Entertainment
Nollywood Had A Big Role To Play Nigeria Economy Growth -Anthony Ada Abraham
Award-Winning ex-Leadership Entertainment and Tourism Editor, PR Specialist Anthony Ada Abraham Discusses Growth in the Music and Movie Industry And Calls for Professionalism In Nollywood
In a recent exclusive interview, the award-winning ex-Leadership newspaper’s Entertainment and Tourism Editor, who doubles as a Public Relations specialist, shed light on the impressive growth witnessed in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly the music and movie sectors. With over a decade of experience in the industry, this media professional has seen firsthand how Nollywood and Afrobeats have transformed from local movements into globally recognized industries. However, alongside this rise, the editor emphasized the pressing need for professionalism within Nollywood to ensure sustainable success.
The Growth of Nigerian Entertainment
According to the editor, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has experienced exponential growth over the past few years. With Afrobeats artists dominating international charts and Nollywood films streaming on global platforms like Netflix, the industry’s influence is undeniable. “The Nigerian music industry, especially, has become a force to be reckoned with globally. You see artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage collaborating with international acts, while Nollywood has had its productions featured in international film festivals,” he remarked.
“The world is paying attention to Nigerian creatives, and the market is rapidly expanding, not just within Africa but across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This presents both opportunities and challenges.”
The Role of Nollywood in the Nigerian Economy
Nollywood, now the second-largest film industry globally in terms of production volume, continues to attract investors. The editor noted that with increasing local and international funding, Nigerian films are improving in terms of quality, visual effects, and storytelling. However, he stressed that despite this growth, the industry must not lose sight of the importance of professionalism and discipline, particularly from the actors themselves.
“One of the major challenges Nollywood faces, despite its growth, is the need for actors to approach the craft with more professionalism,” Anthony Ada Abraham explained. “The industry is becoming more competitive, and expectations are higher, both from the local audience and international viewers. Producers are investing more in quality, but this needs to be met with an equal commitment from actors to deliver outstanding performances, adhere to industry standards, and work with ethics.”
Why Professionalism is Crucial for Nollywood’s Future
When asked why professionalism is critical, the editor drew parallels with Hollywood and other global movie industries. “In Hollywood, Bollywood, and even the rising South Korean film industry, actors approach their roles with a high degree of preparation, training, and discipline. They understand that they are not just artists but also ambassadors of their country’s culture and industry. Nollywood actors must adopt this mindset to maintain credibility on the global stage,” the editor insisted.
Professionalism, he emphasized, goes beyond delivering lines convincingly; it includes punctuality on set, a deep understanding of the script, collaboration with directors and crew, and a strong work ethic. “We have seen instances where lack of preparation from actors has delayed productions or resulted in subpar films. Nollywood is evolving, and it can no longer afford such setbacks if it wants to remain competitive internationally.”
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges, the Anthony expressed optimism about Nollywood’s future. With more young filmmakers entering the industry, there is hope for a new wave of creativity and professionalism that could further propel Nollywood into global prominence. He urged actors, particularly upcoming talents, to invest in their craft by undergoing proper training, attending acting workshops, and working with industry professionals who can help them hone their skills.
“The future of Nollywood is bright, but only if we focus on continuous improvement and uphold high standards. Our stories are unique, and we have a massive platform to tell them. But professionalism must be the foundation of everything we do if we want the world to take us seriously.”
As Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues its upward trajectory, this editorial voice serves as a reminder that true success requires not just talent but also a commitment to excellence, discipline, and professionalism. The world is watching, and Nollywood has the potential to shine even brighter on the global stage—if its stars rise to the challenge.
Davido, the award-winning Nigerian singer, has released his much-anticipated album ‘5ive’.
The 17-track project, initially slated for release on March 14, finally hit streaming platforms in the early hours of Friday.
In the body of work, Davido features Jamaican singers 450 and Shensea, South African artiste Musa Keys, American musicians Chris Brown and Becky G, and French singers Tayc and Dadju.
Victony, Odumodublvck, Chike and Omah Lay are the Nigerian singers enlisted in the project.
The album’s songs include ‘5ive’, ‘Anything’, Be There Still’, ‘CFMF’, ’10 Kilo’, ‘Offa Me’, ‘Don’t Know’ and ‘R&B’, ‘Awuke’.
Others are ‘Holy Water’, ‘Nuttin Dey’, ‘Titanium’, ‘Lately’, ‘Tek’, ‘Funds’, ‘Lover Boy’s and ‘With You’.
