi Makinde and Funke Akindele herself.
Tunde Olaoye’s impressive directing portfolio includes notable works such as Lugard, Olola Aginju, Fools’ Day, Jenifa’s Diary, Married but Living Single and Awujale (The Biopic).
