Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: African cinema

  • Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reveals She Almost Quitted Acting for Music

    Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reveals She Almost Quitted Acting for Music

    In a post shared by Olori Supergal, veteran Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde made a shocking career confession, revealing that she nearly walked away from her acting career to pursue music full-time. The actress, known globally as “Omosexy,” reflected on her early transitions and the pressures she faced during the height of her Nollywood fame.

    Omotola, who released several music projects in the mid-2000s, explained that her passion for singing often felt at odds with the demands of the film industry. She credited her eventual decision to stay in acting to the support of her family and the realization that she could use her platform to influence social change, particularly during the EndSARS movement.

    The revelation has reignited discussions about the “double-threat” nature of Nigerian entertainers. While many actors have attempted to cross over into music, few have achieved the level of success Omotola saw in her primary field. Her confession serves as a retrospective on the evolution of the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

    Currently, Omotola is focused on her role as a social activist and mentor to the next generation of African filmmakers. She recently made headlines for her comments on the need for leadership in Nigeria that is willing to sacrifice for the nation’s progress.

    * Daily Post Nigeria reported on her recent social commentary: “Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde disclosed how her children faced death threats during EndSARS.”

    * Legit.ng added: “The veteran actress’s career confession has surprised many who saw her as the ‘Queen of Nollywood’.”

    Echotitbits take: Omotola’s “almost” move to music is a classic Nollywood “What If.” While her music career became a meme for some, her desire to pivot shows the creative restlessness of true legends. Her focus on activism now suggests she’s found a “voice” more powerful than any studio recording.

    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/855329-i-would-have-left-nollywood-for-music-if-i-knew-better-omotola-jalade-ekeinde.html?tztc=1 February 10, 2026

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    ‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

    A TikTok video by @naija_film_hub highlights the growing international buzz for Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story, which has achieved a major milestone in global cinema. According to Punch Newspapers, the feature film is the only African production selected to showcase at the prestigious 2026 DC Independent Film Festival. This selection places Port Harcourt’s unique cultural landscape on a major global stage.

    The film, which explores the complexities of romance against the backdrop of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant yet volatile cities, has been praised for its authentic storytelling and high production value. Its inclusion in the DC festival is seen as a win not just for the director, but for the entire “Pitakwa” (Port Harcourt) creative ecosystem, which often plays second fiddle to the Lagos-centric Nollywood industry.

    Validating the report, NewsNow confirmed the selection: “The Nigerian feature, ‘Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story,’ is the only African film selected for the 2026 DC Independent Film Festival.” The Nation also celebrated the feat, quoting the producers: “This is a victory for grassroots storytelling and shows that African narratives are globally competitive.”

    Echotitbits Take:

    While Lagos dominates the headlines, Port Harcourt is quietly becoming a hub for “prestige” Nollywood. Dara’s success at an independent festival suggests a shift toward more localized, gritty narratives that resonate with Western critics. Expect this film to lead the charge for a new wave of regional Nigerian cinema that bypasses traditional distributors for the global festival circuit.

    Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/dara-to-represent-africa-at-dc-independent-film-festival/ February 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

  • Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Finally Shuts Down Decades-Old Rivalry with Genevieve Nnaji

    Omotola Jalade Ekeinde Finally Shuts Down Decades-Old Rivalry with Genevieve Nnaji

    In a post shared by @realomosexy on Instagram, Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has addressed the legendary “rivalry” between her and Genevieve Nnaji. Speaking candidly, Omotola dismissed the feud as a creation of the media and overzealous fans, insisting that there has never been any real conflict between the two “Queens of Nollywood.”

    She emphasized that while they were competitive in their crafts, they always held mutual respect for one another. This statement comes as a response to recent social media debates comparing their career trajectories and “legacy” status in the evolving Nigerian film industry.

    Punch Newspapers reported on the clarification, quoting Omotola: “The rivalry was created by people who wanted to see us fight, but we were busy building our empires.” Vanguard News also covered the story, highlighting a quote where she noted, “I won’t dance to promote a movie if it feels forced,” further asserting her mature approach to industry trends.

    Echotitbits take: This is a masterclass in legacy management. By addressing this now, Omotola is effectively “retiring” a narrative that has followed her for 20 years. It positions her as a stateswoman of the industry, likely clearing the way for her upcoming projects where she seeks to be seen as a mentor rather than a competitor.

    Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/omotola-clarifies-alleged-feud-with-genevieve-nnaji/ February 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Nollywood Legend Genevieve Nnaji Returns to Director’s Chair for New Global Project

    Nollywood Legend Genevieve Nnaji Returns to Director’s Chair for New Global Project

    Genevieve Nnaji has reportedly commenced production on a new feature film, marking a return to directing after a lengthy hiatus, with the project described as a co-production involving a major European studio.

    The film, said to be shot across Nigeria and the UK, is described as a psychological thriller exploring identity and diaspora themes, with a cast expected to blend established Nollywood stars and rising UK talent.

    Industry chatter suggests the project is already being positioned for international festival consideration and a high-impact global premiere later in the year.

    Echotitbits take: Genevieve remains one of Nollywood’s strongest ‘international’ brands. Her return isn’t just another release—it’s a cultural event. If the film’s positioning holds, expect aggressive bidding from major streamers for exclusive rights.
    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/616364-genevieve-nnaji-makes-come-back-after-five-year-hiatus.html?tztc=1 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: Premium Times