Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Entertainment news

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

January 27, 2026
Funke Akindele Breaks Record with New Movie Premiere

According to @funkejenifaakindele on Instagram, her latest cinematic release has broken opening weekend records for a Nollywood film. The actress and producer shared photos from the premiere and thanked fans for their support.

Akindele—often positioned as one of Nollywood’s most bankable hitmakers—has repeatedly delivered high-grossing theatrical titles that connect strongly with mainstream Nigerian audiences. Her new project reportedly blends social themes with her signature comedic sensibility, a formula that has historically traveled well in local cinemas.

The Nation described the performance as another proof-point of her commercial consistency. Premium Times also pointed to the broader significance for Nigerian theatrical releases and investor confidence.

Echotitbits take

Akindele’s box office track record is not accidental; it is audience science. Sustained success at this level helps normalize private investment into Nollywood production and distribution—especially for cinema-first releases.

Source: @funkejenifaakindele on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvG3AIATMb/ (January 22, 2026)

Photo credit: Instagram

January 22, 2026
Wizkid Crosses 10 Billion Spotify Streams, Extending Afrobeats’ Global Run

In an update published by The Guardian, Wizkid reportedly became the first African artiste to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams across all credits, reinforcing Afrobeats’ expanding global footprint.

The milestone reflects catalog strength and the power of collaborations that pull African music into wider streaming ecosystems.

It also boosts leverage for touring, brand partnerships, and label negotiations as streaming metrics increasingly shape market value.

The Nation also reported “10billion Spotify streams,” while Vanguard similarly described him as the first African artiste to pass the 10-billion threshold.

Echotitbits take: Watch the next strategic move—new releases and touring. Streaming dominance often precedes a major global tour cycle.

Source: AfrobeatsMag — https://afrobeatsmagazine.com/wizkid-becomes-first-afrobeats-artist-to-reach-10-billion-spotify-streams/ January 10, 2026

AfrobeatsMag 2026-01-10

Photo Credit: AfrobeatsMag

January 10, 2026
Lagos Welcomes Stars as 9th AFRIMA Kicks Off With Music, Culture and Business Talks

Reporting from The Nation indicates Lagos has begun hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with multiple leading artistes arriving for a week of performances, tours and industry sessions.

Organisers say beyond the awards, the festival is designed to strengthen Africa’s music business ecosystem, including discussions around intellectual property and fair royalties.

Lagos State officials are also positioning the event as a tourism and creative-economy showcase for the city.

**Echotitbits take:** AFRIMA is major soft power for Nigeria’s creative industry. Watch for policy conversations around rights management—because global popularity won’t translate to wealth for artistes without stronger, enforceable structures.
Source: Tribune – https://tribuneonlineng.com/lagos-hosts-9th-afrima-as-16-african-artistes-headline-week-long-event/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Tribune

January 8, 2026
Ayra Starr’s mum says she ended three friendships over betrayal and broken trust
In a TikTok reflection cited by TheCable Lifestyle, Nene Aderigbigbe—Ayra Starr’s mum—said she cut off three close friends after incidents she described as betrayal and a breakdown of trust.

She narrated one fallout as stemming from a friend allegedly sharing a private conversation with her husband.

Independent checks:
- Linda Ikeji Blog: “Ayra Starr’s mum… reveals why she cut ties with 3 close friends” — https://lindaikejisblog.com/
- Instablog9ja (X): “Ayra Starr’s mum… why I cut ties with three close friends” — https://x.com/instablog9ja
It resonates because it’s not about glam—it’s about boundaries and reputation management in the social-media era. The risk now is online sleuthing and misidentification, so watch whether she keeps it general or clarifies anything further.

Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2026-01-07 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/ayra-starrs-mum-why-i-cut-ties-with-three-close-friends/

Source: TheCable Lifestyle 2026-01-07

Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle
January 7, 2026
Timini Egbuson and Dakore Mourn the Passing of Their Father

A post shared by @timini on Instagram has confirmed the heartbreaking passing of the father of Nollywood stars Timini and Dakore Egbuson. The award-winning actor shared a somber message expressing his devastation, noting that there was ‘so much left unsaid’ before his father’s sudden departure in the early hours of the New Year.

The Egbuson family, prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry, have received an outpouring of condolences from fellow actors, directors, and fans. Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Timini’s elder sister, has also stepped back from the spotlight to grieve with her family, marking a quiet and reflective start to 2026 for the celebrity siblings.

