Nollywood & Nigerian Music Scene

Nollywood is the Nigerian film industry and the second-largest film industry in the world by number of films produced, behind only India's Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood. It produces an estimated 2,500 films annually and generates over $6 billion in revenue.

The industry emerged in the early 1990s with low-budget, straight-to-video films. Today, Nollywood has evolved into a sophisticated industry producing cinema-quality films that screen at international festivals and on global platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Notable Nollywood Stars

• Genevieve Nnaji - First Nollywood actress on Netflix (Lionheart, 2018)
• Omotola Jalade Ekeinde - Named one of TIME's 100 most influential people
• Funke Akindele - Creator of the record-breaking "Jenifa" franchise
• Ramsey Nouah - One of Nollywood's biggest male leads
• Kunle Afolayan - Award-winning director (The Figurine, Citation)

Experience Nollywood

• Cinemas: Filmhouse, Genesis Cinemas, and Silverbird in Lagos and Abuja screen both Nollywood and international films.
• Film Village: Several film production villages exist around Lagos where tours may be arranged.
• AMVCA: The Africa Movie Viewers' Choice Awards (held annually in Lagos) is the continent's biggest entertainment awards ceremony.

Afrobeats (not to be confused with Fela Kuti's Afrobeat) has become one of the most influential music genres globally. Nigerian artists regularly top international charts and sell out arenas worldwide.

Key Artists

• Burna Boy - Grammy winner, known as the "African Giant." Massive global following.
• Wizkid - International breakthrough with "Essence" (featuring Tems). Multi-Grammy nominated.
• Davido - Known for "Fall," "If," and philanthropy. One of Africa's wealthiest musicians.
• Tems - Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. Featured on Beyonce's Renaissance album.
• Asake - Rapid rise with Amapiano-influenced Afrobeats.
• Rema - "Calm Down" became a global hit, one of the most-streamed African songs ever.
• Tiwa Savage - "Queen of Afrobeats," major influence on the genre.

The Origins: Fela Kuti & Afrobeat

The foundation of Nigerian music's global influence was laid by Fela Anikulapo Kuti (1938-1997), the creator of Afrobeat - a genre fusing jazz, funk, highlife, and traditional Yoruba music with politically charged lyrics. His legacy lives on through his son Femi Kuti at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos and grandson Made Kuti.

• New Afrika Shrine (Ikeja, Lagos): Founded by Femi Kuti. Live Afrobeat every Sunday and Thursday night. A pilgrimage for music lovers.
• Terra Kulture (Victoria Island, Lagos): Arts centre hosting live performances, theatre, and cultural events.
• Hard Rock Cafe Lagos (Lekki): Live music and international acts.
• Muri Okunola Park (Victoria Island): Outdoor venue for major concerts and festivals.
• Eko Convention Centre: Major concerts and award shows.

• Fashion: Nigeria is a major fashion hub. Lagos Fashion Week draws international designers and media. Traditional fabrics (ankara, aso-oke, adire) are globally trendy.
• Comedy: Stand-up comedy is huge in Nigeria. Comedians like Basketmouth, AY, and Bovi sell out arenas.
• Literature: Nigeria has produced Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe (Things Fall Apart), and modern voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
• Visual Art: Nigerian contemporary art is booming. Artists like Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Ben Enwonwu (whose painting "Christine" sold for $1.6 million) are internationally celebrated.