Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Entertainment

  • Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office Records with Latest Nollywood Epic

    Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office Records with Latest Nollywood Epic

    Funke Akindele is being credited with another record-breaking opening weekend for her latest Nigerian film, with packed cinemas across the country reinforcing her status as Nollywood’s most bankable contemporary filmmaker.

    Analysts continue to cite her marketing precision as a core advantage, combining a strong social following with mass-appeal storytelling and cross-demographic casting.

    Market watchers expect the performance to trigger renewed competition for international streaming rights, as global platforms seek reliable Nigerian box office IP with proven demand.

    Echotitbits take: Akindele is a business blueprint. She understands audience psychology and distribution economics better than most. Her consistency is a strong signal to investors that Nigerian cinema can be high-yield when the product-market fit is disciplined.
    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/funke-akindele-breaks-african-box-office-records/ 2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: Punch

  • Davido and Chioma’s Family Moment Goes Viral After Lavish Event

    Davido and Chioma’s Family Moment Goes Viral After Lavish Event

    Davido shared a rare, softer family moment with his wife, Chioma, following a high-profile appearance—prompting a wave of supportive reactions across TikTok and Instagram.

    The couple’s public narrative continues to attract sustained attention, with fans framing their story as a mix of resilience, family commitment, and celebrity visibility.

    Reports also suggest they are exploring a joint philanthropic initiative focused on maternal and child health, a move that aligns with their public goodwill and brand positioning.

    Echotitbits take: Davido has mastered the balance between high-octane celebrity and relatable personal storytelling. His relationship with Chioma functions as brand infrastructure—deepening loyalty and sustaining interest beyond music cycles. Watch for a structured charity rollout later in the year.
    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/music/1691084-adorable-moment-davido-sweetly-celebrates-mother-laws-birthday-family-vacation-trends/ 2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Rihanna Teases New Music and Fenty Expansion at Star-Studded Gala

    Rihanna Teases New Music and Fenty Expansion at Star-Studded Gala

    Rihanna made a rare public appearance at a Fenty Beauty anniversary event and fueled renewed speculation about her long-awaited musical return, hinting to reporters that she has been feeling pulled back toward the studio.

    Her business-first approach continues to set the pace for celebrity entrepreneurship, with ongoing expansions across beauty categories reinforcing the broader ‘Fenty Effect’ in global consumer culture.

    The gala drew a high-profile mix of fashion and music stakeholders, including African creatives, as recurring collaboration rumors continue to circulate around Rihanna’s interest in Afrobeats.

    Echotitbits take: Rihanna’s model is ecosystem-driven: if music returns, it will likely serve a larger brand architecture rather than a conventional album cycle. She has the rare leverage to release only when the product is truly ready, which keeps credibility high even amid intense public demand.
    Source: BillBoard – https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihanna-new-music-update-fenty-foundation-launch-1235668442/ 2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: Vulture

  • Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    Nigeria Emerges as Hub for Africa’s Top Content Streamers in 2026

    New data from Twitch and Kick platforms for January 2026 indicates that Nigerian creators dominate Africa’s most-followed live streamers, occupying the majority of the continent’s top 10 positions. The shift reflects growing audience engagement and a broadening of content formats—from gaming to lifestyle and celebrity-driven programming.

    Analysts attribute the surge to rising digital participation and the increasing viability of streaming as a full-time career for young Nigerians. The momentum has also drawn interest from international brands seeking credible entry points into Africa’s youth demographic.

    Separate reporting has published lists of the highest-ranked streamers and described the trend as a transfer of “streaming leadership” from Southern Africa to West Africa, with Nigeria at the center. Industry observers say this is likely to intensify competition for advertising budgets as streamers become more influential within entertainment and pop culture.

    Echotitbits take: This is the new “Nollywood” of the digital age. As internet penetration increases, expect these streamers to rival traditional media for advertising revenue and cultural influence.
    Source: Pulse.ng – https://www.pulse.ng/story/africas-biggest-streamers-2026012414530720943  2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Pulse.ng

  • Police Apprehend Prime Suspect in Death of Street-Pop Star Destiny Boy

    Police Apprehend Prime Suspect in Death of Street-Pop Star Destiny Boy

    The Ogun State Police Command has reportedly recorded a breakthrough in the investigation into the death of fast-rising Fuji-pop singer Afeez Adeshina, better known as Destiny Boy. A prime suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the death of the 21-year-old artist, a protégé of Fuji legend Pasuma known for viral covers of Afrobeats hits.

    Vanguard News reported that the suspect is being interrogated to determine motive, while Daily Post cited a police statement indicating that evidence is being gathered to ensure justice for the family and fans.