Industry colleagues have flooded the comments sections of their social media pages with tributes, describing the late patriarch as a pillar of support for his children’s illustrious careers. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days as they request privacy during their period of mourning.

According to Legit NG, the loss has deeply affected the industry, reporting: ‘Actor Timini is heartbroken as he loses his dad just hours into the New Year, leaving many fans in shock.’ Additionally, P.M. News corroborated the report, stating: ‘Nollywood stars Timini and Dakore Egbuson are currently in mourning following the death of their father, a loss that has resonated throughout the entertainment circle.’

Echotitbits take: The Egbuson siblings are central to the Nollywood ecosystem, and this personal loss will likely lead to a temporary hiatus in their filming schedules. It is a reminder of the human side of celebrity life, often hidden behind the glamour of the screen.

Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/nollywood-stars-timini-dakore-egbuson-lose-father/%3famp January 5, 2026
Photo Credit: The Punch

January 5, 2026
Kylie Jenner’s gold-bikini New Year Stories light up the style cycle again
According to People, Kylie Jenner welcomed 2026 with poolside Instagram Stories featuring a gold metallic bikini and a noticeable jewelry detail.

The clips quickly bounced from Stories to headline coverage, turning a casual holiday post into another viral fashion moment.

As usual, the reaction is split between admiration for the look and criticism of ‘influencer culture’ dominance.
- TMZ/Yahoo Entertainment (recap): ““Rings in New Year… out of gold bikini.””
- AOL repost (summary): ““a series of Instagram Stories… by a pool.””
Echotitbits take: Kardashian-Jenner posts often function like mini campaigns—even when they look casual. Watch for brand linkages, product tags, or follow-up posts that convert attention into business.

Source: People — Jan 2, 2026 — https://people.com/kylie-jenner-rings-in-2026-with-busty-gold-metallic-bikini-11878663

People
Jan 2, 2026
Photo Credit: People
January 3, 2026
Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly
In a clip recap shared by Legit.ng, Priscilla Ojo identified her father as Ade Ojo and explained why many people online claimed he was absent from her wedding.

She said he was present but not widely recognized, suggesting the confusion came from public unfamiliarity rather than family distance.

The conversation has fueled fresh speculation around celebrity privacy and family narratives on social media.
- Legit.ng (interview quote): ““My dad is Ade Ojo… Everyone saw him at my wedding.””
- Instagram post circulating excerpt: ““Everyone saw him at my wedding.””
Echotitbits take: Celebrity family stories get rewritten fast online, especially around weddings. The key watch item is full-context footage or a longer interview to reduce clip-driven misinterpretation.

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690794-everyone-saw-him-wedding-priscilla-ojo-opens-relationship-real-father/

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng
January 3, 2026
Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative
According to Legit.ng, Zinoleesky addressed a trending video that appeared to show him trading punches with a young man described online as a fan.

He claimed the encounter followed an escalation, alleging the person had been stoning his car while his family was inside.

The clip has triggered debate about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the risks that come with public access culture.
- KanyiDaily (web report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
- Legit.ng (original report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s celebrity-fan culture keeps colliding with real security concerns. If more context footage emerges, it will shape whether public sentiment shifts from “celebrity arrogance” to “personal safety first.”

Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690798-zinoleesky-addresses-video-exchanging-punches-alleged-fan-person-wey-stone-car/

Legit.ng
Jan 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng
January 3, 2026
DDG’s Lagos take—‘Nigeria feels safer than America’—sets off a fresh debate
2026-01-02 09:00:00

According to PM News Nigeria, rapper DDG said the United States is more dangerous than Nigeria, pushing back on what he described as exaggerated fear narratives.

The comment split reactions online: supporters praised the outsider perspective while critics said it glosses over complex security realities.

The clip adds to a growing trend where celebrity travel content shapes perception almost as much as official advisories.
- Daily Post (Outlet): “gun violence and gangsterism is not common in Nigeria as in America.”
- TheCable Lifestyle (Outlet/X): “Nigeria is nowhere near as dangerous as America.”
Echotitbits take: Pop-culture voices can move travel sentiment quickly—especially for diaspora audiences deciding whether to visit. Still, a single visitor’s experience isn’t a national security assessment. Watch next for more on-the-ground posts from DDG (and others) that either reinforce his point or add nuance when real-life frictions show up.

Source: PM News Nigeria — January 1, 2026 — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/01/nigeria-is-safer-than-america-rapper-ddg/

PM News Nigeria
2026-01-01
Photo Credit: PM News Nigeria
January 2, 2026