The entertainment industry, in 2024, witnessed a remarkable year and many creatives count their blessings. From music to movies, comedy and reality shows, it was a bumper year despite economical stress and hardship.
2025 is here and feelers hints that some practitioners are already pulling strings for what would be a great year for the industry.
The year 2025 is a significant year on the Nigerian entertainment scene. And this is because a 2023 report released by the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) projected the Nigerian entertainment industry to reach an estimated $14.82 billion revenue in 2025, up from $4 billion revenue recorded in 2013.
Davido
2024 was a big year for Davido. Philanthropy and family were the biggest highlights of the year for the artist, who lost his first son in 2023. However, 2025 is a promising year from the Grammy nominee. From his forthcoming album ‘5ive,’ Davido has released ‘Awake,’ featuring YG Marley and ‘Funds’ featuring Odumodu Blvck and Chike.
Industry experts project that Davido will surpass his own achievements in 2025. In addressing his forthcoming album, what to expect, Davido said, “This one is straight from the heart – my story, my truth, my growth. This one’s for the dreamers, the go-getters, and everyone chasing what’s theirs! Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again.”
Uche Montana
Some of the biggest films in cinema and on streaming platforms in 2024 had the adorable Uche Montana giving her best to lift a character and story. The rising Nollywood actress is known for her dynamic performances in Nollywood. She has starred in various films and series, earning praise for her ability to bring depth to her characters. Her notable works include ‘Roses and Ivy,’ ‘ThinLine,’ ‘Love in a Pandemic’ and ‘The Razz Guy.’ Her claim to fame was in a film entitled ‘Poison Ivy’ in 2015. She has since become one to watch out for and with her exceptional acting skills fully seen in 2024, it is certain 2025 will be her year. Uche’s dedication to her roles has positioned her as a rising star in the Nigerian film industry.
Ayomaff
19-year-old music sensation Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele aka Ayo Maff is one of the best things that happened to the Nigerian music scene in 2024. Signed to Empire global, he gained industry recognition with the release of his monster hit, ‘Dealer’, which featured Fireboy DML. He returned with another hit, ‘Are You There.’ Since grabbing fame, the young lad has been featured by Lil Kesh and Blaqbones, performed at the 02 Arena and recently did the remix of “Are you there” with Ayra Starr, which is set for release in 2025.
Burna Boy
Grammy award winning music star Burna Boy has his eyes set on 2025 and one of the reasons is because of his music project entitled, ‘No Sign of Weakness.’ The music project is one of the most anticipated albums of 2025.
One of the tracks in the album include ‘Bundle by Bundle,’ which is a proof of what the album will be like.
BurnaBoy also shared his thoughts on ‘No Sign of Weakness ‘, saying, ‘‘This album reflects my journey, struggles, and triumphs. I hope it resonates with my fans as much as it does with me.’’
Funke Akindele
With a seeming knack for closing the Nollywood year in December with big titles that end up emerging biggest films in cinemas, Funke Akindele has become a constant feature in the piece.
Those close to Funke will readily attest to her preparation for a new project she and her team have already embarked on. Taking over the scene as having the highest grossing Nollywood titles ever, Akindele now seems to have perfected the act of smiling to the bank at the end of the year after working on many projects through the year.
Omah Lay
Since his breakout in 2020, Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has been on a steady rise. With his soft, eased, stressless style Omah Lay has continued to win hearts and more fans across the world. For 2025, the young Nigerian is billed to release an album, ‘Clarity Of Mind,’ which suggests that he’s in a better place after he announced that he suffered from depression.
Temi Fosudo
Temi Fosudo, a rising Nollywood actor and filmmaker, who is the son of popular Nollywood actor cum veteran, Sola Fosudo, has been involved in various projects, showcasing his skills as a thespian. Fosudo’s rising star isn’t because he’s the son of Sola but because he has distinguished himself from his peers. He is a multifaceted Nigerian artist, who has garnered acclaim for his compelling performances across various media. His portrayal of Aremo Labisi in the historical drama ‘House of Ga’a’ stands as a testament to his exceptional talent. Fosudo’s commitment to the art of filmmaking continues to enhance his reputation in the industry.
Qing Madi
Qing Madi has been rated by Spotify and Apple Music as one of the sensational artists to look out for in 2025 after she gained widespread recognition with her 2022 single ‘See Finish,’ and in ‘Ole,’ featuring Bnxn in 2023. She has also featured American sensation Chloe on the remix of her song Vision and was also featured by Joeboy.
The songstress is a music sensation and probably the most celebrated TIKTOK celebrity in Nigeria. She delivers a fresh sound that blends AfroBeats, Pop, and Soul. Her debut album, “I Am The Blueprint,” is already stirring anticipation and is scheduled for a 2025 release.
Rema
2025 will determine if Rema will cement his status as a leading music star in Africa. However, it is instructive to note that Rema’s streaming numbers will continue to rise and his strategic performances to gain more fans across the world will continue.
Lojay
Lojay has enjoyed the impact of his singles ‘Monalisa’ and his collaboration with Davido and Chris Brown on ‘Sensational’ in 2024. The world waits in anticipation of what he brings as the excitement for his debut album lurks around 2025.
Chimezie Imo
Chimezie Imo is an actor making significant strides in Nollywood. He has appeared in numerous films and series, earning recognition for his compelling performances. Chimezie’s dedication to his craft continues to propel his growing influence in the Nigerian film scene. Little wonder he was awarded with the AMVCA Trailblazer award 2023.
Chimezie Imo’s outstanding interpretation of roles, depth and charisma, captivates audiences. With his natural charm and emotional authenticity, he solidified his status as a promising talent and 2025 promises a big win for the actor.
Pryme
As a rising star under G-Worldwide, and co-signed by Kizz Daniel, Pryme’s work, including singles like Carry Go and a remix which features Chike held festivals and AirPlay down last year. The promising artist and songwriter shows potential for massive growth. His unique sound and style could make him a major player. With over hundred thousand videos on TikTok and over seventy million views, Pryme will definitely have a good year in 2025.
Oris and Filmefiko.com: Pioneering a New Era for Nollywood
Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, a renowned film critic and cultural commentator, has spent over a decade writing about African cinema and attending prestigious international film festivals, including Berlinale, Cannes, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Through these experiences, Oris has developed a deep understanding of how global film industries operate, particularly in terms of fostering collaboration, showcasing talent, and building robust networks.
His brainchild, Filmefiko.com, aspires to be the definitive platform for African cinema, akin to what Variety is for Hollywood or IndieWire is for independent cinema. The website is designed to celebrate, critique, and document the growth of Nollywood and other African film industries.
Bahdboi OML
One name that is steadily gaining traction and poised to take the spotlight in 2025 is Bahd Boi OML. With his unique sound, charisma, and a slew of viral songs that have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike, Bahd Boi OML is on a fast track to becoming one of the biggest stars of the year.
Bad Boi OML burst onto the scene with a series of tracks that quickly went viral on social media and streaming platforms.
His songs, characterized by infectious hooks, relatable lyrics, and seamless genre blending, have made him a favorite among Gen Z and millennial audiences. Track like Testimony have not only dominated TikTok trends but also received massive airplay on radio and playlists, solidifying his status as a rising force.
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo has emerged one of the acclaimed filmmakers since his success with three features that caused major stir on two different streaming platforms in the last three years consecutively. Already, fans are yearning for a sequel to his epic monster ‘Jagun Jagun’, on Netflix and fans can’t wait for what Adebayo comes out with in 2025.
(The Nation)
