A look at Nigerian movies, music that shaped a decade

If there is one year the Nigerian entertainment industry still talks about a decade later, it is 2016. From Nollywood’s box-office smashes to Afrobeats hits that refused to leave playlists, the cultural energy that year was a landmark moment, one which impact can still be felt in 2026. In this feature, Weekend Trust brings to light movies, music and artists that are turning 10 in 2026.

Nollywood in 2016: When cinema became big business.

Before 2016, Nigerian films were primarily successful through word of mouth and DVD sales. Although there were cinema releases, few were treated as events. In 2016, that changed significantly.

The Wedding Party is one Nollywood film that changed the game and made history in Nigerian cinema. Released in 2016 and directed by Kemi Adetiba, the movie came at a time when audiences were eager for fresh stories told with better quality and wider appeal.

The story centres on the wedding of Dunni and Dozie, a young couple whose big day turns into a series of dramatic and hilarious moments. From family rivalry to old secrets and unexpected guests, almost everything that could go wrong at a Nigerian wedding does. It is a simple story, but one many Nigerians could easily relate to because weddings in Nigeria are often about more than just the couple.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its cast – Banky W and Adesua Etomi, with veterans like Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle and Ali Baba, who delivered unforgettable performances. Their characters, though exaggerated, reflected real people often seen at social events.

The Wedding Party became a major success at the box office and set a new record at the time for the highest-grossing Nollywood film. Its success showed that Nigerian films could attract large cinema audiences and compete with foreign movies. It also raised the standard for storytelling, production and promotion in Nollywood. Years later, the film is still widely talked about.

Another Nollywood banger hitting the 10-year cap is Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO.  Released in 2016 and directed by Kunle Afolayan, The CEO offered something different to its audience, combining romance, suspense and corporate drama. The story follows a group of high-level executives travelling by yacht to compete for the top position in a powerful company. What begins as a calm business trip soon turns tense when secrets, rivalries and hidden motives begin to surface. As the journey continues, it becomes clear that not everyone on board can be trusted. One of the film’s strongest points is its diverse cast, which include actors from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and France. Performances by Angélique Kidjo, Wale Ojo, Hilda Dokubo, Jimmy Jean-Louis and Kemi “Lala” Akindoju added depth to the story and reflected the film’s pan-African vision. Visually, The CEO impressed many viewers and showed that Nigerian films could tell global-style stories while still remaining relatable.

2016 also brought historical depth with Izu Ojukwu’s 76, a gripping drama set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1976 political turmoil. The film tells the story of Major Dike, a young army officer whose life and marriage are tested after the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. With powerful performances from Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic and Ireti Doyle, 76 brought history to life with realism and emotional depth, reminding Nigerians how personal lives were entwined with national events.

Curtis “Clems” Graham’s Oloibiri, which was released in 2016, looked into the human cost of Nigeria’s first oil discoveries.  With performances by Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Jide Kosoko, the film centres on the fight of the local inhabitants against corruption and exploitation. In addition to providing viewers with entertainment, its compelling plot and detailed pictures taught audiences about the challenges associated with Nigeria’s oil wealth.

Another standout from 2016 was Wives on Strike, a social comedy produced and directed by Omoni Oboli about market women who refuse to give their husbands a thing or two – literally – in order to push them to fight for a young girl’s rights and stop forced marriage.

With an ensemble cast that include Uche Jombo, Chioma Chukwuka‑Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, and Julius Agwu, the film used humour to address serious social issues and became one of the year’s biggest box‑office surprises, raking in impressive cinema earnings and sparking conversation on women’s agency through satire

Afrobeats in 2016

It is hard to forget how electric Nigerian music was in 2016. A decade ago, the industry churned out hits that dominated airwaves, clubs and the social media. From Afrobeats and pop to street rap and love anthems, the sound of 2016 was as diverse as it was unforgettable. Leading the charge were albums that defined a generation.

Kizz Daniel’s New Era was a pop explosion, featuring chart-topping songs like Woju, Mama and Laye, which helped him become well-known and win Album of the Year at The Headies.

Patoranking’s God Over Everything mixed reggae, highlife and Afrobeats, featuring major names like Wizkid, Olamide and Phyno, while Adekunle Gold’s Gold impressed fans with calm Afro-soul classics like Orente and Pick Up.

Hip-hop fans were treated to Phyno’s The Playmaker, which showcased strong lyrics and Igbo rap domination, while Reekado Banks’ Spotlight featured club-ready pop singles that confirmed his star status.

2016 was also an unstoppable year for singles. Tekno’s Pana became an instant hit, while Phyno featured Olamide’s Fada Fada and Olamide’s Who You Epp dominated the streets and radio.

Love songs such as Kiss Daniel’s Mama and Adekunle Gold’s Pick Up won over hearts, while Patoranking ft Sarkodie’s No Kissing Baby and Humblesmith ft. Davido’s Osinachi (Remix) kept dancers moving. Breakout singles like Mayorkun’s Eleko and smooth jams like Mr Eazi ft Efya’s Skin Tight closed out the defining decade playlist.

Additionally, 2016 was an important year for Afrobeats on the international scene. Wizkid’s collaboration with British vocalist, Kyla on Drake’s One Dance caused excitement around the globe, reaching the top of charts in over 15 countries and bringing millions of new fans to Nigerian music. This partnership secured Afrobeats as a worldwide force, in addition to being a major milestone for Wizkid.

In retrospect, 2016 was more than just a hit year; it was a breakthrough. An era emerged, the business transformed and Nigerian music gained international recognition; thanks to these albums, songs and international partnerships. Ten years later, the moments, the moods, and the sounds are still unforgettable.

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