A Tribe Called Judah


A Tribe Called Judah is a 2023 Nigerian film produced by Funke Akindele and starring Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Jide Kene Achufusi, Uzee Usman, Tobi Makinde Olumide Oworu, Genoveva Umeh, Nse Ikpe Etim, Juliana Olayode, Uzor Arukwe, Fathia Balogun, Yvonne Jegede, Greg 'Teddy Bear' Ojefua and many others. The film was released to cinemas nationwide on December 15, 2023. Akindele has said the film is dedicated to her late mother and draws partially from her mother's life.

Synopsis

A Tribe Called Judah tells the story of a single mother, Jedidah Judah, who has five sons from five different fathers from five different tribes. The first two sons are responsible and try their best to work and support their mother. Meanwhile, the last three are less helpful: Pere is a chronic pickpocket, Shina is a hoodlum and tout in the community; and the last, Ejiro, is naughty and only cares about his girlfriend, Testimony. Despite their bad behavior, Jedidah continues to support them and get them out of trouble.
Things take a turn for the worse when Jedidah develops a chronic kidney disease, needing ₦18 million to fund her operation and ₦400,000 weekly for her dialysis. The first son, Emeka, loses his job, and the five sons see no other option than to rob Emeka's ex-boss, who is rumored to be a money launderer, to get the money to save their mother's life. However, their plans took a dramatic turn when they encountered armed robbers at the scene. The eldest son ended up losing his life to the operation, making him a sacrificial lamb for their mother's health.

Selected cast

Production and release

Following the release of A Tribe Called Judah to cinemas on December 15, 2023, the film became the first Nollywood film to gross over ₦113 million in its opening weekend. The film became the first Nollywood movie to hit 1 billion naira at the box office. It is currently the second highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time.