Actress and filmmaker Wumi Toriola has made history with her latest movie, “Queen Lateefah”, which has become one of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time.
The film has earned ₦350 million in just two months since its release in September, placing it among the top 7 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time.
Reacting to this achievement, Toriola expressed her gratitude on Instagram, writing: “No 7, Queen Lateefah is still waxing strong and shining bright! Grossing 350M and 7th Highest Grossing Nollywood Title of All Time. Big thank you to everyone.”
She also invited fans to join them for brunch and a special screening of Queen Lateefah at Ikeja City Mall.
“Story time. So one of the days I went for cinema runs for Queen Lateefah, the birthday boy had concerns and asked if Queen Lateefah was his sister. I asked him why and he said: “You are always going to see her “. It was then it dawned on me that you, baby 5 after all. His maturity sometimes makes me think he is older. I am grateful to God for the strength to always be a present mother. Thank you all for your wishes; Zion loves you all, and He says thank you, mummies, daddies, uncles, and aunties. He also mentioned that I could collect gifts on his behalf (make nobody drag me out)”.
In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian cinema, Cinemax stands out for its commitment to transforming film distribution.
Cinemax, Founded by visionary entrepreneur Ope Ajayi is leading the charge to deliver quality content to audiences across different platforms.
Through its fully-owned production company, Captain of The Sea Productions Ltd; the company is dedicated to telling compelling African stories, breaking out exciting talent to the forefront of the entertainment industry.
Cinemax emerged at a time when the Nigerian film industry was ripe for innovation.
With a clear mission to bridge the gap between creators and audiences, the company focuses on producing and distributing quality content that resonates with viewers across the nation.
Its strategic approach has redefined how films reach cinemas and ultimately the hearts of movie lovers.
At the core of Cinemax’s philosophy is a deep commitment to supporting local filmmakers. By partnering with a diverse range of creators, including notable actress Wunmi Toriola for her debut film in cinemas Queen Lateefah, Cinemax showcases the richness of Nigerian storytelling.
Queen Lateefah opened with 58m, the highest-grossing opening of a Nigerian film in a non-holiday weekend and hit N100m within 7 days making it one of the fastest to hit N100M+ in 2024.
The film is expected to go on a record-breaking run in cinemas for a minimum of 12 weeks.
In 2023, Cinemax Co-Produced and distributed Ada Omo Daddy, with award-winning actress and producer Mercy Aigbe-Adeoti.
The film went on to become the 3rd highest-grossing Nigerian film in cinemas. Other notable films distributed by Cinemax, include Biodun Stephen’s Sista, Hotel Labamba, and Yemi ‘filmboy’ Morafas’ Silence.
With an eye on the future, Cinemax aims to position Nigerian films on the global stage.
Speaking with Ope Ajayi, he envisions Nigerian stories consistently captivating audiences on a global stage with the depth and diversity of the country’s cinematic talent.
This ambition drives Cinemax to explore international partnerships and distribution opportunities, further amplifying its impact.
He also spoke extensively about the upcoming December blockbuster title, ‘Thinline’ by Mercy Aigbe, a slate of 2025 titles and collaborations to be announced in the coming weeks.
Movie star Wumi Toriola has expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans and supporters as her cinema debut, “Queen Lateefah,” achieves remarkable success, earning N57.7 million on its opening weekend.
This impressive feat sets two significant records: the highest Nollywood opening weekend for a non-holiday weekend and the highest-ever Nollywood opening weekend by an independent distributor.
Wumi wrote on her Instagram page: “Grateful beyond words. Queen Lateefah just hit 57.7m on its opening weekend! Thank you all for the love and support. Don’t miss out on this wonderful journey, grab your tickets now and join the adventure.”
Actress and filmmaker, Wumi Toriola, has shared her personal story of resilience and determination, revealing the scars from a recent accident that nearly derailed her cinema debut, “Queen Lateefah.”
Just two days before filming began, Toriola said she suffered a severe slip in her room, leaving her with injured hands and legs, and broken knees.
She said her nanny was away on break and her young son was screaming in distress which made her draw upon inner strength to overcome the pain.
According to her, her passion for “Queen Lateefah” drove her forward, and with medical attention, she resumed filming, hiding her scars under band-aids.
She wrote on Instagram: “Good morning lovers, happy Sunday to you all..I have the nudge to share my little “scar story. I was ready for my cinema debut “Queen Lateefah.
The costumier was ready, the team was ready and just two days to shoot, I had this heavy slip in my room, I fell so heavy. I was just with my son, my Nanny had gone for a break and I couldn’t stand, my little boy was screaming but I was so strong at heart. At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to stand, but somehow “the dream of so many years, my Quest of having this movie “Queen Lateefah shot was my motivation.
