From the look of things, the entertainment industry appeared to have emerged as one of the industries that have continued to lift the image of the country. Despite the myriad of challenges confronting the nation, many people have said that the industry’s growth and expansion would not have been possible if some of the practitioners had not taken the bull by the horns.
From music to movies, the dominance of Nigerian contents could be felt within and beyond the African continent.
In terms of achievements, many entertainers performed beyond expectations, blitzing landmarks and setting their own records, but some fell below the bar while others are already anticipating an eventfully better year.
In a year which featured celebrity marriages, Grammy nominations, international collaborations, sold-out foreign concerts, mouth-watering endorsements, box-office records, disqualifications, full-blown ‘Star Wars’ and even EFCC arrests, entertainment lovers had quite the fill with unusual news almost on a daily basis and countless memorable moments.
Music
The music industry in particular had another packed year with numerous headlines and unforgettable moments. Quite a number of artistes could call 2019 their breakout year, some built on the successes of previous years to up their game while some others simply drifted along with time. With many already referring to the year as heading towards the end of a decade, some established acts saw 2019 as the perfect year for consolidation.
The Breakouts
When Cobhams sang “give me one hit song Lord, let me blow like Olamide…”, it was an apt reflection of the prayers of many up-and-coming artistes in the industry and in 2019, the prayers of some were answered.
Teni
Teniola Apata, who is simply called Teni, released UyoMeyo very late in 2018 but the song did very well into 2019 alongside Case, catapulting her into prominence, setting the pace for what has been a fantastic year for the Lagos-born musician. She followed up on her Headies’ Rookie of the Year award in 2018 to win no less than four awards in 2019, among other recognitions. With an EP to her credit, 2019 has no doubt been Teni’s year.
Zlatan Ibile
Once you hear the trademark kapachumarimarichupaku¸ you need not ask who the singer is. Zlatan ruled the year. From music to banters, he was all over the scene. The 25-year-old rapper became a hot cake and everybody wanted to feature him. In the words of KingP, a fast-rising musician and CEO, “Zlatan is one of the hottest acts right now and having him on your song also means that you get the much-needed street swag.” Not even EFCC could stop his meteoric rise to fame and it was a crowning moment bagging three awards at AFRIMMA.
Naira Marley
The leader of the Marlian movement, Afeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, can lay claim to having ruled the streets in 2019 with his street-hop lyrics, with many believing that his rise was inversely proportional to Small Doctor’s decline. From Soapy, Opotoyi, O Por to Ma fo, he had the Midas’ voice which became gold in the ears of listeners. Despite allegations of cybercrimes and EFCC entanglement, the 25-year-old musician rose to become a cult hero and can lay claim to being one of the winners of 2019.
Joeboy
Two singles, and 2019 became an entirely different year for Joeboy. He went from an industry nobody to a stellar act that has become a mainstay on majority of playlists in the country, as he dropped consecutively Baby and Beginning. With the dream 2019 has been, he is one act who looks set to continue his great form into the coming year.
Fireboy DML
When Olamide announced the signing of Fireboy DML alongside Picazo and Yomi Blaze in barely two days into his record label, YBNL, speculations were rife whether he would cope with the burden of expectations that has characterised a record label which had produced stars such as Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold. If this year were to be a yardstick, he certainly crushed the obstacles in his path. If “What if I say” still left some room for doubt about the 23-year-old rookie, “Jealous” obliterated whatever skepticism that was still directed towards him. But he didn’t stop there. He took his success a notch higher by releasing his first album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps.
Rema
Born Divine Ikubor, the teenager popularly known as Rema is another act that was unearthed in 2019. Signed into Mavin Records subsidiary, Jonzing World, he took the industry by storm with his song, .Dumebi which will go down as one of the song highlights of the year while Iron Man unprecedentedly made its way on to Barack Obama’s summer playlist. He has about three Extended Playlists (EP) to his credit with Rema his eponymous debut. His successes have duly brought him plaques with Headies’ Next Rated award the most significant in what has been an incredible year for the Edo-born act.
Burna Boy
It has been a long time coming for him. At a time when many felt that he had reached his limit, like a giant, he stomped on his critics and gave a roar that left the African continent trembling in his wake and the whole world to his adulation. From Headies to BET, the awards in Nigeria and Africa in general were not enough to quantify the wonderful season Burna Boy has had from 2018. Maybe something as global and prestigious as Grammy would suffice, and that sure came in style.
