Words By – Yemisi Suleiman

Renowned Nollywood actress and producer Funke Akindele is gearing up to captivate audiences once again with a star-studded movie titled A Tribe Called Judah. The highly-anticipated film is slated for release on December 15, 2023.

Funke Akindele, celebrated for her exceptional talent and versatility in the Nigerian entertainment industry, has consistently delivered memorable performances that resonate with audiences far and wide. With A Tribe Called Judah, the actress is set to add another feather to her cap, promising an engaging cinematic experience for fans and movie enthusiasts alike.

The movie, directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy, explores the story of a family of boys who decide to rob a small mall with the help of their mother. However, on getting there, they are faced with armed robbers. A Tribe Called Judah promises to be a riveting tale filled with drama, emotion, and a powerful message.

In a recent statement, Funke Akindele expressed her excitement about the upcoming release, saying, “A Tribe Called Judah is a project that is very dear to my heart. It tells a story that I believe will resonate with people from various walks of life. I’m thrilled to share this cinematic journey with the audience and hope they find it as impactful as we intended it to be.”

The cast of A Tribe Called Judah boasts a lineup of talented actors, including Funke Akindele as Jedidah Judah, Jide Kene Achufusi as Emeka Judah, Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah, Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah, Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah, and Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah. Also joining them are Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Nse Ikpe Etim, Genoveva Umeh, Faithia Williams, Nosa Rex, Greg Ojefua, Ibrahim Yekini, Boma Akpore, Paschaline Alex, Etinosa Idemudia, Juliana Olayode, and Yvonne Jegede, promising a stellar performance that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. 

As the release date approaches, anticipation is building among fans eager to witness Funke Akindele’s latest cinematic creation. With her track record of delivering both critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, A Tribe Called Judah is poised to make a significant impact on the Nigerian film landscape.

Following the grand premiere, A Tribe Called Judah will hit the cinemas nationwide on December 15, 2023. Fans and movie enthusiasts can mark their calendars to enjoy a rollercoaster of emotions, and thought-provoking storytelling. 

A Tribe Called Judah was directed by Adeoluwa Owu and Funke Akindele, and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.

Follow the conversation using the hashtag #ATribeCalledJudah.

Funke Akindele as Jedidah Judah

In the movie A Tribe Called Judah, I embodied the complex role of a woman called Jedidah Judah, who, against societal norms, found herself raising five sons, each from a different man hailing from a different tribes. This singular circumstance served as a catalyst for societal judgment and astonishment.

As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the five sons, now adults, form a tight-knit and loving family unit despite their disparate backgrounds. 

The heart of the story lies in exploring Jedidah’s life, delving into the intricacies of her relationships with her sons and the challenges she faces as a mother navigating complexities. The film examines how Jedidah copes with the unique circumstances that life has dealt her. It unveils the resilience, love, and unbreakable bonds that bind this unconventional family together.

Jide Kene Achufusi as Emeka Judah

Emeka is the epitome of the perfect child—always striving to do good and embodying a moral compass that guides his actions. His unwavering commitment to doing what is right creates a character who stands out amidst the complexities of the narrative. This aspect of his personality, being what some might call a goody-two-shoes, added layers of depth to the character, highlighting the contrast between Emeka’s unwavering goodness and the complexities of the realities that surround him.

Uzee Usman as Adamu Judah

Adamu Judah’s character is cool, calm, and collected. Adamu, with the support of his elder brother Emeka, carries the weight of the family’s financial responsibility on his shoulders. He is also eager to connect with his cultural roots. Despite the challenges life presents, he sports a resilient spirit, He is fearless, loves his mum so much, and will do anything for his brothers. Adamu’s relationship with his mother was a cornerstone of his character, and his love for her knows no bounds. 

Tobi Makinde as Shina Judah

Shina Judah is a street boy. His life was a constant series of misadventures, and he frequently found himself entangled in various predicaments. His reckless behaviour led to numerous arrests, sometimes, reaching points where his mother had to step in and bail him out.  The sacrifices she made reflected the depths of a mother’s love, even in the face of her son’s continuous run-ins with the law.

Olumide Oworu as Ejiro Judah

Ejiro’s character has a simple and endearing personality. Ejiro’s charm lies in his uncomplicated nature. He brings a simplicity that is refreshing,  relatable, and genuine. A significant facet of Ejiro’s character is his identity as a lover boy. Ejiro’s romantic nature influences his relationships, bringing a touch of innocence, sincerity, and comedy to the unfolding narrative.

Timini Egbuson as Pere Judah

Pere has a strong bond with his mother. He is, without a doubt, a devoted mommy’s boy. He is also a mischievous soul, and this trait added a delightful layer to his personality. His pursuit of the finest things in life, coupled with a willingness to go to any lengths to attain them, created a character rich in nuisance.  

Nse Ikpe-Etim as Collette

Collette’s persona is defined by pretense, a facade that conceals a deeper layer of mischief and manipulation. As a manager, she navigates the world with calculated moves, always one step ahead and never revealing her true intentions. This duality in her character created a compelling canvas for exploration and interpretation.

Uzor Arukwe as Oga Chigozie

Oga Chigozie is a wealthy and ruthless entrepreneur whose business dealings leave room for questioning – a controller of men and money! He should not be crossed and he will go to any length to protect what is his.

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