A Resurgence of Epic Movies
Call it a renaissance, and you wouldn't be wrong. Films like 'Aníkúlápó,' 'Lisabi,' 'Ajakaju: Beasts of Two Worlds,' 'Jagun Jagun,' and the recently released 'Seven Doors' have reimagined Nigerian culture. Not only are these films featured on the biggest platforms and enjoyed theatrical releases, but they have also gained critical acclaim, blending historical narratives with visual effects to deliver world-class storytelling.
Pulling the Plug on Nollywood Funding
First, it was Amazon Prime Video announcing plans to halve the production of local content in Africa at the beginning of 2024, inadvertently affecting the financing of local content in Nigeria. Following a misstatement from filmmaker Kunle Afolayan about Netflix shutting down operations, subsequent details revealed that the streaming giant followed in Prime Video's footsteps, albeit maintaining a presence in Nigeria.
An Explosion of Film Festivals
2024 truly marked the year film festivals went above and beyond, with a conscious effort to integrate into mainstream culture. The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), along with a plethora of others such as the Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), has gone on to screen both local and international productions from around the world. Just this year alone, the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA) announced that Nigeria would host 28 film festivals.
Female Singers Leading on the International Stage
Gone are the days when women's talent was eclipsed by obscurity. Artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage are not just topping charts but headlining major festivals like Coachella and Afro Nation. This crop of female artistes, in turn, is inspiring a new breed of female entertainers, such as Qing Madi.
With Tems now holding the record as the only indigenous African musician to crack the R&B category at the Grammys and earn two other nominations, it only proves that the future is FEMALE!
African Fashion on Global Stages
In 2024, Nigerian designers continued to collaborate with music artists, creating iconic outfits for international events. For instance, Burna Boy was featured in a campaign image for BOSS' Fall/Winter 2024 Campaign.
Similarly, the local fashion scene has become a global fixture, with the likes of Lagos Fashion Week and GTCO Fashion Weekend. These platforms attracted global buyers and journalists, elevating African fashion designers to international markets while instilling confidence, pride, and dreams in local creatives.
Viral Challenges on Social Media
From recreating the mannerisms of our favourite stars on social media to hopping on the latest dance craze, viral challenges, like in previous years, also defined 2024. A notable viral challenge was the 'Gwo Gwo Geo Gwom' skit, inspired by highlife singer Mike Ejeagha's 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,' reimagined by online influencer Brain Jotter. While the viral challenge had most people creating their versions or watching reels on social media, the saga led many to research and deliberate on copyright infringement concerning perceived royalties earned.
Nigerian Music Thrived on International Collaborations
These days, Nigerian acts are highly sought after due to the global dominance of afrobeats. A continuing trend of international collaboration defined the music scene, with each major release getting an assist from well-known international acts. Here are a few:
Asake featuring Travis Scott - 'Active'
Wizkid featuring Tiakola - 'Après Minuit'
Ayra Starr featuring Giveon - 'Last Heartbreak Song'
Victony featuring SAINt JHN - 'Tiny Apartment'
Filmmakers Flocking to YouTube
In 2024, Nigerian filmmakers increasingly turned to YouTube as a haven for creative freedom and global visibility. By sidestepping traditional distribution channels, creators have embraced YouTube to tell authentic stories while directly connecting with their audiences.
This shift has empowered filmmakers to properly project narratives of everyday Nigerian life. As global audiences discover these works, YouTube has proven to be more than just a platform--it's a launchpad for fresh voices redefining Nigerian cinema.
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The Rise of Nigerian Podcasting and Audio Content
Nigerian podcasting flourished in 2024, with creators carving out spaces for discussions on culture, lifestyle, and social issues. Shows like 'I Said What I Said' and 'Tea with Tay' have captured audiences with their relatability and vibrant storytelling, making podcasts a cornerstone of Nigeria's growing audio ecosystem.
Supported by platforms like Spotify and Audiomack, this rise is fostering a culture of creative expression while giving Nigerian voices a global stage, cementing podcasts as a new form of cultural documentation and entertainment.
Film Villages Frenzy
For a while, it seemed as if film villages would be the next 'IT' thing for Nollywood. Ibrahim Chatta's N1.4 billion film village in Oyo State captured the industry as well as Bolanle Austen-Peters film village in Epe where her Netflix production, 'House of Ga'a' was shot.