Alongside the legendary Angelique Kidjo, Nathalie Joachim and Spektral Quartet, Bokante and Metropole Orkest, Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy was nominated for the ‘Best World Music Album’ category.
Even though he would not be the first to be nominated with the like of King Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti already earning acknowledgement in the category, he could etch his name in history books by becoming the first Nigerian to actually win it.
The Evergreen
To some select artistes, 2019 was just another year to continue making waves as has been their habit for years. They are the biggest acts in the industry and they are deservedly so because of the manner of consistency that characterises their trade.
Wizkid
Wizkid continued to flex his might and fame into 2019 such that many can only imagine and just a few may match. His pulling power proved irresistible for The Ojuelegba crooner, unsurprising by his standards, continued his wave-making acts into 2019 and set more records against his name. For the second time running, he sold out the 02 Arena in the United Kingdom, utilising the avenue to give many of the indigenous acts a platform to showcase their talents to the world. To underline that he is perhaps in a class of his own, he released an Extended Playlist (EP) SoundMan with little publicity and still garnered attention that perhaps outclassed ones with fanfare and media stunts.
Davido
Omo Baba Olowo’s efforts over the years have seen him enter the club of the heavyweight artistes in Nigeria, the past decade in consideration. 2019 has been a blessed year for the musician who got married to Chioma, dedicating Assurance to her, and welcoming a baby with her months after. He gave his music further international appeal by featuring Chris Brown on Blow my Mind and finished the year as strong as possible with A Good Time, his second studio album, which was described by Pitchfork as a nearly gapless immersion into his potent, wavy signature sound.
Olamide
Often regarded as the king of the streets, Olamide Adedeji, in 2019, continued his decade-long habit of dropping hits, annually. It is a tough act to match. Where many have had at least one bad year, Badoo seems to cruise effortlessly. From Oil and Gas, Woske, Choco Milo, Illegal to Pa won, 2019 was no different in having hits despite having political commitments during the course of the year. As YBNL boss, the rise to fame of Fireboy DML under his record label is another testament to the aura of success he possesses.
THE MOVIES
Lionheart
Although Lion heart movie, directed by one of Nollywood’s female icons, Genevieve Nnaji, was released in 2018, the film continued making waves in the present year, attaining climax with Oscar nomination. The film became the first from Nollywood to be acquired by Netflix following its release on the platform in January.
Following this feat, it was therefore thought deserving to have been Nigeria’s first-ever film submitted for consideration in the International Feature Film Category of the Academy Awards, more popularly known as Oscars.
However, the joy was short-lived when it was disqualified on the grounds that a film which would be accepted for that category should have majority of its dialogue in a language other than English. Only about a dozen minutes of the runtime had Igbo language spoken, the rest of the 95-minute play was in English.
Merry Men 2
Famous comic actor, Ayo Makun, could be said to have cracked the merry movie for the merry season. Following up on the success of last year, he has produced another sequel to Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons which is Merry Men 2: Another Mission. The movie explores the lives of four rich men who use their influence and affluence to rob the rich and give to the poor. The film has fast become the favourite of many who devote the festive season to pleasure, relaxation and entertainment.
Your Excellency
Obvious not contented with Jenifa’s Diaries and film production, the Jenifa character herself, Funke Akindele-Bello, sought to take the bar higher. She made her first foray into movie directing with Your Excellency. The film, in just 48 hours after its premiere, was said to have made close to N20 million in revenue and climbed to second position in the Nigerian box office after two weeks. Even with its current acclaim, the film which lampooned the political class and their power venture is poised to keep making waves into 2020.
Mokalik
The standard Kunle Afolayan has set through widespread success in movie directing and production makes any of prospective work worth the hype. Mokalik surely rode on the reputation of its director/producer. The film examines schooling alternative in Nigeria and it proved fascinating with many assumptions proven wrong, especially by Nigerian parents who see schooling as the only route to success. X3m music act, Simi, made her acting debut in the movie as well as ex-Big Brother housemate, Tobi Bakre. That Netflix snapped up the movie from Kunle Afolayan underlines its inherent quality and impression.
