Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nollywood

  • 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

  • Kannywood Struggles to Balance Tradition and Modernity in 2026

    Kannywood Struggles to Balance Tradition and Modernity in 2026

    Kannywood—Northern Nigeria’s Hausa-language film industry—is reportedly navigating growing tension between strict censorship expectations and the demands of modern, global audiences, alongside a funding gap relative to Southern Nollywood.

    Industry dynamics: Filmmakers are increasingly exploring streaming distribution to expand reach, though challenges remain around monetization and structured distribution networks.

    Generational shift: Younger actors and creatives are pushing for more diverse storylines to compete internationally while retaining cultural authenticity.

    Echotitbits take: Kannywood’s sustainability likely hinges on digitization and diaspora market strategy. Watch for more cross-regional collaborations and co-productions to bridge funding and distribution constraints.

    Source: France24 – https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260106-nigeria-s-kannywood-tiptoes-between-censor-boards-and-modernity (January 25, 2026)

    France24 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: France24

  • Fela Kuti Legacy Dispute Ignites Social Media Firestorm

    Fela Kuti Legacy Dispute Ignites Social Media Firestorm

    A fresh online debate has erupted after actress Shaffy Bello compared the global recognition and wealth of modern Afrobeats stars to the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti—drawing pushback from Fela’s family.

    Seun Kuti has cautioned against equating commercial success with Fela’s historic legacy, stressing that his father’s influence was inseparable from political activism and personal sacrifice.

    The exchange has widened into a generational argument over what defines greatness: streaming-era “numbers” and global visibility versus enduring cultural and political impact.

    Echotitbits Take: This is bigger than fanbase rivalry. It is a live conversation about Nigerian identity, cultural memory, and how modern celebrity is measured. Expect more veterans and cultural commentators to weigh in.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/generations-at-war-as-fela-wizkid-comparison-sparks-cultural-firestorm/ (2026-01-24).

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Simi Opens Up on Health and Pregnancy Delaying New Project

    Simi Opens Up on Health and Pregnancy Delaying New Project

    Nigerian singer Simi has explained why her collaboration “Where You Dey” featuring Chike took longer than expected to arrive, citing a combination of health challenges and her recent pregnancy.

    She noted that the creative side was not the problem; rather, the physical toll meant she needed to prioritize recovery and preparation for motherhood before resuming full studio activity.

    Fans and fellow celebrities have responded with support, highlighting the hidden pressures and expectations placed on female artists balancing public careers with personal health and family realities.

    Echotitbits Take: The disclosure adds context that can deepen listener connection and drive renewed interest in the record. Expect a measurable streaming bump as audiences revisit the song with the backstory in mind.

    Source: BizWatchNigeria – https://bizwatchnigeria.ng/simi-health-struggles-pregnancy-twins-chike-2026/ (2026-01-24).

    Photo Credit: BizWatchNigeria

  • Davido’s Father Intervenes in Ongoing Paternity Controversy

    Davido’s Father Intervenes in Ongoing Paternity Controversy

    Legit NG reports that businessman Adedeji Adeleke has addressed renewed paternity claims involving a 12‑year‑old girl identified as Anuoluwapo. The report says multiple DNA tests have been conducted to settle the dispute, though the situation remains tense amid responses attributed to the girl’s mother.

    Daily Post Nigeria is cited as reporting a public pushback from Anu’s mother, including allegations of intimidation, while Vanguard notes Davido publicly thanked his father for stepping in.

    **Echotitbits take:** This has shifted from celebrity gossip to a high‑stakes reputational and legal contest. The patriarch’s involvement signals a bid for finality, but the public nature of counter‑claims suggests the controversy may not quiet down quickly.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/davido-thanks-father-for-publicly-defending-him-amid-paternity-drama/ (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Vanguard 2026-01-23

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    According to BusinessDay, Funke Akindele’s latest directorial effort, *Behind The Scenes (BTS)*, has become the first West African film to surpass ₦2.29 billion at the Nigerian domestic box office. The drama explores the emotional toll of “black tax” and has held the number-one spot for six consecutive weeks, reportedly outperforming major Hollywood titles in the local market.

    Additional reporting cited in the item notes wider industry momentum around box-office stars and awards chatter, with Vanguard pointing to Akindele and Timini Egbuson as among the most featured stars of the season.

