By Damilola Adeleke
2024 has been a year unlike any other for the Nigerian entertainment industry, marked by both remarkable achievements and challenges that shaped and reshaped the industry. However, despite the challenges and controversies, the industry witnessed significant breakthroughs, record-breaking feats, and international recognition.
Notably, the year kicked off on a good note with actress Funke Akindele’s blockbuster, “The Tribe Called Judah” making history as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. The film, released in December 2022, dominated the headlines in January, when it smashed box office records, earning N1 billion from ticket sales within 20 days of its release.
This success story by “The Tribe Called Judah” set the tone for the breakthroughs that were recorded in the industry this year. It continued in February, when eight Nigerian superstars, including Burna Boy Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Asake and Ayra Starr were nominated in various categories of Grammy 2024.
Though none of them returned home with any of the trophies, it made a bold statement regarding the coming of age of African superstars. And Burna Boy, who led the pack with four nominations, followed by Davido with three nominations stood out throughout this year with his growing influence on the global stage.
Basking in the euphoria of that feat, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa returned home to announce plans to establish an African version of the Grammy, sparking debate among industry stakeholders. Many criticized the plan for an African Grammy, describing it as a misplaced priority that could undermine the progress recorded in the country’s music industry over the past two decades. But the plan is yet to be actualized.
Tragedies and Losses
The industry experienced several tragedies and losses, including the deaths of notable figures. In fact, the worst moments were recorded between March and April, with the shocking deaths of top movie stars. The first to bow out of the stage was renowned actor, poet and playwright, Jimi Solanke, who passed away on February 7, at the age of 81. He was known for his roles in “Sango”, “Shadow Parties” among others. His exit was followed by that of top actor Amaechi Muonagor, who died on March 24, at the age of 61, after a protracted illness. As the industry was recovering from the shock, veteran actor Zulu Adigwe followed suit. He died in April at the age 74. He was known for his roles in “Basi and Company”,
“Issakaba”, and “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free”, among others. John Okafor a.k.a Mr Ibu, also passed away on March 2, at the age of 62. The comic actor had been battling a protracted illness that left him bed-ridden, forcing many Nigerians to donate funds towards his hospital bills. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it, even though his demise was surrounded by lots of controversies. Sadly, Jnr Pope had mourned Mr Ibu’s death on his social media page only a month before his own death. His tragic end occurred on April 10, after he was involved in a boat mishap alongside four other victims in Ambam river, while filming on the Adanma Luke movie set. The ugly incident sparked conversation on the safety of actors on set, with the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, setting up an investigative panel to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the accident.
Other actors who bowed out of the stage included, Wole Oguntokun, a playwright who died on March 26, Lizzy Evoeme, a veteran actress known for her role in “New Masquerade”. She died on May 5 at the age of 81. Also Ethel Ekpe, a renowned actress died on February 7. She was known for her role in Basi and Company.
The industry also mourned the loss of highlife legend, Godwin Oparah popularly known as Kabaka of Oriental Brothers fame, who passed away on March 21, at the age of 79. Though he will be buried on December 30, at his Imerienwe home town, in Imo state , Kabaka was a music icon, who revolutionized highlife music in the south-eastern part of the country. His exit has left a vacuum in the music industry. So also was the painful exit of Onyeka Onwenu, 72, who slumped and died on July 30, after performing at a birthday party of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
Following the recurring deaths in the industry, the Actors Guild of Nigeria embarked on four days of fasting and prayer to seek the face of God. But then, death according to William Shakespeare , “is a necessary end that will come when it will come.”
Challenges and Controversies
Controversies are associated with showbiz and Nigerian entertainers are no exception. The outgoing year was characterized with the good, the bad and the ugly. First to come to mind was the imprisonment of the popular cross-dresser, Bobrisky in April, for the naira mutilation offence.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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