Celebrating Nollywood’s Highest-Grossing Cinematographers of 2024
As Nollywood continues to solidify its place on the global cinematic stage, the incredible work of its cinematographers plays a pivotal role in driving the industry’s commercial success. In 2024, Nollywood’s top nine cinematographers delivered an astounding ₦3.38 billion in box office earnings, contributing significantly to the industry’s growing value and global recognition.
With 73 Nollywood films released in 106 cinemas, these visual experts played a crucial role in generating 46% of Nigeria’s total box office revenue of ₦11.58 billion, as reported by Filmone Entertainment. Their artistry helped propel 15 films to gross over ₦100 million each, demonstrating the immense impact of exceptional cinematography on a film’s financial success.
As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint, these cinematographers are crucial in enhancing the value chain of an industry now estimated at $6.4 billion. Despite Hollywood’s dominance of the Nigerian box office, these cinematographers are pushing Nollywood toward global visual standards. Let’s take a closer look at the highest-grossing cinematographers of 2024.
9. Adekunle Adejuigbe (Nodash)
- Film: Wives on Strike: The Uprising
- Gross: ₦127 million
Adekunle Adejuigbe, also known as Nodash, is a respected cinematographer and filmmaker. His visuals in Wives on Strike: The Uprising, part of Omoni Oboli’s popular franchise, contributed to a solid ₦127 million gross. Nodash is also the MD/CEO of Something Unusual Studios and leads The Elite Film Team (T.E.F.T), striving to elevate Nigerian filmmaking to international standards. As a FESPACO jury member, he represents Nollywood on the global stage.
8. Barnabas Emodi
- Films: The Betrayed, When Love Strikes, A Night in 2005
- Gross: ₦149 million
Barnabas “Barny” Emodi has established himself as one of Nollywood’s top cinematographers with his work on The Betrayed, When Love Strikes, and A Night in 2005, grossing ₦149 million. Emodi, an AMVCA nominee, has worked on several notable films, including Elevator Baby and Superstar. His international work includes contributing to Netflix’s Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis, demonstrating his global reach.
7. Lance Gewer
- Film: Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti
- Gross: ₦157 million
South African cinematographer Lance Gewer brought over 28 years of experience to Nollywood with Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti. The biopic grossed ₦157 million before its premiere on Amazon Prime. Gewer’s previous work includes the Oscar-winning Tsotsi, as well as Otelo Burning and Beat the Drum, showing his ability to blend international and local cinematic excellence.
6. Ifeme C.S.
- Films: All’s Fair in Love, Move Like a Boss
- Gross: ₦158 million
Ifeme Chidiebere Samuel transitioned from photography to filmmaking, and his keen eye for detail has paid off. His cinematography in All’s Fair in Love and Move Like a Boss helped the films gross ₦158 million. Ifeme’s work spans music videos for top artists, and his visuals continue to set new aesthetic standards in Nollywood filmmaking.
5. Sanjo Adegoke
- Film: Lakatabu
- Gross: ₦202 million
Sanjo Adegoke’s innovative approach to cinematography and visual effects helped Lakatabu gross ₦202 million. A nominee for Best Editor at the 2023 AMVCAs, Adegoke continues to push the boundaries of Nigerian cinema, blending technical prowess with creative vision to elevate Nollywood’s visual narrative.
4. Emmanuel Oputa
- Film: The Waiter
- Gross: ₦189 million
Emmanuel Oputa’s rapid rise in Nollywood is marked by his exceptional work on The Waiter, which grossed ₦189 million, crossing ₦300 million by early 2025. Oputa’s versatile portfolio spans feature films, TV shows, and documentaries, and his contributions continue to set new benchmarks for visual storytelling in Nollywood.
3. Idowu Adedapo
- Films: Beast of Two Worlds, Alakada Bad & Boujee
- Gross: ₦483 million
Idowu Adedapo’s exceptional cinematography contributed to the success of Beast of Two Worlds and Alakada Bad & Boujee, which together grossed ₦483 million in 2024. With credits in major hits like Blood Sisters and Oloture, Adedapo’s work is shaping the future of modern Nigerian cinema.
2. Emmanuel Igbekele
- Films: Queen Lateefah, Ajosepo, Farmer’s Bride
- Gross: ₦790 million
Emmanuel Igbekele’s remarkable artistry elevated Queen Lateefah, Ajosepo, and Farmer’s Bride, grossing a combined total of ₦790 million. With a background in both feature films and documentaries, Igbekele has become a master of cinematic visuals, cementing his place as one of Nollywood’s leading cinematographers.
1. John Demps
- Film: Everybody Loves Jenifa
- Gross: ₦1.125 billion
At the top of the list is John Demps, whose work on Everybody Loves Jenifa grossed an extraordinary ₦1.125 billion. Demps, who began his career in Hollywood, has brought global cinematic expertise to Nollywood, contributing to hits like Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and The Trade. His innovative techniques and ability to blend Hollywood skills with Nigerian storytelling have revolutionized Nollywood’s visual landscape.
These top cinematographers are not just technicians—they are visionary artists whose contributions continue to shape Nollywood’s cinematic journey. Their work enhances storytelling, strengthens the industry’s international appeal, and proves that Nollywood is a global cinematic force to reckon with.
