Notable Events, Moments, Personalities 

in Entertainment 2024

In this concluding piece on the Nigerian entertainment scene in 2024, Ferdinand  Ekechukwu highlights notable events, moments and personalities that dominated the industry in the outgoing year 

Kunle Remi Viral Wedding Days

Movie star, Kunle Remi’s nuptial trended for good reasons. His wedding to the love of his life, Boluwatiwi (Tiwi) Oye, a niece to billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, was at the centre of attention for days.  The ceremonies which started on January 18 – January 20, 2024 went viral with pictures and clips from the engagement, traditional, and white wedding.

Junior Pope: A Sad Story

The death of actor Junior Pope was one sad event that threw Nollywood and a large part of the country into mourning following his tragic demise in 2024, alongside three others in a boat mishap on their way back from a movie shoot in Anambra State. The actor and other members were working on a movie titled, ‘The Other Side of Life’, produced by Adanma Luke. 

Wizkid’s Heated Rant

What started as an interactive session with Wizkid and his fans on April 29, soon escalated into a feud online, bringing Wizkid against Davido in a manner never seen before. It pulled their fans, followers, and colleagues like Don Jazzy into the fray. Wizkid’s rant was believed to be influenced by Rema who had a day earlier declared and ranked himself in the same category among the big afrobeats stars – Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and himself, bringing the number to four.

Mohbad Refused to Go Away

Issues surrounding Mohbad lingered in the outgoing year, attracting all sorts of arguments, most bothering on a DNA test to pressure the late singer’s wife. Also, due to an unending family drama championed by his father Joseph Aloba. Mohbad’s remains exhumed, his large fan base, and observers anticipated an autopsy result would reveal the cause of his death. 

2Baba, Efe Omorogbe No More

The legendary artiste Innocent Idibia popularly known as 2Baba and his longtime manager and business partner, Efe Omorogbe officially parted ways in 2024, after 20 years of working together. Though industry observers believed there were more to the reason given for their separation, the maturity with which both handled it was quite admired and commended.

AY, Mabel Makun’s Dreams Taking Different Directions 

Popular Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun (AY), and his wife, Mabel, became estranged after 20 years. AY had revealed in a post shared on his Instagram page. He admitted to personal flaws that affected their 20-years relationship. Reacting to AY’s statement Mabel wrote “Although my dreams of a lifelong marriage have taken a different direction now, I’m committed to moving forward with grace and resilience.”

Ali Baba’s April Fool

The ace comedian, Ali Baba had deliberately on April 1 announced his wife delivered triplets three months earlier. Not a few Nigerians and his colleagues took his April Fool’s Day post as a joke and it went viral. It was later confirmed during a ceremony that attracted other celebrities and his friends at a church service dedication of the triplets that it wasn’t a joke after all.  

Deborah Odutayo’s Retirement Project

In July 2024, seasoned producer, Deborah Odutayo after more than three decades of her illustrious career announced and embarked on what she called her “retirement project” with a comedy-drama series titled Debbie’s Salon. Odutayo’s decision surprised many of the ‘old hands’ in the industry who see the 2018 African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA) Head Judge as still having more to offer. 

AMVCA 10, Breath of Life

The edition surprised many that Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” was edged out completely by “Breath of Life, a Prime Video original which carted the highest number of awards on the night, leaving Funke Akindele’s with none despite having a record breaking blockbuster movie. Directed by BB Sasore, Breath of Life was seen to bear a breath of fresh in Nollywood for its artistic commendation.

#Chivido2024 and Davido’s Shamble Status

The mother of all celebrity wedding in 2024 unfolded the epic love story of music superstar Davido and his longtime girlfriend turned lover, and now wife, Chioma. The lavish ceremony buzzed unending with the hashtag #Chivido24. Content creators, artistes and other creatives had to suspend whatever they had for the wedding day. And most recently, Davido’s remarks about the Nigerian economy not cool and in shambles generated widespread backlash.  

Brainjotter Going Viral with Mike Ejeagha

From an innocent addition to a content creation by one of Nigeria’s finest comedians, Brain Jotter, the song, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche by Gentleman Mike Ejeagha undoubtedly became a nationwide sensation. Though not the comedian’s first time of using sounds or music for his skit, this particular one took an unexpected turn, becoming viral, getting appraisals and also backlash over royalty.

Onyeka Onwenu One Love No More

The Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu passed on shortly after performing at a friend’s birthday party at 72. She reportedly collapsed following her performance at the 80th birthday of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. She was subsequently pronounced dead at a hospital in Lagos. It was a major but devastating incident.

P-Square Breaks-up Again

They only reconvened in 2021, after a long drawn messy disagreement involving their families and businesses. Prior to their recent breakup, reports had filtered out in June, 2024 about the music duo Peter and Paul being at war again. This time Peter had dragged their elder brother, Jude to EFCC over alleged “embezzlement” of their royalties. Paul was invited for some clarifications.

Rema, a Global Sensation

Rema was on the spotlight during the year for some reasons. One was him performing at the wedding of the son of India’s richest man in Mumbai. His record, ‘Calm Down’ continued its remarkable success streak, carting away awards and topping charts across the globe. He dropped his sophomore album, ‘HEIS’ to the delight of his fans worldwide.

D’banj: Since ‘04 to ‘24

Music powerhouse, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj was a highpoint in 2024 as he specially marked his career in the music industry, celebrating two decades of his journey as a performing artiste with a series of activities and events heralding his anniversary album, titled ‘Since 04’. There were also great performances with shows celebrating the milestone.