When Anikulapo premiered in 2022, it leaned more on consequence in the way it told its story. Kunle Afolayan’s film presented resurrection as a force that affected social and political relationships rather than as a shortcut to heroism. Power had clear effects on those involved, and survival depended on the choices characters made. The trailer for Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens indicates that the story is moving into new territory beyond the original film.

The trailer shows movement across different locations. The familiar structures of the Oyo Empire appear less secure, and characters are seen navigating new environments and changing alliances. These visuals suggest a wider world in which the story is developing, with new challenges for the characters.

Photo Credit – Google

The “Ghoul” referenced in the title is not explicitly defined in the trailer. Fear and tension are communicated through pauses, cautious glances, and moments where characters hesitate. The threat is presented as a presence that influences how people act, rather than as a clearly identified figure. This approach allows the audience to focus on the unfolding events and the interactions between characters.

Saro appears with more visible weight in this season. Scenes show other characters reacting to him with caution, suggesting that his abilities carry broader implications within the story. Several shots focus on how others respond to his actions rather than on his actions alone. Returning cast members provide continuity, while new characters are introduced in ways that suggest they will play significant roles in shaping events.

Photo Credit – Google

Visually, the trailer maintains the quality associated with Afolayan’s previous work. Costumes, sets, and use of language continue to show attention to detail. The tone appears tighter and darker, with faster pacing, sharper lighting, and moments of abrupt conflict. The visual style balances aesthetic appeal with the sense of tension present in the story.

The trailer also emphasizes that power comes with consequences. Scenes suggest that decisions carry cost, whether through cautious interactions or uncertain outcomes. Within the context of Nigerian storytelling, this approach presents power as something that affects everyone involved rather than something that is simply effective or advantageous.

Photo Credit – Google

As the January 30 release date approaches, the trailer positions this season as a continuation with higher stakes. The visuals and tone suggest a story that explores broader settings and introduces new tensions for the characters. Audiences can expect a season that examines the impact of Saro’s abilities and how the characters respond to the challenges that arise in this expanded story world.

Nigerian music star Ayodeji “Wizkid” Balogun has officially become the first African artist to surpass 10 billion total streams on Spotify, counting both his solo work and collaborations. This milestone places him among the most-streamed artists worldwide and highlights the growing global influence of African music.

Wizkid reached this landmark after more than a decade of releasing hit singles and collaborating with international stars like Drake, Beyoncé, and Tems. His global visibility grew through tracks such as One Dance with Drake, the international summer anthem Essence featuring Tems, and albums like Made in Lagos and More Love, Less Ego, all of which have consistently performed on streaming charts.

Wizkid – Instagram

Currently, Wizkid attracts over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify, reflecting not just the scale of his past achievements, but also ongoing global interest in his music. Early hits in the 2010s introduced him to Nigerian audiences, while collaborations like the remix of Ojuelegba with Drake expanded his reach internationally and helped Afrobeats gain mainstream recognition in Western markets.

Wizkid – Instagram

Streaming platforms have enabled artists like Wizkid to connect directly with audiences worldwide, bypassing traditional gatekeepers such as radio or television charts. This accessibility has allowed African artists to compete on a global scale and set new standards for success.

While Wizkid now leads African artists in Spotify streams, other musicians such as Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Tyla have also achieved significant international followings, collectively demonstrating that African music is no longer a niche but a central part of global playlists.

Wizkid’s 10 billion streams mark a milestone for the artist and for Afrobeats as a genre. Strategic collaborations have amplified his reach, and his catalogue’s continued popularity highlights the influence of digital streaming on the global music industry. From Lagos to Los Angeles, the data show that African artists are shaping, not just participating in, the worldwide music market.

As of early 2026, Wizkid stands not only as a record-setter but as a clear measure of African music’s growing impact on the global stage.

Funke Akindele’s latest film, Behind The Scenes, has earned ₦1.77 billion in box office revenue within its first four weeks, making it the highest-grossing Nigerian film of 2025. The film premiered in December 2025 and quickly broke multiple records, including surpassing ₦200 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. Within 17 days, it became the fastest movie in West Africa to cross the ₦1 billion mark. On Boxing Day alone, ticket sales reached ₦129.5 million, the highest single-day total for a Nigerian film during the holiday period.‏

Funke Akindele – Instagram

Akindele has previously produced three films that each earned over ₦1 billion, including A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa. These figures make her the only filmmaker in Nollywood history with multiple billion-naira films in a single calendar year. Everybody Loves Jenifa also ranks among Nollywood’s all-time highest-grossing films, reflecting strong audience engagement.

Photo Credit – Instagram

The film features a cast including Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Tobi Bakre, Destiny Etiko, and Uche Montana, which contributed to its broad appeal across audiences. Analysts suggest that its success was supported by strategic release planning, including advanced screenings and well-timed premieres before the nationwide rollout.

The performance of Behind The Scenes arrives amid ongoing challenges in Nollywood, such as limited funding, restricted cinema access, and piracy. Its commercial success demonstrates the growing potential of Nigerian cinema and underscores Akindele’s influence in the industry. While figures confirm her market impact, experts note that her continued success may also reflect an understanding of audience preferences and effective franchise building.

Akindele – Instagram

Funke Akindele’s recent achievements highlight her consistent ability to produce films that resonate with viewers. The results show that Nollywood productions can achieve significant commercial success while appealing to wide audiences, providing a benchmark for the industry’s evolving market potential.