Nigeria’s Elite: Top 10 Actors Rake in Nearly N3 Billion in 2023

In 2023, Nigeria’s film industry witnessed a significant financial milestone as its top-grossing actors collectively earned nearly N3 billion from their roles in various films, according to a comprehensive report.

This data, meticulously compiled by FilmOneng, an esteemed Nigerian entertainment company dedicated to film content production and distribution, offers an insightful breakdown of the individual earnings of each actor. Nairametrics, in its analysis, meticulously aggregated this data, shedding light on the impressive cumulative earnings of these actors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, amounting to a remarkable N2.93 billion. This figure underscores the profound financial impact of their invaluable contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

These esteemed actors prominently featured in some of the highest-grossing movies of 2023, showcasing their exceptional talent to captivate audiences and drive substantial box office success. Whether in lead roles or as pivotal supporting characters, their performances resonated deeply with viewers, thereby solidifying their stature as quintessential icons of Nigerian cinema.

Let’s delve into the detailed breakdown of the top earners:

1. Timini Egbuson – N1 billion: Timini Egbuson emerged as Nollywood’s top-grossing actor in 2023, amassing a staggering N1 billion in earnings. The 36-year-old actor’s journey commenced in 2010 with a role on M-Net Nigeria’s soap opera, “Tinsel,” catapulting him to fame. His portrayal of Tobi in the movie “Shuga” further solidified his acclaim and propelled him to stardom. Featuring in nine Nollywood films in 2023, including “A Tribe Called Judah,” “The Kujus Again,” “Big Love,” “Honey Money,” “Something Like Gold,” “Unforgivable,” “The Bloom Boys,” “The Modern Woman,” and “Maniac,” Egbuson’s prolific career and diverse roles underscore his remarkable success in the industry.
2. Jide Kene – N799 million: Jide Kene Achufusi’s journey to stardom commenced with his breakout role as Nnamdi Okeke in 2019’s “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,” earning him acclaim and accolades, including a Best Actor nomination and a Trailblazer award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2020. In 2023, his stellar presence in significant projects such as “A Tribe Called Judah” and “Ifediche” propelled his earnings to an impressive N799 million for the year.
3. Stan Nze – N166 million: Stan Nze’s illustrious career trajectory epitomizes versatility and dedication. His breakout role in the 2020 remake of “Rattlesnake” garnered critical acclaim, culminating in a 2022 AMVCA Award for Best Actor in Drama. In 2023, his remarkable roles in projects such as “Domitila,” “Afamefuna,” and “A Weekend to Remember” contributed to a gross of N166 million, showcasing his significant impact on Nigerian cinema.
4. Ramsey Nouah – N151 million: At 53 years old, Ramsey Nouah has traversed the different phases of the Nollywood industry with unparalleled grace and expertise. His directorial debut with “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free” and subsequent roles in 2023 projects further solidify his status as a leading figure in Nollywood.
5. Kunle Remi – N149 million: Kunle Remi’s impressive gross earnings of N149 million in 2023 were propelled by his appearances in various films such as “Praise Party,” “The Kujus Again,” “Love and Lust and Other Things,” and “Something Like Gold.” A model, host, and actor, Remi effortlessly brings charm and charisma to the screen, evident in his appearances across multiple projects, including the Netflix production “Anikulapo.”
6. Emeka Ike – N144 million: Emeka Ike, an industry veteran, continues to command attention with his nuanced performances. His portrayal in “Malaika” in 2023 adds another feather to his cap, showcasing his enduring relevance and impact in Nollywood.
7. Ayo Makun – N137 million: Ayo Makun, widely known as A.Y., showcased his comedic genius in 2023, accumulating an impressive gross of N137 million. Renowned for his directorial prowess and acting talents, Makun’s comedic flair has left an indelible mark on Nigerian entertainment. His roles in “30 Days in Atlanta,” “Merry Men 3,” and “Almajiri” have consistently captivated audiences, establishing him as an indispensable figure in the industry.
8. Deyemi Okanlawon – N130 million: Deyemi Okanlawon’s luminous star continued to ascend in 2023, as evidenced by his remarkable gross earnings of N130 million. With notable appearances in blockbuster films such as “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” “Blood Sisters,” and “King of Boys: The Return of the King,” Okanlawon’s journey from his humble debut in “ZR-7” to his current status as one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing actors underscores his exceptional versatility and enduring appeal.
9. Odunlade Adekola – N128 million: A prominent figure in Yoruba cinema, Odunlade Adekola showcased his exceptional prowess in the Nigerian film industry with a noteworthy gross of N128 million from his role in the acclaimed Nollywood film “Orisa.” This film, which garnered an impressive N127 million, further solidified Adekola’s reputation for delivering captivating performances and his multifaceted contributions beyond acting, including his directorial endeavors.
10. Charles Okafor – N126 million: Charles Okafor’s meteoric rise to becoming one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing actors in 2023 can be largely attributed to his stellar performance in Mercy Aigbe’s cinematic masterpiece, “Ada Omo Daddy.” The film, which struck a chord with audiences, amassed a staggering N218 million at the box office, showcasing Okafor’s undeniable talent and appeal.