    Echotitbits take: Destiny Boy bridged traditional Fuji and modern street-pop, and his death has deeply shaken the Nigerian music community. While the arrest offers a path toward closure, the rumors of strange illness and foul play around his final days suggest a larger story the investigation must now clarify.
    Source: BBC – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0ykeze3xvo 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: BBC

  • Falz and Yemi Alade Shine at 9th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos

    Falz and Yemi Alade Shine at 9th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos

    The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos reportedly delivered a strong Nigerian showing, with Falz doubling as host and performer while Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack for her work on the Iyanu animated series.

    Punch Newspapers noted that the event celebrated African music diversity with surprise wins for emerging acts. Premium Times also highlighted the significance of Yemi Alade’s soundtrack win as evidence of growing synergy between Nigerian music and global animation platforms.

    Echotitbits take: AFRIMA remains a key platform for legitimizing African music on the continent’s own terms. Falz’s host-performer versatility and Yemi Alade’s move into major soundtrack work reflect a new phase where top Nigerian stars are building multimedia brands beyond radio hits.
    Source: TheNet.ng – https://thenet.ng/falz-shines-as-host-performer-9th-afrima-awards-lagos/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: Nigeria Info FM

  • Eucharia Anunobi Heads to Court Over Leaked ‘Celibacy’ Allegations

    Eucharia Anunobi Heads to Court Over Leaked ‘Celibacy’ Allegations

    Veteran Nollywood actress and pastor Eucharia Anunobi has filed a petition against Apostle Psalm Okpe over leaked audio recordings that allegedly reference a past romantic relationship—claims she denies. Anunobi has maintained she has remained celibate for 14 years since her ordination.

    The Whistler reported that she is seeking damages for defamation and emotional distress. Leadership Newspapers reported that the Apostle has not issued an official response, while the actress insists that no man can credibly claim intimacy with her since her spiritual rebirth.

    Echotitbits take: This is classic Nollywood-meets-Ministry controversy. Anunobi’s lawsuit is as much a legal move as it is brand protection, aimed at defending her hard-earned moral authority persona. Public opinion will likely hinge on whether additional recordings or corroborating context emerges.
    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/850408-leaked-sex-allegations-eucharia-anunobi-files-petition-against-apostle-psalm-okpe-heads-to-court.html 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • A$AP Rocky Shares Mother’s Prediction About Rihanna Love Story

    A$AP Rocky Shares Mother’s Prediction About Rihanna Love Story

    Rapper A$AP Rocky has shared an anecdote about how his mother predicted his relationship with Rihanna long before they became a couple, describing an early sense of connection between the two superstars.

    Rolling Stone noted that Rocky’s openness about family life has broadened his appeal, while HotNewHipHop reported that he continues to praise Rihanna as a defining partner, reinforcing their reputation as a modern pop-culture power couple.

    Echotitbits take: Rocky and Rihanna have perfected the “relatable royals” playbook. By sharing mother-approved, family-oriented stories, Rocky deepens the father-and-partner narrative that has reshaped his brand, helping their relationship read as grounded rather than performative celebrity romance.
    Source: Facebook/TheNet.ng – https://web.facebook.com/thenetng/posts/i-want-you-with-rihanna-aap-rocky-on-how-his-mum-predicted-his-love-story-with-h/1299857468842887/?_rdc=1&_rdr# 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: Facebook/TheNet.ng

  • Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Concern is growing among Nollywood fans as actor Alex Ekubo has remained largely absent from public digital spaces for over a year. The usually active celebrity’s silence has triggered a range of online theories, from a quiet marriage to a career pivot.

    Daily Post reported that there has been no official statement from Ekubo’s management about his whereabouts. Tribune Online also noted that colleagues have remained tight-lipped, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

    Echotitbits take: In an era of oversharing, a celebrity going dark for a year is a loud statement. While some speculate health issues or a personal crisis, it is equally plausible he is executing a deliberate rebrand or embracing privacy. Until he posts, the “Missing Alex” trend will likely continue to cycle across TikTok and entertainment blogs.
    Source: The Whistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fans-ask-questions-as-alex-ekubo-vanishes/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: The Whistler

  • Portable Accuses Nigerian A-Listers of Sabotaging Young Talent

    Portable Accuses Nigerian A-Listers of Sabotaging Young Talent

    Controversial street-hop artist Portable has publicly called out Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy, alleging they have held a long-running “monopoly” at the top of the industry and restricted opportunities for emerging talent.

    Portable also questioned the authenticity of what he described as “deceptive displays of wealth,” claiming some luxury valuations are exaggerated or reflect gifts—creating unrealistic lifestyle pressure on younger artists.

    The remarks have split opinion online, with supporters framing him as a voice for underdogs and critics dismissing the rant as attention-seeking.

    Echotitbits Take: Portable’s disruptive style can be polarizing, but the underlying “gatekeeping” debate is real in creative industries. Watch whether any of the named stars respond indirectly in interviews or lyrics as fanbases intensify the conversation.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/848115-dont-be-like-baba-mohbad-portable-accuses-dad-of-extortion-manipulation.html (2026-01-24).

    Photo Credit: Premium Times