Davido had earlier put out ‘Be There Still,’ ‘Awuke‘ featuring YG Marley, and ‘Funds‘, three tracks off the album.
‘5ive’ is the singer’s fifth studio album.
In December, Davido revealed that the album is “my story, my truth and my growth”.
“My people. The journey continues in 2025 with my new album ‘5IVE’. This is straight from the heart — my story, my truth and my growth,” he said.
On April 5, he also kicked off a five-city tour has Europe and North America in anticipation of ‘5ive’.
Born David Adeleke, Davido rose to fame in 2012 after releasing ‘Dami Duro,’ the second single from his debut album ‘Omo Baba Olowo’.
Since his debut album, he has delivered three other projects including ‘A Good Time’ (2019), ‘A Better Time‘ (2020), and ‘Timeless’ (2023).
Pop star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, is at the centre of intense public scrutiny following his performance at a recent concert.
Rendering a song which he titled, ‘Toto Mechanic’, the ‘African Queen’ crooner sang, “Baby, no panic eh/I be toto mechanic eh/no panic eh/I be toto mechanic eh/I just wan dey make your puna flenjo/I want to make your puna flenjo/When I finish with you/I go be your vibrator vendor/Gentleness/Ruggedness/Anyhow that you want it/Girl, I got it/Come and take it/Don’t be shy..”
“Toto” is a slang that is often used to mean “vagina”.
However, the performance was greeted with mixed reactions, with many people stating that the singer seemed to be in a downward spiral.
So This Happened (EP 258)
A TikTok user, Sharon Wasem, wrote, “We never loved him because he was singing this rubbish; we did because he always made sense, and always respected himself, but what is this, pls?
“2baba, learn from your big brother, the legendary Bongos Ikwe. When his name is mentioned, the youth go on bended knees. How do you rubbish all that you worked so hard for? Where’s the sense pls.”
Another fan, Ifeoma, wrote, “I’ve been following 2baba for years. This new song doesn’t feel like him. It’s disjointed, like he’s going through something and just threw it out there.”
Echoing Ifeoma’s thoughts, yet another fan, Michael, stated that the lyrics of the song appear erratic and incoherent, “lacking the depth and poetic resonance that once defined his music”. He added that it seemed to be more a rushed attempt to stay relevant amid personal turmoil, rather than a true artistic expression.
In a similar vein, a concertgoer alleged that at a recent event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, “the singer appeared late on stage, looking tired, unkempt, and at times visibly disoriented”.
“He was slurring his words and forgot the lyrics to ‘African Queen’. It was painful to watch,” he alleged.
In January 2025, 2baba had announced that he had separated from his estranged wife, Annie Idibia (nee Macaulay). Soon after, he informed the public that he was now engaged to a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru.
Since he announced their engagement, the couple has been seen together shopping, partying and visiting different places, including the Edo Assembly.
This led many of the singer’s fans, including controversial social media personality— Very Dark Man— to state that he was losing his star power. According to VDM, by being in places where he ordinarily shouldn’t be, many people had started to look down on him.
Indeed, the once-beloved crooner, who has long been admired for his soulful lyrics and calm persona, has given many of his fans growing cause for concern.
A Facebook fan, Isaac Alare, was also of the opinion that since his separation from Annie, the singer usually looked dishevelled and withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the singer’s mum had also made a video calling on Natasha to “release” her son. She said, “I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg Natasha to free my son. My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son, and this is not him. Please Natasha, the bead you put on his hand and neck, remove them.”
However, making a joke in apparent reference to his mum’s pleas, the singer recently stated that he was trying to make enough money to pay his “kidnappers”, so he could be released to go home.
Nigerian music icon David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has officially disclosed the date for his White Wedding with his spouse, Chioma Rowland-Adeleke.
This announcement comes ten months following their glamorous traditional wedding, which took place in Lagos.
ELANZANEWS recalls that their opulent traditional ceremony was celebrated with great fanfare in June 2024 at Eko Hotels, Lagos.
In a recent interview with Breakfast Club, Davido shared that the eagerly awaited White Wedding is scheduled for August 2025.
“I’m hosting my White Wedding in Miami this August,” he revealed.
“Our traditional marriage made headlines across Nigeria because our relationship has been highly publicized, and we’ve faced many challenges, including the loss of our child,” Davido added.