Discover updates, projects, events and stories
from film practitioners across Africa.
Igbos built Nollywood but Yorubas have become dominant — Francis Duru: Latest Nollywood Update
According to the actor, Igbo traders played a major role in developing the home-video market that eventually evolved into the Nollywood industry known globally today.
The development adds to ongoing activity in Nigeria’s film in Nigeria Film Industry
Daniel Etim Effiong’s The Herd Holds a Mirror to Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis: Latest Nollywood Update
Daniel Etim Effiong directs his first feature film, “The Herd,” a gripping crime thriller that holds a mirror to Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, exposing the human and societal cost of abductions while exploring the country’s deep divisions. BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
The development adds to ongoing activity in Nigeria’s film industry.
UK court confirms Poco Lee’s September hearing amid assault allegation: Latest Nollywood Update
The London court has confirmed proceedings involving the Nigerian entertainer, The Snaresbrook Crown Court has confirmed that popular Nigerian socialite and dancer, Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, will be appearing before the court on assault charges.
The London-based court confirmed this in an exclusive correspondence to our correspondent on Tuesday.
AFA TELEVSION had emailed the court to inquire about the alleged sexual assault involving the socialite on Monday.
In response, the court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, confirmed that the matter is official and that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026.
Baker further declined to provide a precise time and courtroom information for the hearing.
He wrote, “OFFICIAL. Good afternoon. I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.
“Criminal Court hearings are open to the public. Precise times and courtroom information will not be available until the day before the hearing. Many thanks.”
How cancer symptoms can be mistaken for ulcer — Aproko Doctor: Latest Nollywood Update
Following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, questions have emerged about how someone who appeared well in public weeks earlier could later be diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Stomach cancer symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, and early satiety, are frequently mistaken for peptic ulcers, leading to delayed diagnoses. Health educator Aproko Doctor advises seeking medical investigation via endoscopy if symptoms recur, as self-treating with medication can mask advanced cancer.
Hassan, 66, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a battle with cancer. His family had disclosed his condition only days before his death, prompting widespread concern and questions about the rapid deterioration of his health.
In a series of posts on X on Monday, he said some serious diseases, including certain cancers, can develop quietly and produce symptoms that may initially be mistaken for less serious conditions.
“The uncomfortable truth is that looking healthy does not always mean that everything is fine inside your body. Some serious illnesses can develop quietly, with symptoms that may look like ordinary problems at first,” he said.
The doctor particularly addressed the common practice of attributing recurring stomach symptoms to ulcer.
He clarified that an ulcer does not simply become cancer, but some stomach cancers can produce symptoms similar to those associated with ulcer, potentially making it difficult to identify the underlying condition without proper medical evaluation.
“Ulcer. Can ulcer actually be cancer? Not exactly. An ulcer does not simply turn into cancer. But some cancers, particularly cancers of the stomach, can cause symptoms that people commonly describe as ulcer. So someone can keep treating ulcer while the actual cause of the symptoms is being missed.”
Aproko Doctor urged people experiencing recurring stomach problems not to rely solely on previously prescribed ulcer medication.
He said persistent symptoms should instead prompt further medical investigation to establish their cause.
difficulty swallowing or getting full unusually quickly should not simply be brushed aside. They do not automatically mean cancer either. But they are reasons to speak to a healthcare professional and get properly evaluated.”
He, however, cautioned against creating unnecessary panic, stressing that most cases of stomach pain are not cancer.
“And please, don’t let this thread make you panic every time your stomach hurts. Most stomach pain is not cancer. The point is don’t spend months or years treating a diagnosis that was never properly confirmed. If something keeps coming back, find out why.”
The doctor also advised people against self-diagnosis and encouraged them to seek professional medical advice when symptoms persist.
His comments came as Ogogo’s death sparked renewed discussions about the difficulty of detecting some serious illnesses at an early stage.
Ogogo, who had a career spanning more than four decades, was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday according to Islamic rites.