King of Boys
Like Lionheart, this movie was not only released in 2018, it also had a female director and had spectacular success at box office. The heights reached by the film both in revenue and recognition were perhaps unparalleled. It was said to have amassed N200 million after just seven weeks of release. The film was adjudged the best Nigerian film by AMAA and Sola Sobowale, the lead actress who played the role of Alhaja Eniola Salami, was named Africa’s best actress. Adesua Etomi, wife of musician-turned-actor, Banky W, emerged the best actress in a supporting role category. The film subsequently became the most awarded film of the year.
The new innovations:
2019 was also a big year for Nigerian movies and producers. From making international headlines and recognitions to winning awards and nominations on the international stage, it is safe to say that industry is not only growing in leaps and bounds, but also in contents and value.
Though it is believed that lack of proper structure remains a big challenge but stakeholders in the business are already embracing new innovations that would ensure that they get returns on their investment.
Mary Njoku, whose ROK studio was acquired by Canal+ in July, said “Ten years ago, Nollywood was very different. Today, we shoot with better cameras… We do things differently.
“Since it was founded six years ago, ROK has produced more than 540 films and 25 series. Under the Canal+ deal, we aimed to increase production from next year to around 300 films and 20 series annually.”
Also speaking, Canal+ International’s chief content officer, Fabrice Faux, said the with ROK secured a steady supply of new films and series as the firm eyes a further expansion of African content.
“It is one of the very rare pay-TV markets that are growing and is growing very fast,” Faux told Reuters. “When I joined Canal+ International back in 2014, we had half a million (African subscribers) and now we have four million.”
In July, Showmax, MultiChoice’s fledgling video-streaming service, was launched in Nigeria.
“The Nollywood phenomenon makes it quite interesting from a content development point of view. You have a huge base of very loyal fans,” said Niclas Ekdahl, CEO of MultiChoice’s connected video division.
US streaming giant Netflix released “Lionheart”, its first original film produced in Nigeria, in January. It is also negotiating licence deals for Nigerian films such as “Chief Daddy”, a comedy that debuted on the platform in March.
The events that rocked the scene:
Big Brother Naija:
One of the events that rocked the year was this year’s edition of the Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem season. With its twist and turns, the show ended after 97 days and the winner, Mercy Eke, walked away with the grand prize of N60 million. Mercy became the first female ever to win the BBNaija reality TV show since it began over a decade ago
Davido and Chioma engaged
It has been over three months since Nigerian superstar, David Adeleke, famously known as Davido, got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Chioma, but gist about Davido’s proposal to Chioma and their plan to have a movie-like wedding in 2020 has continued to dominate discourse on the entertainment scene. The movie industry in September woke up to the news of Davido’s proposed marriage to Chioma as many at first disregarded the gist. As things stand now, the young self-acclaimed billionaire is leaving no stone unturned to stage one of the most talked about wedding in 2020.
9ice also got married
It was quite surprising to many when news filtered into town that Gongo Aso crooner, 9ice, was getting married to one of his baby mamas, Olasunkanmi Ajala. It was not the first time 9ice would tie the knot but the singer and his new wife appeared ready to make sure this has come to stay.
Shortly after their wedding, 9ice’s new wife in a new series of post said: “I promise its ….You and I till the wheels fall off…You and I till the sun fades into the darkness..You and I through the raging storm and the calm waters…Its YOU & I.”
It took the quick intervention of veteran actors like Bolaji Amusan and Yinka Quadri to finally put an end to the long-standing feud between Nollywood actresses, Lizzy Anjorin and Toyin Abraham.
The thespians, who are notable controversial actresses in the Yoruba section of the Nigerian movie terrain, made their feud public as they both leaked damaging reports about each other.
Lizzy had accused Toyin of lying about the place of birth of her new baby, as she refuted Toyin’s claim of giving birth to her baby in the United States, saying the Alakada actress gave birth to her child at a traditional birth centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Toyin would later reveal that she never claimed to have given birth to her child in the United States but at Vedic Lifecare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos, after seeing how efficient the clinic was.
Deaths:
Alabi Yellow bows out at 62
Famous veteran actor, Samuel Alabi Oludayo Akinpelu, popularly known as Alabi Yellow, gave up the ghost after battling with stroke for some years.