“The strength came with so much pain, I broke my knees too and I didn’t know how I would resume the location. But after a hospital visit, with so much pain, I got better, I couldn’t walk well. We resumed location as everything was already put together for the said date, my hands were still bleeding under the band-aid. I couldn’t afford to bleed inside by not bringing a story to life.
I went all out, the costumier had to run to and fro to look for a way my scar wouldn’t show as it was still very fresh. But through it all, I learnt that “A scar is a sign of Strength, Just so you know, A STAR, not a SCAR.
“In the quiet corners of our world, the most profound stories of resilience are being written. Every scar has a story, and every story is a testament to our ability to heal, adapt,
“My Cinema Debut “Queen Lateefah is still showing in all cinemas nationwide. Grab a ticket. I promise you will love it.”
Actress Wumi Toriola, has achieved a significant milestone on YouTube, hitting 100,000 subscribers on her channel.
Toriola took to her Instagram page to express delight and gratitude to fans, declaring the day “monumental” for her and her team.
She emphasised the strong connection she has built with her subscribers and millions of viewers across the country, attributing her growth to their support and engagement.
The filmmaker thanked her fans for their loyalty and reaffirmed her commitment to continued growth and content creation.
She wrote: “Caught my stride on YouTube. 100k subscribers!!!.
“I am absolutely delighted to have reached one hundred thousand subscribers on my YouTube channel – A massive milestone for us! Today is a monumental day for us @wumitoriolatv. It is A great experience, and I am so grateful for your support.
“I’m truly humbled by your support, and every like, share, and comment you make brings us one step closer to growth.
“This reflects the strong connection we have built with our subscribers and millions of viewers across the country in the last one year, and we reaffirm our commitment to growing together.
“We are ecstatic that we finally made it to this milestone. Thank you so much, everyone; this truly means so much to us.
Let’s do more!”
With 100,000 subscribers, Toriola’s channel can potentially earn significant revenue from sales, brand sponsorships, and other income streams.
Actress Wumi Toriola has paid tribute to her colleague Iyabo Ojo, celebrating her strength, resilience, and achievements in the industry.
Wumi Toriola took to social media to honour Iyabo Ojo, describing her as a “symbol of resilience” and a “queen” who has graced the screens with her talent and dedication.
She praised Iyabo’s ability to lift and build others, her loving and supportive nature, and her unwavering commitment to her craft.
“#WCW a symbol of resilience @iyaboojofespris. The world needs strong women like you. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. You are clothed in strength and dignity.
“A woman who wears so many crowns. Always on the right side of history. A QUEEN! A woman with good intentions but highly misconstrued, supportive, loving, and never judging.
“You’ve graced our screens for decades and at this very point, you still make it worth it. May God continue to strengthen you. May your light continue to shine bright.
She wrote: “It’s officially a wrap on set of my newest biggest effort , Queen Lateefah. Thank you faithful God, gratitude.
“A big thank you to the cast /and crew on this great project … To my director @captaindegzy thanks for working tirelessly to make the production of the movie “Queen Lateefah” seamless, I say thank you!!!! Queen Lateefah is coming to a cinema near you. Undoubtedly one of the best movies for 2024.
Can’t wait for you all to see this beautiful movie. You’ll love it.”
The movie, Queen Lateefah, features Kunle Remind, Nancy Isime, Madam Saje, Wumi Toriola among others.
Actress Habibat Jinad has returned the apology of colleague, Wumi Toriola for their five-year beef over an unknown course.
Hours ago, Wumi publicly apologised to her friend, Habibat, after five years of being apart without a specific reason.
She shared a beautiful photo of Habibat Jinad while pondering why they stopped interacting for five years.
Wumi confessed to always taking a peep at Jinad’s Instagram page just to see her new born, Okikiola.
Reacting, Habibat stated that she saw Wumi following her days back on Instagram and couldn’t withhold not following her back.
Expressing happiness over the reconciliation, she stated she prayed to God to celebrate her 40th birthday in peace with everyone, which she said has been answered.
Habibat noted how they aren’t getting younger, and they all need love, peace and unity.
“Let me quickly drop this here, @wumitoriola and I have not been talking for the past 5 years; if you ask us what happened, we don’t know.
“To cut the long story short, I saw her following me today on Instagram, and I was surprised. And I had to follow back and send her a DM, and she responded.
“Although I’ve prayed to Almighty God that I want to celebrate my 40th birthday in peace with everyone, and God answers prayers.
“We are not getting younger anymore. We all need peace, love and unity within us all. Much love, @wumitoriola”.
