Nigeria’s entertainment sector has witnessed tremendous success over the past few decades, transforming into a global force that continues to shape Africa’s creative landscape. This growth has primarily been driven by the country’s thriving film, music, and media industries, which have gained international recognition, economic relevance, and cultural influence.
Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, has evolved into one of the largest in the world by volume, producing approximately 2,500 films annually. Nollywood’s success story began in the early 1990s with low-budget productions that gained immense popularity domestically. Over the years, the industry’s production quality and storytelling techniques have improved, allowing it to compete on the international stage.
In recent years, several Nigerian films have gained international recognition and relevance, thanks to improved production quality, compelling storytelling, and distribution partnerships with global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These films showcase the diversity of Nigerian cinema and have brought Nollywood to the attention of international audiences, critics, and festivals. This wouldn’t have been possible without directors and producers such as Genevieve Nnaji, whose film “Lionheart” (2018) was the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix. Genevieve Nnaji made her directorial debut with “Lionheart”, centred around a first daughter’s struggle to save her father’s company.
Kunle Afolayan’s “Aníkúlápó” (2022) is a historical fantasy film set in pre-colonial Nigeria. The film tells the story of a man who has an illicit affair with the king’s wife and is subsequently sentenced to death, only to be brought back to life by a mystical bird. The film was widely praised for its production design, cinematography, and Afolayan’s masterful direction. He has other notable works, including “Ijogbon”, “Citation”, and “A Naija Christmas”.
Jade Osiberu’s “Gangs of Lagos” (2023) is an action-crime film produced by Prime Video. Set in the heart of Lagos, the film explores gang culture, politics, and loyalty through the lives of three friends. It is a gritty, fast-paced thriller that offers an unflinching look at urban life in Lagos. This film marked one of Prime Video’s significant investments in Nollywood content. “Gangs of Lagos” received attention from global audiences for its intense action sequences and realistic portrayal of Lagos’ underworld. It was lauded for showcasing the vibrancy and complexity of Nigerian urban life, attracting international viewers interested in crime dramas.
Funke Akindele’s mind-blowing “A Tribe Called Judah” achieved a historic milestone as the first Nigerian film to gross ₦1 billion at the box office, cementing its place in Nollywood’s history. The film combines intense action, emotional drama, and rich cultural themes, resonating with both local and international audiences.
The movie’s success can be attributed to its gripping storyline, a star-studded cast, and Akindele’s reputation for delivering high-quality productions. Strategic marketing, including promotions across social media and partnerships with cinemas, also played a significant role in its box office dominance.
Its record-breaking earnings marked a turning point for Nollywood, highlighting the growing commercial power of Nigerian films and the industry’s ability to produce blockbuster content that competes on a global stage. This achievement reflects the increasing investment in Nollywood and the rising demand for African stories in mainstream cinema.
Afrobeats and global music dominance
Nigeria’s music industry, particularly through the Afrobeats genre, has experienced remarkable global success. Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr, and many more have catapulted Afrobeats into mainstream global music, making Nigeria a music powerhouse.
Burna Boy, who often refers to himself as the “African Giant” due to his significant impact on the global music scene and his representation of African culture through music, won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album with his album “Twice as Tall”. This recognition marked a significant milestone for Afrobeats and positioned him as a leading figure in global music. The single “Last Last”, released in 2022, became a global sensation, topping charts in several countries and receiving extensive radio play, earning critical acclaim for its relatable lyrics and catchy melody. He has collaborated with several international artists, including Ed Sheeran on the track “My Hand”, and featuring 21 Savage in his song “Sittin’ On top of the World”.
Wizkid is another leading figure in the Afrobeats movement, known for his smooth blend of Afrobeats, reggae, and R&B. His collaboration with Drake on the track “One Dance” topped charts worldwide and was certified multi-platinum in several countries. His album “Made in Lagos” (2020) featured the hit single “Essence”, which gained significant global attention and was nominated for a Grammy. “Essence” was recognized as one of 2021’s biggest songs, making it onto numerous year-end charts and receiving a remix featuring Tems and Justin Bieber.
Davido is known for his energetic performances and a string of hits that have solidified his position in the global music landscape. In March 2023, Davido released his highly anticipated album titled “Timeless”. The album features collaborations with both Nigerian and international artists, showcasing his versatility and continued evolution in music. It includes popular tracks like “Champion Sound” featuring Focalistic, which became a hit across various platforms. Following the release of “Timeless”, Davido’s tracks quickly gained millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. His music continues to perform well globally, reflecting the rising popularity of Afrobeats.
Rema has rapidly emerged as one of the leading figures in the Afrobeats genre, gaining international recognition for his unique sound and style. Rema’s album “Dumebi” (2019) marked his breakout hit, introducing him to international audiences. Its catchy hook and vibrant production helped define the modern Afrobeats sound and played a crucial role in establishing Rema as a leading artist in the genre. “Calm Down” (2022) became a global sensation, reaching over 1 billion streams across various platforms. The remix featuring Selena Gomez significantly boosted its popularity, making it a staple on playlists worldwide and earning multiple nominations and awards. “HEIS”, released in 2024, marks another significant milestone in Rema’s career, showcasing his growth and commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and contemporary music globally.
With the rise of digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Nigerian artists now reach audiences across the world, generating significant revenues from streams, tours, and brand endorsements.
While the Nigerian entertainment industry has achieved tremendous success, challenges remain, such as inadequate infrastructure, piracy, and limited access to financing. However, with continued investment, government support, and partnerships with global platforms, the sector has the potential for further growth.
The rise of technology and digital platforms, coupled with Nigeria’s youthful population, offers great promise for the future of the industry. The development of Nollywood and Afrobeats indicates that Nigeria will continue to be a dominant force in Africa’s cultural and entertainment landscape for years to come.