The deceased suffered a stroke after his wife’s death in March as a fundraiser was announced on his behalf with popular philanthropist and reverend, Esther Ajayi, alongside other actors rallying round to raise funds to cater for him.
The news of the actor’s ill health came as a surprise because he featured in Kunle Afolayan’s latest movie, ‘Mokalik’ and did not show any signs of illness. The film was released in May 2019.
‘Mad Melon’ of ‘Danfo Drivers’ fame
Oghenemaro Emeofa, popularly known as Mad Melon, the one half of veteran Nigerian music duo, Danfo Drivers, died on September 26.
The duo drove a commercial bus to make ends meet until they were discovered by Cornerstone Music in early 2003.
From being a ‘danfo’ driver that plied the Ojo to Mile 2 route, they rose to become one of Nigeria’s best music duo and international stars to come out of Ajegunle.
Their hit, ‘I Am a Danfo Driver, was chosen alongside 2baba’s ‘African Queen’ as the soundtracks in the Hollywood movie, Phat Girlz.
Prince Dammy Eke
Prince Dammy Eke slumped and died on April 28 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was 41. Eke was known for his prominent roles in movies that promote cultural values from the South-East part of the country.
Abe Ishola Monsurat Olabisi
The popular Yoruba actress widely known as ‘Bisket’ gave up the ghost on March 30, 10 days after welcoming her new baby. The late actress and producer was the CEO of Bisket Movie Concept and a member of the Lagos Island branch of the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). She was 39.
Alfred Rotimi Popoola
Rotimi Popoola, famously known as ‘Ilu Venture’ died on Thursday, February 27, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a brief illness. The 51-year-old actor’s death was confirmed by the Abeokuta chapter of TAMPAN. Until his death, Popoola had featured in some movies including ‘Aiye Foreign,’ and ‘Ropo Ijogbon.’
Gbenga ‘Burger’ Akintunde
The movie industry was thrown into mourning early in the year when the news of the death of Gbenga Burger Akintunde hit the airwaves. The Nollywood actor was reported to be the first to die in 2019. Akintunde died on Thursday, January 3, after visiting the hospital to complain of malaria.
Model: Yemi Fawaz,
Nigeria’s first model, Yemi Fawaz, was the pioneer of professional modeling in Nigeria but died in the United States on February 20 of an unknown ailment. The 64-year-old was the first Nigerian supermodel. She left Nigeria in 1997 and returned in 2016.
Media mogul: Benson Akindeju
The popular ‘Face2fFace’ sitcom producer died of cancer in London hospital on the 4th of March at the age of 59. Akindeju ran a media and production company, AK Media, which produced popular programmes that include Face2fFace, Family Ties, Nowhere to be Found, Liberty Villa and Oyinmomo, on DSTV.
Fasasi Olabankewin “Dagunro”
Yoruba actor, Fasasi Olabankewin, famously known as ‘Dagunro,’ for playing traditional roles in several Yoruba epic movies died in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday, June 13, 2019 during a brief illness.
The late actor, who celebrated his 50th year on stage on April 26, 2015 at the Blue Roof, LTV 8, Agindigbi, Ikeja, Lagos, had some movies to his name which included ‘Kakaki ‘Leku’, ‘Ikilo Agba’, and ‘Inubibi’.
Ifeanyichukwu Onyeabor
Fifty one-year-old movie director died on duty while filming in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on April 19. He was an AMAA nominee and will be remembered for some of his works that include ‘New Jerusalem,’ ‘My Mother’s Heart,’ ‘5 Apostles,’ ‘Darkest Knight,’ and ‘One Good Turn.’ The cause of death was not disclosed but reports said he died of a suspected heart attack.
Tony Anyasodor, 51
The veteran actor died on Thursday, March 7, 2019 following a battle with an undisclosed ailment. Anyasodor was popular for his roles in several Nollywood movies that include ‘Heavy Storm 1,’ ‘Heavy Storm 2,’ ‘Beyond the Verdict 1,’ ‘Beyond the Verdict 2,’ ‘Fire Dancer 1,’ and ‘Fire Dancer 2.’ Anyasodor was an indigene of Emii town in Imo State.
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