Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Entertainment

  • Drake Spotted at NBA Game with Rumored New Jewelry Collection

    Drake Spotted at NBA Game with Rumored New Jewelry Collection

    0Drake was spotted courtside at a Lakers game wearing a striking new chain that insiders say is tied to an upcoming jewelry collaboration with a renowned designer.

    His courtside presence also sparked chatter about wider sports-media ambitions after he was seen in conversation with LeBron James, adding fuel to business-rumor cycles.

    TMZ and Hypebeast have echoed the jewelry buzz and the luxury-accessories angle around the sighting.

    Echotitbits take: Drake remains the master of headline-by-appearance. Big “ice” moments often precede bigger brand announcements, and the sports + luxury crossover keeps him planted at the center of pop culture’s attention economy.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/insaneluxurylife/posts/drake-attended-the-latest-raptors-nba-game-wearing-his-ultra-rare-out-of-catalog/1361797505604380/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (2026-01-30)

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Asake Teases New Cinematic Music Video Featuring Nollywood Veterans

    Asake Teases New Cinematic Music Video Featuring Nollywood Veterans

    Asake has shared a teaser hinting at a high-budget, cinematic music video for his next release—complete with cameo appearances from Nollywood veterans.

    The concept appears to nod to classic Nigerian action-film aesthetics, expanding Asake’s signature visual language that blends street culture with stylized storytelling.

    The Guardian Nigeria and Netng have both noted the cultural weight of blending Afrobeats visuals with Nollywood legacy talent.

    Echotitbits take: This is audience-retention strategy at its best. By tapping Nollywood’s deep cultural memory, Asake is building visual legacy—not just hits—so the music lives longer in an era of fast, disposable content.

    Source: AfroBeating – https://afrobeating.com/asake-releases-new-music-video/ (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: AfroBeating

  • Rema Sells Out Arena in Japan, Continuing Global Dominance

    Rema Sells Out Arena in Japan, Continuing Global Dominance

    Rema has sold out his first arena show in Tokyo, underlining the growing reach of his “Afrorave” sound across Asia.

    Reports describe a high-tech stage setup and a setlist balancing major hits with experimental moments—an approach that has helped him connect globally without flattening his identity.

    The Sun Nigeria and Rolling Stone have both referenced the milestone as a key marker for African music exports.

    Echotitbits take: By winning in Asia, Rema is diversifying Afrobeats revenue beyond the usual US/UK lanes. If more artists follow, the industry’s touring and licensing economics could become far more resilient and truly global.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/remas-heis-world-tour-eyes-350000-attendees-across-global-venues/ (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Kanye West Sparks Controversy with Unannounced Pop-Up in Milan

    Kanye West Sparks Controversy with Unannounced Pop-Up in Milan

    Kanye West (Ye) triggered chaos in Milan after staging an unannounced pop-up during Milan Fashion Week, drawing huge crowds and reportedly blocking streets.

    The display centered on an “architectural” clothing concept, but attendees say no items were available for purchase, and authorities eventually stepped in over crowd control concerns.

    WWD and The Cut have both noted how the disruption pulled attention away from official runway programming.

    Echotitbits take: Ye remains a chaos-first marketer—building his own spotlight outside the traditional calendar. The tactics are divisive, but the turnout reinforces a reality: his influence still converts attention into mass movement.

    Source: Yahoo – https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kanye-west-hope-music-comeback-221511744.html (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: Yahoo

  • Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Premium Times reports that Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested over alleged involvement in a propaganda scheme linked to the foiled coup plot.

    Investigators reportedly allege he was recruited to help manage public messaging after a planned assassination of top government officials, as part of a wider sweep of civilian collaborators.

    Daily Post and Leadership also reported reactions, including calls for due process and concerns about the use of cultural influencers in political subversion.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare instance where a creative-industry figure is publicly tied to a treason-related investigation. It underscores how governments increasingly treat narrative control as a national-security vector. Expect heightened scrutiny of politically themed productions, funding flows, and influencer networks.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has lauded Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele for a record-breaking box office performance reportedly surpassing N2 billion. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy described the feat as a benchmark for the creative economy and a signal of Nollywood’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to GDP.

    Officials said the recognition reflects growing interest in positioning the creative sector as a serious economic pillar. Plans were also referenced around institutional support through a Creative Economy Fund, aimed at enabling larger-scale productions and industry financing.

    Vanguard corroborated the commendation and quoted the minister praising Nigerian stories as commercially powerful, while The Punch amplified the milestone as a historic Nollywood commercial height in a single theatrical run.

    Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has evolved from superstar to commercial institution. This N2bn signal is exactly what investors look for—expect more private equity-style financing structures, distribution partnerships, and higher-stakes marketing plays across Nollywood.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-hails-funke-akindele-on-box-office-record/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • “Why only me?” Phyna fumes after she’s reportedly stopped at Imisi’s birthday gate

    “Why only me?” Phyna fumes after she’s reportedly stopped at Imisi’s birthday gate

    According to Legit.ng, BBNaija star Phyna claimed she was denied entry at Imisi’s birthday party because organisers wanted her to stop livestreaming—triggering a heated reaction that quickly became its own viral clip. The drama took off because it plays into a familiar party-politics storyline: “rules for some people, special treatment for others,” especially when streaming and clout are involved.

    Echotitbits take: This is the collision of event control and influencer behavior. Watch for: (1) more gate clips, (2) Imisi’s camp clarifying rules, (3) other BBNaija alumni weighing in—because these party dramas rarely stay “one-sided.”

    Source: Facebook/Legit.ng – https://web.facebook.com/legitngbuzz/posts/embarrassing-scenephyna-was-captured-visibly-angry-after-she-was-denied-entry-to/1373585371474207/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook/Legit.ng

  • Wizkid and Asake Shatter Spotify Nigeria Records with New Collaboration

    Wizkid and Asake Shatter Spotify Nigeria Records with New Collaboration

    According to Revolt TV, Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid and Asake have set a new benchmark for domestic streaming with their latest track, “Jogodo.” The song surged up the charts, surpassing previous 24-hour stream records on Spotify Nigeria, as Wizkid also became the first African artist to hit 10 billion streams on the platform.

    The collaboration merges Wizkid’s global appeal with Asake’s “Neo-Fuji” momentum, and fans have dubbed the track an instant classic. The track reportedly broke the all-time record for the biggest single-day streaming total for a collaboration in Nigeria and quickly dominated playlists across the continent.

    On X, @chartdata highlighted the record, reporting 1.388 million single-day streams on Spotify Nigeria. Wizkid also teased the upcoming joint EP, *REAL, Vol. 1*, via his official Instagram.

    Echotitbits take: This record isn’t just about numbers; it signals the “Big 3” era evolving into a broader “Big 5,” where strategic collaborations dictate market dominance. Wizkid hitting 10 billion streams while breaking local records with Asake shows he’s playing the long game of global and local relevance. Watch for “Jogodo” to test the Billboard Global 200 conversation quickly.
    Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/wizkid-and-asakes-jogodo-sets-spotify-nigeria-record-with-1-388-million-streams-in-one-day/ 2026-01-19

    Photo Credit: Arise

  • Gideon Okeke Challenges Afrobeats Stars to Champion Nollywood

    Gideon Okeke Challenges Afrobeats Stars to Champion Nollywood

    In a post shared by @gideonokeke.ng on Instagram, the veteran Nollywood actor sparked debate by calling out Afrobeats “Big Three” artists—Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido—for what he described as a lack of support for the Nigerian film sector. Okeke argued that while actors celebrate the global triumphs of musicians, the favor is rarely returned.

    He framed the issue as a cross-promotion gap, suggesting that if global music icons shared Nigerian film trailers or collaborated more deeply with local cinema, Nollywood’s international growth could accelerate. The conversation trended on X under #SupportNollywood, splitting fans between those who agree and those who argue the sectors run on different models.

    Punch Newspapers verified the video and quoted Okeke challenging the stars on whether they watch Nigerian films. The Guardian Nigeria also amplified the fallout, reporting on the public reaction to his comments.

    Echotitbits take: Okeke’s frustration highlights the “silo” effect in Nigerian entertainment. Afrobeats is the global darling, but Nollywood still fights for equal prestige despite huge production volume. Expect a few “peace-offering” posts from musicians to cool the temperature before it affects cross-industry deals.
    Source: LifeStyle.TheCable – https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/gideon-okeke-calls-out-burna-boy-davido-wizkid-for-not-supporting-nollywood/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: LifeStyle.TheCable

  • Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Massive 2026 Tour

    Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire Announce Massive 2026 Tour

    An Instagram post from @lionelrichie and coverage reported by The Source confirm Lionel Richie will tour North America with Earth, Wind & Fire in 2026. The 26-city run, produced by Live Nation, is titled “Sing A Song All Night Long.”

    The tour has generated significant excitement, given both acts’ influence on modern music, including decades of sampling across hip-hop and pop. Ticket sales are expected to be brisk, with presales already drawing attention among soul and R&B fans.

    Live Nation confirmed the general on-sale timing, and The Source framed the pairing as a meeting of two pillars of Black music whose influence continues to ripple across genres.

    Echotitbits take: The legacy tour is still the industry’s gold mine. This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a live masterclass for younger audiences whose favorite songs are built on these melodies and grooves. Expect this to be one of the summer’s highest-grossing tours in the soul/R&B lane.
    Source: People – https://people.com/lionel-richie-and-earth-wind-and-fire-joint-tour-dates-11892782 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: People