Uzor Arukwe, William Benson, Lateef Adedimeji & More: Meet the AMVCA 2026 Best Lead Actor Nominees: Latest Nollywood Update
The 12th AMVCA Best Lead Actor category features eight nominees including Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi), William Benson (To Kill A Monkey), and Mike Ezuruonye (Oversabi Aunty) and Wale Ojo (3 Cold Dishes). The 2026 shortlist, led by head judge Joke Silva, also recognises Uzor Arukwe, Femi Branch, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Khumbuza Meyiwa. Winners will be announced in Lagos on May 9, 2026. FPA - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
Behind every lens, frame, and script continuous line, cinema isn't just about technical gear, it's the heartbeat of human experience captured in light. Filmmaking is often defined by its tools, the cameras, lenses, lighting grids, and editing suites. Yet, strip away the gear, and what remains is an intrinsically human act: one person telling another, This is what it feels like to be alive. To make a movie is to practice empathy on a grand scale. A director listens to the rhythm of human emotion; a script supervisor guards the delicate continuity of a character’s journey; a crew moves as a single, breathing collective. Every frame captures non-verbal truths, a subtle glance, a heavy pause, the shared memory of a culture.
In a world increasingly driven by automated tools and rapid content, cinema endures because machines cannot feel joy, grief, or legacy. Filmmaking remains a human ritual of sharing our roots, preserving our stories, and reaching across the darkness of a theater to connect with one another.
Nigerians and Nollywood stars pay tribute to veteran actor Taiwo Hassan Ògògó following his passing at 66, celebrating his iconic screen legacy from Owo Blow to Seven Doors. BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.The development adds to ongoing activity in Nigeria’s film industry.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the iconic Ijebu festival, the official trailer for the Nollywood film Iwe Ala (The Book of Dreams) has been released. Directed by Adeoluwa Owu, the emotional family drama explores legacy and betrayal within a tailoring dynasty, starring Mercy Aigbe, Eniola Ajao, and the Ojude Oba King of Steeze, Farooq Oreagba. BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
The development adds to ongoing activity in Nigeria’s film industry.
From Odunlade Adekola to Mercy Aigbe: Here’s Who’s Playing Who in The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives: Latest Nollywood Update
The doors to Baba Segi’s infamous Ibadan compound are officially open. From Odunlade Adekola as the vulnerable patriarch to sparring co-wives Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Omowunmi Dada, here is the full cast lineup stepping into these definitive literary roles for EbonyLife’s upcoming adaptation.
Today, we celebrate a truly remarkable man, a great mentor, and an inspiration to many, Asiwaju Ben Ope Johnson.
A man who genuinely looks out for his junior colleagues and always wants to see others succeed. Even when he is going through his own challenges, you may hardly notice, because his heart remains focused on encouraging, supporting, and lifting others.
He is a man who cherishes people, embraces everyone with warmth, and creates room for others to grow.
One of the great Cinematographers, Directors, and Producers of our time, his contribution to the film industry and his impact on the lives of those around him will continue to speak for him.
Today, we celebrate you, your legacy, your generosity, your mentorship, and the lives you continue to influence.
Happy Birthday, Asiwaju Ben Ope Johnson! 🎉🎂
May this new chapter bring you greater strength, fulfilment, good health, and many more years of impact.
Alahun: The Weaver Set for Cinema Release on 21 August 2026
Alahun: The Weaver is set to arrive in cinemas on 21 August 2026. The film is directed by Dare Olaitan.
The project features a cast including Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, and Tomi Ojo.
Alahun: The Weaver, directed by Dare Olaitan and produced by Kayode Kasum, arrives in cinemas on 21 August 2026 with a powerful cast including Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, and Tomi Ojo. Michael Adedokun - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.
Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi (born Olutoyin Aimakhu) stands as one of the most commercially successful, culturally influential, and resilient figures in the history of the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. From her humble beginnings in Edo and Oyo States to becoming a box-office queen whose films consistently gross hundreds of millions of naira, Abraham’s journey is a masterclass in talent, rebranding, entrepreneurial grit, and a deep, unbreakable connection with the Nigerian masses.1. Early Life, Background, and Educational FoundationsToyin Abraham was born on September 5, 1982, in Auchi, a historic town in Edo State, Nigeria. However, she spent her formative years in Ibadan, the sprawling capital of Oyo State, which heavily influenced her cultural orientation, linguistic cadence, and artistic identity. Growing up in a deeply religious, lower-middle-class Christian household, her early life was shaped by structural discipline and the everyday struggles of average Nigerian families.Education played a foundational role in her journey, providing her with the structural thinking required to navigate both the creative and corporate sides of filmmaking:Primary and Secondary Education: She completed her initial schooling in Ibadan, absorbing the vibrant Yoruba cultural nuances, idioms, and street slang that she would later seamlessly integrate into her iconic comedic roles.Tertiary Education: She attended Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, where she obtained her National Diploma (ND). Driven by a desire to further her education, she proceeded to the prestigious Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. This background in marketing would later prove prophetic, as her career is defined not just by her acting prowess, but by her genius-level ability to market her films directly to the grassroots.2. The Genesis of an Acting Career (2003–2015)Toyin Abraham did not stumble into Nollywood by accident; she was discovered through a mix of raw talent and proximity to the industry hubs of Southwestern Nigeria. Her entry into the industry occurred in 2003 when veteran Nigerian actress Bukky Wright came to Ibadan to shoot a movie. Abraham, who happened to be at the location, was cast in a minor role after showcasing an innate, unforced acting ability.The Yoruba Film Sphere and Early TypecastingFor the first decade of her career, Abraham operated primarily within the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood. This era was characterized by rapid production cycles and a reliance on traveling theater traditions adapted for home video (VCD and DVD formats).The Loud, Grassroots Persona: Due to her high energy, expressive facial movements, and flawless command of the Ibadan Yoruba dialect, she was frequently typecast as the fiery, aggressive, uneducated, or comical local woman.Building a Cult Following: While these roles sometimes limited her dramatic range in the eyes of elite critics, they endeared her deeply to the Nigerian masses. She became a household name among traders, students, and everyday citizens who saw their realities, humor, and struggles reflected in her performances.3. The "Alakada" Phenomenon and the Birth of a FranchiseIf there is a singular creative property that cemented Toyin Abraham’s status as a comedic genius and an intellectual property powerhouse, it is the Alakada franchise.[Alakada (2009)] ➔ [Alakada 2 (2013)] ➔ [Alakada Reloaded (2017)] ➔ [Fate of Alakada (2020)] ➔ [Alakada GenZ (Upcoming)]
Concept and Cultural ResonanceThe word Alakada roughly translates to a pretender, someone who lives a fake life or creates an illusion of wealth and high social status to fit into elite circles. Abraham created and starred as Yetunde, a young woman from a poverty-stricken background who fabricates an extravagant, wealthy life to survive and impress her peers at school and in society.The brilliance of the franchise lies in its scathing yet hilarious critique of contemporary Nigerian societal pressures. In a culture deeply obsessed with external validation, wealth display, and social media optics, the character of Yetunde became an mirror for the audience. Abraham’s physical comedy, combined with her ability to deliver absurd lies with an innocent face, turned the low-budget initial titles into runaway hits.4. The Grand Rebranding: From Olutoyin Aimakhu to Toyin AbrahamBy 2016, the actress hit a massive crossroads both personally and professionally. Her highly publicized past relationship, public controversies, and a feeling of stagnation within the local video format industry prompted a complete overhaul of her identity.In 2016, she officially changed her last name from Aimakhu to Abraham.+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Old Persona: Olutoyin Aimakhu | New Persona: Toyin Abraham |
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Nollywood is buzzing with news as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrates her daughter's engagement, Iyabo Ojo sparks debate by claiming single mothers are happier than married women, and Enugu secures the hosting rights for the upcoming November BON Awards.Major Industry UpdatesFestivals & Awards: Enugu State officially secured hosting rights for the November 2026 BON Awards ceremony.Project Releases: Funke Akindele generated online buzz over a grueling 3-week railway movie production schedule while setting release dates for her upcoming projects.Celebrity Milestones: Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde joyfully announced her daughter's engagement, following recent star-studded celebrations for Lateef Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe's family.Trending Controversies: Iyabo Ojo made headlines addressing single-parent life and social media commentary, while Uche Ogbodo shared open reactions regarding her recent cosmetic facial transformation.
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