2024 in Review: Key Highlights in Culture, Entertainment, Art, Fashion, and Lifestyle – WAW Edition

2024 was the year that indeed marked a revolution in the annals of Nigerian entertainment, West Africa, and the world’s creative landscape. From record-breakers to cultural conversations, the region’s talents ensured that the world witnessed unequal vigour, resilience, and global relevance. Be it music, films, or art, the stars of Nigeria and West Africa shone bright, proving that their influence knows no borders and has finally secured a place at the table globally.

1. Film and Cinema

Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah redefined cinematic success in Nigeria and West Africa, becoming the first film to gross ₦1 billion at the box office. Released on December 15, 2023, this directorial triumph captivated audiences nationwide, earning 285,410 admissions and solidifying Akindele’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nollywood. Her multifaceted career as an actress, producer, director, and even politician continues to inspire many.

Another notable film, Afamefuna, emerged as a top Nollywood movie of 2024, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its compelling storytelling and production quality.

At the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2024, Breath of Life won Best Film, with BB Sasore, Derin Adeyokunnu, and Eku Edewor receiving accolades as producers.

2. Global Recognition

The global stage recognised the brilliance of Nigerian women in film as Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele, and Jade Osiberu were named among the 40 most powerful women in international cinema by The Hollywood Reporter. Abudu’s strategic partnerships with Netflix and Sony Pictures brought African narratives to new audiences, while Osiberu, founder of Greoh Studios, built on her award-winning work with films like Brotherhood. Together, they demonstrated the strength of Nigerian creativity on the world stage.

3. Star-Studded Nuptials in Nigerian Entertainment

Love also took centre stage in 2024, with two weddings dominating conversations. Davido’s star-studded ceremony with Chioma Rowland became a nationwide sensation. Davido released a remix of Ogechi to celebrate their union, which quickly became a hit. Nigerian actress Sharon Ooja followed with her enchanting Abuja wedding to Ugo Nwoke, capturing the hearts of fans with stunning traditional attire and a digital frenzy of admiration.

4. Fashion and Art

Lagos Fashion Week and Art X Lagos showcased the vibrancy of Nigerian fashion and art scenes, attracting international attention and highlighting the country’s creative talents.

5. Literature

In literature, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie announced a new book, her first in several years, generating excitement among readers and critics alike. Also, a TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s literary classic Things Fall Apart is underway, with Idris Elba and David Oyelowo—Idris is set to star as the lead character, Okonkwo and the executive producer. Whilst Nigerians are excited that this adaptation would bring the literary classic to a broader audience, others criticised the casting of a non-Nigerian as Okonkwo, calling for a more authentic representation of Nigerian culture.

6. Reality and Lifestyle 

Big Brother Naija Season 9 captivated audiences with its drama and entertainment, maintaining its status as a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria.

7. Notable Achievements

Tunde Onakoya set a Guinness World Record for chess, and another Nigerian artist achieved the record for the largest drawing, highlighting the diverse talents emerging from the country.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina was the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition. She has also been crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. Her journey to the crown didn’t come without challenges. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina received backlash from many South Africans that she was unfit to run because she was a Nigerian. Adetshina eventually withdrew from the contest for her safety and well-being. After accepting the invitation from Miss Universe Nigeria to run, Chidimma has risen above it all to become a beacon of resilience and pride for Nigerians worldwide.

8. Global Scene

On the global stage, Sean “Diddy” Combs faced serious legal troubles in 2024, as he was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. His highly anticipated trial for 2025 has sparked widespread conversations and could mark a pivotal moment in his career.

Nevetherless, the 96th Academy Awards, held Sunday night, March 10, 2024, honoured the best in movies. “Oppenheimer” was the night’s biggest winner as it took home seven awards, including Best Picture. For the first time since “Ben-Hur” in 1959, a Best Picture winner took home both male acting awards. “Poor Things” took home four Oscars. This was a historic moment in which three Best Picture nominees were directed by women, reflecting the industry’s strides for inclusivity. Billie Eilish also became the youngest person to win two Oscars after taking Best Original Song for “What Was I Made For?”

9. Music Milestones

Nigerian music continued to soar internationally. Rema’s performance at the opulent wedding of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son in Mumbai underscored his global appeal. Performing his international hit “Calm Down,” Rema reportedly earned $3 million from the performance, making headlines for his talent and the event’s grandeur. High-profile attendees included Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and Hollywood stars John Cena, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and the Kardashian sisters.

Tems made history with her 2025 Grammy nominations. She became the first Nigerian female artist with a Grammy-nominated album, and her debut, Born in the Wild, landed a spot in the Best Global Music Album category alongside Rema’s HEIS. Tems also earned a nomination in the Best R&B Performance category for her single “Burning,” making her the first African artist to be recognised in this prestigious category. Her song “Love Me Jeje” was nominated for Best African Music Performance and was listed as the number one Afro-Pop Song according to Rolling stone—Burna Boy for Higher, Yemi Alade was nominated for the first time for “Tomorrow,” Asake and Wizkid for “MMS” from his album “Lungu Boy” and lastly, Chris Brown, Davido, and Lojay’s “Sensational.”

Flavour achieved a remarkable milestone by selling out the iconic OVO Wembley Arena in London on August 24, 2024. The electrifying concert highlighted his unique fusion of African rhythms with modern sounds, enthralling the audience and further cementing his status as a global music star—Rema also held a monumental concert at a stadium in Benin City, Edo State, his hometown, drawing massive crowds.

But beyond concerts, Nigerian musicians made 2024 a memorable year with innovative album releases that underlined their creative vitality. Rema’s ‘HEIS‘ and Tems’ ‘Born in the Wild’ reached critical acclaim on the international stage, finding their places on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of the Year list. Chike’s ‘Son of  Chike’ showed his growth as an artist, while Fireboy DML’s ‘Adedamola’ featured collaborations with legends like Seun Kuti and Lagbaja.

Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’, off the back of the rave about his blistered summer tour, brought another layer into his talents. Meanwhile, ‘Ikigai’ by Olamide gathered some stellar names for a star-studded collaborative work. Yemi Alade made her mark in Afrobeats with ‘Rebel Queen’, while Ayra Starr showed growth and international appeal in ‘The Year I Turned 21.’ The year also so projects from Simi and Victony. 

Coupled with great performances, these albums sealed 2024 as a banner year for Nigerian music, showing how well the genre travels and evolves.

10. In Memoriam

Yet, 2024 was not without sorrow. The passing of Onyeka Onwenu at age 72 left the nation in mourning. Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” Onwenu’s illustrious career spanned music, film, politics, and activism. Her legacy as a voice for social change and a symbol of artistic excellence will forever remain.

Looking back in 2024, Nigerian and West African entertainment companies have done so much to make a presence locally and globally. The past year’s successes set into motion what will be even more feasible in 2025. Standing on the back of the momentum for 2025, African creatives are positioned for continued breaking through into global entertainment in the years ahead.

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Ikenna Churchill

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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