Nollywood has achieved another global milestone after Black Market, a Nigerian crime thriller, set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest audience at a film screening in a single location.

The record was achieved on Saturday at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, where 51,000 qualifying viewers watched the movie from beginning to end.

The turnout surpassed the previous record of 43,624 viewers, which was set in 2015 when Felix Manalo was screened at the Philippine Arena in the Philippines.

Thousands of movie lovers began arriving at TBS hours before the screening, with long queues reported around the venue. The gates opened at about 2pm, while the main screening started around 7pm.

Although Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat announced an attendance figure of 64,000, Guinness World Records clarified that only viewers who remained throughout the entire screening could be counted toward the record. This resulted in an official qualifying figure of 51,000.

The announcement triggered celebrations at the venue, with cheers and fireworks as organisers and attendees marked the achievement.

Black Market was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and co-written by Gimsay and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed. The film follows five women involved in cross-border smuggling whose lives take a dramatic turn after the daughter of one of them is kidnapped.

The movie features a cast including Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele D Icon, and Uzor Arukwe.

The screening was organised by Rixel Studios in collaboration with FilmOne Studios, Signet Ring Studios and Switch Visuals Production. The event also received support from the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The achievement adds another notable chapter to Nollywood’s growing international profile, turning a film premiere into a record-setting gathering of thousands of movie lovers in Lagos.

Senegalese-American music star Akon has spoken about his experience working with Nigerian music duo P-Square, revealing that he noticed problems with the group’s management during one of their international collaborations.

Akon made the revelation during an interview with Afrocani, where he reflected on his professional relationship with Peter and Paul Okoye and their management team.

According to the singer, one of the moments that made him question the way the group was being managed involved Nigerian artiste May D, whose vocals featured on a song but who was initially expected to be left out of the accompanying music video.

Akon said he considered the decision unfair, particularly because May D had contributed his voice to the record. He therefore insisted that the singer should be included in the video and invited him to the United States for the production.

The international star explained that, from his perspective, success should create opportunities for talented people rather than prevent them from receiving recognition for their contributions.

Akon’s comments have resurfaced as renewed attention is being drawn to the history of disagreements surrounding P-Square and the management of the duo during their years at the height of their career.

May D had previously spoken about the episode, corroborating Akon’s account of the collaboration. He said Akon insisted on his participation in the video and even offered him additional opportunities in the United States.

May D, however, acknowledged that he later made the mistake of telling the P-Square brothers about some of his conversations with Akon.

The episode has since become part of the broader story surrounding the business relationships and management structure that existed around P-Square during their most successful years.

P-Square, made up of twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye, became one of Africa’s biggest music acts before their highly publicised disagreements eventually led to their split. The brothers later reunited in 2021, although their relationship has since faced renewed difficulties.

Akon’s relationship with P-Square dates back to their international expansion. He collaborated with the duo on “Chop My Money”, alongside May D, following P-Square’s partnership with his Konvict Muzik label.

His latest comments have therefore added another perspective to the long-running conversation about the factors that contributed to tensions within the P-Square camp.

Reality TV star and former Big Brother Naija winner Mercy Eke has dismissed long-standing rumours that her luxurious lifestyle is being financed by a wealthy benefactor, insisting that the claims are false.

Speaking during an appearance on the Toke Moments podcast, Mercy said one of the biggest misconceptions about her is the belief that she is dating a married man who bankrolls her lifestyle. She stressed that the narrative has followed her for years despite having no basis in reality.

The reality star also laughed off recurring rumours about her personal life, including frequent speculation that she is pregnant, saying such claims have become a regular occurrence.

Addressing her relationship status, Mercy disclosed that she has been in a committed relationship for the past four years. She revealed that discussions about marriage have taken place, although her partner believes she is not yet ready to take that step.

She added that starting a family has become a priority for her, noting that she hopes to become a mother in the near future.

Mercy maintained that while public perception often paints an inaccurate picture of her life, she remains focused on her personal growth and career despite the persistent rumours.