A decade ago, 2016 stood out as a pivotal year for the Nigerian entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact that is still felt today and will continue to resonate in 2026. This landmark year saw Nollywood achieve new box-office heights and Afrobeats deliver unforgettable anthems that dominated playlists. The cultural energy of 2016 was immense, marking a transformative period for Nigerian cinema and music. In this feature, we explore the movies and artists that are now celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2026.
Nollywood experienced a significant shift in 2016, transitioning from primarily DVD sales and word-of-mouth distribution to becoming a major force in cinema. While films were released in theaters before 2016, they were rarely treated as significant cultural events. This changed dramatically that year, with “The Wedding Party” emerging as a game-changer that rewrote Nigerian cinema history. Released in 2016 and directed by Kemi Adetiba, the film arrived at a time when audiences were actively seeking fresh, high-quality storytelling with broad appeal. The narrative of “The Wedding Party” centers on the union of Dunni and Dozie, a young couple whose wedding day becomes a whirlwind of dramatic and comedic events, filled with family conflicts, hidden secrets, and unexpected guests.
What is the significance of “The Wedding Party” in Nollywood history? This film is significant because it broke box-office records for Nollywood in 2016, proving that Nigerian films could draw large cinema audiences and effectively compete with international releases. It also elevated the standards for storytelling, production quality, and marketing within the Nigerian film industry. Its success demonstrated the commercial viability of local cinema and inspired future filmmakers.
Another notable Nollywood production turning ten in 2026 is Kunle Afolayan’s “The CEO.” Released in 2016, this film offered a distinct blend of romance, suspense, and corporate intrigue. The plot follows a group of senior executives on a corporate retreat by yacht, vying for the company’s top position. The journey quickly escalates into a tense environment as secrets, rivalries, and ulterior motives come to light, making it clear that trust is a rare commodity among the passengers.
The film “76,” directed by Izu Ojukwu, brought historical depth to Nigerian cinema in 2016. Set against the turbulent political climate of Nigeria in 1976, the drama chronicles the life of Major Dike, a young army officer whose personal life and marriage are profoundly impacted by the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. The powerful performances from Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, and Ireti Doyle brought historical events to life with remarkable realism and emotional resonance, highlighting the intricate connection between personal lives and national occurrences.
Curtis “Clems” Graham’s “Oloibiri,” also released in 2016, shed light on the human consequences of Nigeria’s initial oil discoveries. Featuring performances by Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Jide Kosoko, the film depicts the struggle of local communities against corruption and exploitation, offering viewers both entertainment and a critical look at the challenges tied to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
Wives on Strike, a social comedy produced and directed by Omoni Oboli, was another significant release in 2016. The film humorously portrays market women who withhold intimacy from their husbands to pressure them into defending a young girl’s rights and opposing forced marriages. With a strong ensemble cast including Uche Jombo, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, and Julius Agwu, the movie used satire to address serious societal issues, becoming a major box-office success and sparking conversations about female agency.
Afrobeats experienced an electrifying surge in 2016, producing hits that dominated airwaves, clubs, and social media platforms. The musical landscape of 2016 was incredibly diverse, encompassing Afrobeats, pop, street rap, and heartfelt love songs. Albums released that year became defining works for a generation.
Kizz Daniel’s “New Era” was a pop sensation, featuring chart-toppers like “Woju,” “Mama,” and “Laye,” which propelled his career and earned him Album of the Year at The Headies. Patoranking’s “God Over Everything” masterfully blended reggae, highlife, and Afrobeats, with notable features from Wizkid, Olamide, and Phyno. Adekunle Gold’s “Gold” captivated audiences with its smooth Afro-soul tracks, including “Orente” and “Pick Up.”
Hip-hop enthusiasts enjoyed Phyno’s “The Playmaker,” celebrated for its lyrical prowess and Igbo rap dominance. Reekado Banks’ “Spotlight” delivered club-ready pop singles that solidified his status as a star.
Singles released in 2016 also made a significant impact. Tekno’s “Pana” became an instant hit, while Phyno and Olamide’s collaboration “Fada Fada” and Olamide’s “Who You Epp” became street anthems. Love songs like Kiss Daniel’s “Mama” and Adekunle Gold’s “Pick Up” resonated deeply, while Patoranking’s “No Kissing Baby” and Humblesmith’s “Osinachi (Remix)” kept dance floors alive.
Breakout singles such as Mayorkun’s “Eleko” and Mr Eazi’s “Skin Tight” featuring Efya further contributed to the unforgettable soundtrack of the year.
Internationally, 2016 was a monumental year for Afrobeats. Wizkid’s collaboration with British vocalist Kyla on Drake’s “One Dance” garnered global attention, topping charts in over 15 countries and introducing Nigerian music to millions of new listeners. This partnership was a major milestone for Wizkid and firmly established Afrobeats as a global music force.
Looking back, 2016 was more than just a successful year; it was a breakthrough period that transformed the industry and propelled Nigerian music onto the international stage. The music, films, and global collaborations from that era remain indelibly etched in collective memory, still celebrated ten years later in 2026.