    **Echotitbits take:** This is more than a financial win; it is cultural validation. By tackling “black tax”—a deeply relatable Nigerian experience—Akindele is proving that local stories, told with strong production value, can beat big-budget foreign franchises. Expect a surge in social‑realist Nollywood dramas as producers chase this formula.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/849186-funke-akindeles-behind-the-scenes-hits-over-n2-billion-becomes-highest-grossing-nollywood-film.html (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Premium Times 2026-01-23

  • Funke Akindele Breaks Record with New Movie Premiere

    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

  • Mercy Aigbe Shines in Regal Red Carpet Appearance

    Mercy Aigbe Shines in Regal Red Carpet Appearance

    In a post shared by @realmercyaigbe, the Nollywood actress and fashionista showcased a striking traditional-modern fusion outfit for a high-profile industry event. The ensemble—featuring intricate beadwork and a bold headpiece—reinforced her reputation as one of the best-dressed stars in the Nigerian film industry.

    Aigbe, who has successfully expanded into movie production and entrepreneurship, regularly uses social media to spotlight Nigerian designers and textiles. Her latest look has also sparked conversation around the evolving standards of Nollywood red carpets.

    Daily Post Nigeria described the look as a standout of the night, while Vanguard Entertainment noted her consistency in indigenous fashion representation.

    Echotitbits take

    Mercy Aigbe’s relevance engine is a strong mix of fashion virality and credible film output. This moment is endorsement-friendly, particularly for lifestyle, beauty, and textile brands seeking high-conversion celebrity partnerships.

    Source: BellaNaija — https://www.bellanaija.com/2025/12/mercy-aigbe-colour-fire-premiere/ (January 22, 2026)

    Photo credit: BellaNaija 2026-01-22

  • AMVCA 2026 entry window opens as Africa Magic invites filmmakers across the continent

    AMVCA 2026 entry window opens as Africa Magic invites filmmakers across the continent

    According to TheNet.ng, Africa Magic (in partnership with MultiChoice) has opened submissions for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, inviting filmmakers and content creators across Africa to enter eligible works.

    The entry window runs from Sunday, January 11 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, positioning the AMVCAs as one of the earliest major deadlines on the continent’s film-and-TV calendar this year.

    With the call now live, creators are expected to track category requirements, eligibility rules, and submission steps across official platforms to avoid disqualification and deadline rush.

    • DStv Africa Magic also states entries are open “from Sunday, 11 January to Sunday, 15 February 2026.” (DStv Africa Magic — website)
    • FilmFreeway lists the AMVCA timeline including “Opening Date: January 11, 2026” and “Entry Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026.” (FilmFreeway — listing)

    Echotitbits take: Award seasons shape careers and distribution. Watch for which platforms dominate submissions (streamers vs cinemas) and whether eligibility tweaks shift the balance for indie creators. If you’re publishing, this is your cue to line up screeners, press kits, and credits early.

    Source: TheNet.ng — January 11, 2026 — https://thenet.ng/africa-magic-opens-call-for-entries-for-the-12th-africa-magic-viewers-choice-awards-amvca/

    TheNet.ng 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: p.m.express

  • New Nollywood release from Funke Akindele’s stable crosses ₦1.77bn at box office

    New Nollywood release from Funke Akindele’s stable crosses ₦1.77bn at box office

    According to The Punch, Funke Akindele’s latest cinema-backed project hit about ₦1.77 billion in box-office receipts, reinforcing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most bankable filmmakers.

    The report highlights the growing scale of Nigeria’s cinema economy, where marketing, distribution and opening-week momentum can determine whether a release becomes a breakout success.

    Industry observers say record grosses can attract more investment into production quality and distribution—but also raise expectations for storytelling, professionalism and transparent reporting of figures.

    The performance adds to broader conversations about job creation in the creative sector and the export potential of Nigerian film content.

    Echotitbits take: The next frontier is sustainability—can Nollywood turn blockbuster moments into repeatable pipelines? Watch for stronger cinema infrastructure, anti-piracy enforcement and international distribution deals.

    Source: Pulse – https://www.pulse.ng/story/funke-akindele-makes-box-office-history-as-behind-the-scenes-crosses-naira177bn-2026010612012495665 5 January 2026

    Pulse 2026-01-05

    Photo Credit: Pulse