Nigeria’s entertainment industry is poised for a landmark year in 2026, with significant developments expected across film, music, and award culture. As Nollywood continues to refine its storytelling and Afrobeats solidifies its global dominance, fans can anticipate a dynamic landscape filled with emerging talent and exciting projects. This overview highlights the pivotal moments and artists set to shape the Nigerian entertainment scene in the coming year.
As the Nigerian music ecosystem expands, a fresh cohort of artists is capturing both domestic and international attention. These emerging singers and songwriters are cultivating substantial fan bases through innovative sounds, compelling lyrics, and impactful collaborations. Mavo has rapidly emerged as a prominent figure in Afrobeats, earning Billboard’s November 2025 African Rookie of the Month award at just 22, following chart-topping success in Nigeria. His unique musical style, dubbed Burbur Music, is a fusion of Afrobeats, rap, and street vernacular. Hit tracks like Escaladizzy, Money Constant, and BODY (danz) have dominated streaming charts, featuring collaborations with established artists such as Wizkid, Davido, and CKay, indicating a strong trajectory for an even bigger 2026.
From the northern region, OG Abbah has garnered acclaim with his popular single, Wayyo Allah Na. His music stands out by blending contemporary Afrobeats with Hausa lyrics, adding a distinct flavor to the local music scene. The song’s widespread internet popularity in 2025 led to a remix featuring veteran rapper Ice Prince and live performances that broadened his audience. Beyond music, he has been appointed as a brand ambassador for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Another rising Afrobeats artist making considerable waves is Ayo Maff. Hailing from Lagos, Maff achieved nationwide recognition with his hit song Dealer, a collaboration with Fireboy DML. This track performed exceptionally well on streaming platforms and helped define his initial sound. His debut extended play, Maffian, was released in 2024, and subsequent music in 2025 further cemented his status as a burgeoning star. His musical style, which incorporates Afrobeats, street pop, and Afro-pop, resonates strongly with younger demographics.
Morravey is also making significant inroads in the Nigerian music industry. Her popularity surged following her appearance on Davido’s album, Timeless, captivating many fans with her melodic delivery and resonant voice. Her debut EP, RAVI, and singles like Ifeneme have achieved success on platforms like Shazam and across Africa, positioning her for substantial growth in 2026.
Shoday, born Shodade Solomon Segun, is another artist gaining considerable momentum. He is known for his smooth vocal delivery, infectious melodies, and street-influenced lyrics. His popularity has been amplified by tracks such as Dey 4 You, Caution, and Gaddem. By 2025, he was performing to large crowds and accumulating significant streams on major music platforms. Shoday’s unique sound complements the Afrobeats genre while maintaining a distinct individual style, making him an artist to watch.
Finally, Fola has steadily built his industry presence through a series of well-received singles and collaborations. His debut EP, What a Feeling, achieved popularity due to his mellow, soulful voice and meaningful lyrics, with subsequent singles climbing Nigerian and international streaming charts. Collaborations with artists like Bnxn and Bella Shmurda have also expanded his reach.
What is the outlook for Nigerian films in early 2026?
The first half of 2026 promises a focus on refined storytelling and meticulous production in Nigerian cinema. Releases span genres including romance, documentary, and drama, aiming to captivate both local and international audiences. Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Studios present Everything Is New Again, a love drama exploring intergenerational relationships and second chances, launching the year.
In February, Kayode Kasum’s romantic film Love & New Notes, set in Lagos, delves into contemporary relationships and their challenges, releasing just before Valentine’s Day and starring Timini Egbuson. Kachi Benson’s documentary Mothers of Chibok, also in February, revisits the 2014 kidnapping of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, from the mothers’ perspectives. Laju Iren’s A Fisherwoman’s Dream, set for a March release, follows a woman’s journey of adversity and hope, marking the acting debut of media personality Chude Jideonwo.
March also sees the release of Evi, a musical play directed by Uyoyou Adia and produced by Judith Audu, showcasing its narrative through original songs, a rarity in Nollywood. In April, Demi Banwo’s The Other Side of the Bridge, a partnership with Lord Tanner Studios, will premiere, centering on two boxers from different parts of Lagos, focusing on competition, training, and personal growth. FilmOne Studios’ A Star in Dark is also slated for April, with details still emerging but expected to explore the pressures of stardom. May concludes the early 2026 film slate with Iya Mi, a film focused on motherhood and familial bonds, emphasizing generational connections and sacrifice.
Projects and Awards: Wizkid and Asake’s Joint EP ‘Real (Vol. 1)’ was announced by Wizkid and Asake, fulfilling a long-held desire among Nigerian music fans for a collaboration between these top artists. During an Apple Music Radio session in early December 2025, they confirmed their joint EP, Real (Vol. 1), was in the works. Wizkid described the project as a special announcement for 2025, stating, “Mr Money and Big Wiz, our project is called Real, and it will be released this December for the people.” DJ Tunez provided a sneak peek with an online clip of a song believed to be from the EP, Jogodo. Although Real (Vol. 1) was anticipated for December 2025, the full EP remains unreleased, leading to speculation of a postponement to early 2026 due to typical year-end production and marketing adjustments. No new release date has been officially announced by the artists or their teams. This collaboration is significant as it marks the first full body of work from two of Afrobeats’ most influential artists, who have previously collaborated on tracks like MMS and Bad Girl.
The 2026 Grammy Awards, the 68th installment, are scheduled for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with global broadcasts on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The eligibility period for songs considered for these awards spans from late August 2024 to August 2025. The Grammy Awards hold particular excitement for Nigerian music enthusiasts this year, as numerous Nigerian artists have secured nominations, underscoring the growing international recognition of Afrobeats and contemporary African music.
Burna Boy leads the Nigerian nominees with nods for Best African Music Performance for ‘Love’ and Best Global Music Album for ‘No Sign of Weakness,’ continuing his streak of nominations and highlighting his significant global influence. Ayra Starr and Wizkid also received nominations for their song Gimme Dat, while Davido earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance for his track With You, featuring Omah Lay. These nominations signify a crucial shift where Nigerian music is now celebrated for its inherent quality, originality, and global impact, rather than solely local appeal. The increasing involvement of Afrobeats musicians in major international conversations, marked by their presence at the Grammy Awards, represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s music industry on the world stage.
