Entertainment: Notable Events, Moments, Personalities in 2024

2024 has indeed been an eventful year right from the very first month. Mostly coloured by controversies, drama, and scandals Ferdinand Ekechukwu highlights notable events, moments and personalities that rocked the Nigerian entertainment industry this year as it gradually winds up

Yul Edochie and May’s Many Controversies

Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, and his estranged wife May have refused to go off the spotlight. May and Yul have been at the center of media attention since 2022 when Yul revealed Judy Austin as his second wife and announced their first child together. Yul’s posthumous birthday message to his late son, Kambilichukwu in response to May’s January 1 post where she reflected on her past year and their late son, Kambilichukwu, stoked sympathy and all shades of comments. Yul several times expressed dissatisfaction with May’s decision, questioning the influence of her new relationship on her choices, and accused May of spreading untrue statements about him, potentially to garner sympathy and further her interests. With their divorce case still pending and May charting a new path, they continue to remain in the highlights and being trolled.

Funke Akindele and the Tribe Called Judah

Actress, and film producer Funke Akindele’s record of highest-grossing Nollywood film with her blockbuster, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ took over headlines, attracting accolades from different quarters including the presidency. The film earlier made history on January 2, 2024 as it emerged the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever with a reported N854m at the box office within 18 days in cinemas, and within 21 days became the first Nollywood film to gross N1bn (One Billion Naira). ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ on the other hand, lost in all five nominations at the AMVCA 2024 despite becoming the first Nigerian movie to gross over N1 billion in cinemas. As expected, the snub sparked a social media firestorm and emerged as the biggest talking point from the event.

Portable and the Controversies

Portable, real name Habeeb Okikiola, is synonymous with controversy. Since hitting limelight, the self-acclaimed man of every year has remained in the news for his many controversies. Portable’s troubled year continued with several attacks and confrontations. The singer was beaten a couple of times this year; one, in particular, landed him in the hospital where he cried out for help, asking “na only the dead una dey find justice for?” On this particular incident, some men had gone to his house to beat him for allegedly failing to perform at a show he was paid for earlier this year on January 22nd. He reacted claiming that they had failed to meet some of the terms of their agreement. Reacting further, he said, “They wan use me shine, they want to fight their helper. If e easy, why dem no go feature Wizkid or Davido? They were like 30 or 40 men, I no fit count but them run as my manager come with the police.”

Tiwa Savage and Davido’s Friendship Went Sour

On January 6th, 2024, the internet buzzed with the news that Tiwa Savage and Davido had unfollowed each other on Instagram. This seemingly sent shockwaves through their fan base, igniting speculations about a possible fall-out. It soon marked the first public display of a potential rift. It then emerged that Tiwa Savage and Davido, once close friends, their cordial relationship had dramatically spiraled into a public feud, culminating in police investigations of bullying and threats to life. Tiwa Savage, would on Tuesday, January 9, petition the Lagos state police command over alleged bullying and threats to life by Davido. Tiwa Savage, in the petition that made rounds online, accused Davido of uttering disrespectful words in reaction to a post that included herself and the singer’s baby mama, Sophia Momodu.

Lizzy Anjorin’s Gold and ‘Fake Transfer’ Ordeal

In the past months, actress turned business woman, Lizzy Anjorin and her colleague/foe Iyabo Ojo have on countless occasions attacked each other with expletive-laden words on Instagram. But no one saw it coming when in February 2024 reports alleged that Anjorin made fake transfer for goods worth N91, 000 in Lagos Island. There were also reports that Lizzy had visited a market to purchase some gold and was accused of stealing. She however denied the allegations and accused her rival Iyabo Ojo of setting her up, opening a wave of troll and reactions online. Eight months after Lizzy was accused of stealing gold and engaging in fraudulent transaction, the Lagos State Police Command in October cleared Lizzy of theft allegations following an investigation.

Nigerian Artistes and the 2024 Grammys Snub

About eight Nigerian artistes, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Asake, Ayra Starr secured nominations, making a significant milestone for Nigerian representation on the global stage in various categories of the 2024 Grammys held on February 05, 2024. However, the celebration was short-lived as each nominee left the ceremony without a trophy. Burna Boy, leading the pack with four nominations, Davido with three, and the rest with a singular nod, all faced the stark reality of Grammy disappointment as fans lamented the loss of their favourite stars. In the aftermath of the 66th Grammy Awards, the Nigerian music industry found itself grappling with a mix of disappointment and defiance.

Eedris AbdulKareem Paving Way for Burna Boy, Others

One major highlight of the entertainment scene in 2024 was singer, Eedris Abdulkareem’s claim to have paved the way for Grammy award winning artiste Burna Boy and others during an interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast. He said his revolt against the poor treatment of Nigerian artistes by show promoters in 2004 when he clashed with American rapper 50Cent and his G-Unit members in Nigeria led to the global recognition Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and other Nigerian artistes are benefiting from today. It was not the first time The ‘Jagajaga’ crooner would lay claim to such. His remarks ignited debates across the industry with his former label mates Tony Tetuila, Eddy Remedies who he had mentioned in the interview alongside other ‘OGs’ disputing Eedris’ claim. Responding to Eedris Abdulkareem’s remark, Burna Boy said he did not blame Eedris for his comment but the people who donated money to settle his hospital bills when he underwent a kidney transplant in 2022.

Flavour’s ‘Big Baller’ and Pastor Siju Iluyomade’s 60th Shindig

Pastor Siju, wife of Idowu Iluyomade, a senior pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Lagos, turned 60 in February and celebrated in style. The popular Nigerian musician Chinedu Okoli aka Flavour Nabania was one of the entertainers booked at the birthday party. Soon after, videos from the glamorous celebration went viral, including the performance of Flavour. As Flavour dished his hit song “Big Baller,” clips of Pastor Siju dancing to the song on stage began to circulate on the social space, sparking massive backlash that transcended the Eko Hotels venue of the party. It was widely perceived to be insensitive as there were those who frowned at the timing of the party and the choice of Flavour’s secular songs as the RCCG church parish had just lost one of its prominent members alongside his wife and son.

Bobrisky Gets Best Dressed Female Award

It was just meant to be a film premiere but the organisers decided to add a twist by awarding popular Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, the Best Dressed Female actress at the Eniola Ajao’s Beast of Two Worlds (Ajanaku) film premiere in March 2024. The announcement sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind naming Bobrisky, who is not a biological female, as the Best Dressed Female at the event. Concerned about the series of drama that unfolded, the film producer Eniola Ajao, a couple of days later, apologised to all the parties involved. She also announced two women as the new Best Dressed Females. In the aftermath of the controversy, Bobrisky faced many issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service, thus the genesis of his recent travails which has seen him flee the country.

Mr. Ibu: From Laughter to Tears…

The legendary Nollywood actor, Mr. Ibu passed away. The passing of Mr. Ibu on Saturday, March 4, 2024 at the age of 62 months after losing his leg battling a series of health issues due to diabetes sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and left fans mourning the loss of a beloved icon. Controversies had trailed Mr. Ibu’s case when members of the comic actor’s family, mostly his wife and his adopted daughter, Jasmine, accused one another of embezzling the funds donated by his fans, leading up to his final days. As tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans, the circumstances surrounding his death sparked various discussions and controversies, adding layers of complexity to the narrative of his life and career.