By Ayo Onikoyi

The Nigerian entertainment industry is no doubt a hotbed for drama, sparks of creativity, and out-of-this-world moments that keep us all glued to our phone screens.

In 2024, the bar was set higher as celebrities gave us unforgettable experiences — from show-stopping performances to jaw-dropping scandals.

Whether it was a controversial move on social media, an unexpected burst of creativity, or a heated celebrity rivalry, Nigerian entertainers showed the world that they are always ready to entertain. Here’s a recap of 10 crazy moments that had the Nigerian entertainment world buzzing this year.

1. Young Jonn lifts plus-size lady during oerformance

Who would have guessed that a music performance could take the internet by storm in such a way? It all started when Young Jonn hit the stage in Toronto for a captivating concert. During the performance of his hit track “Big Big Things,” the singer pulled a plus-size lady from the crowd onto the stage. In a moment that blended strength and support, Young Jonn, despite some initial struggle, successfully lifted the lady in front of a cheering crowd. The video soon went viral, with fans praising Young Jonn for his showmanship, and others bashing him for carrying the lady that way.

2. Portable slaps street preacher, sparks outrage

Never one to shy away from drama, unpredictable singer, Portable was in the headlines again after his infamous slap incident outside his bar in Sango Ota, Ogun State. The self-proclaimed “Zazoo” singer, known for his caustic public behavior, slapped a street preacher after he had warned the preacher to desist from preaching in front of his bar.

 The moment, caught on video, sent shockwaves across the nation, with Nigerians on social media condemning his violence and questioning his influence as a role model. Despite the backlash, Portable continued to double down on his actions, sparking fierce debates on celebrity responsibility, self-expression, and how far fame should allow a person to behave.

3. Saida Boj sparks outrage over bold relationship takes

Saida Boj, the unfiltered social media influencer, was at it again in 2024 with her audacious takes on love and relationships. During an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, she openly stated that a man she dates should be prepared to spend lavishly — to the tune of N20 million a week. This statement, bombastic and unapologetic as always, raised eyebrows and divided public opinion. While some supporters commended Saida for being unapologetically direct and blunt, critics decried the materialistic nature of her comments. The conversation ignited debates about financial dynamics in relationships, forcing Nigerian social media to reflect on shifting views of love and wealth. Was Saida too bold or was she simply being real about modern-day expectations? Her statement definitely sparked conversation.

4. Kunle Remi & Tiwi’s erotic dance steals the show at wedding reception

There are weddings, and then there was the wedding reception of Nollywood actor Kunle Remi and his beautiful wife, Tiwi. The couple took the concept of public displays of affection to a whole new level in 2024, with an erotic dance that raised eyebrows across the internet. As they danced intimately at their wedding reception, fans online were immediately divided, with some applauding their chemistry, while others thought the public nature of their act was a step too far. The dance was a playful, intimate exhibition of their deep connection and spontaneity, instantly becoming one of the year’s most talked-about viral moments. This sensual dance set tongues wagging on relationships and affection being displayed publicly.

5. Egungun of Lagos” intimate video leak

Earlier this month., popular lifestyle content creator Kuye Adegoke, aka Egungun of Lagos, became the center of controversy after his private sex tape was leaked online. The video, which quickly went viral, shows Egungun on a video call with a light-skinned woman, briefly exposing his private parts while brushing his teeth in shorts.

His wife, Pashotah, defended him, claiming the incident was a blackmail attempt. She explained that a Snapchat user had screen-recorded a private video her husband accidentally shared. The blackmailer, who threatened to release the footage unless their demands were met, allegedly targeted Pashotah instead of Egungun directly.

Pashotah emphasized that their relationship is built on trust, loyalty, and commitment, spanning 6-8 years. She refuted the idea of a scandal, calling the leaked video a private moment intended for her. She also reaffirmed that her husband has never cheated on her.

6. Wizkid Calls Davido “Talentless”, escalates rivalry

The intense rivalry between Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Davido reached new heights in 2024 after a harsh Twitter rant from Wizkid.

Wizkid wasn’t shy about publicly slamming Davido’s music, calling him “talentless” and describing his recent work as “trash.” The battle between their fanbases went into overdrive, with some fans backing Wizkid’s blunt criticism while others came out in support of Davido.

 While Davido opted for silence, the renewed feud put the Nigerian entertainment scene under a microscope, making fans question if this rivalry was simply about personal grudges or just another example of how the industry thrives on drama.

7. P-Square twins lock horns in music theft drama

For years, P-Square’s reunion was seen as a dream. However, in 2024, that dream took a major turn. A feud once again shattered hopes of reconciliation between the talented twins. Rudeboy (Paul Okoye) had accused his twin brother Mr. P (Peter Okoye) of stealing his song, “Winning,” and recording it without his consent. This heated dispute quickly escalated, further deepening the long-standing rift between the two brothers. The spectacle of them airing their grievances in public sent their fans into a frenzy, especially since many had held onto the hope of a peaceful reconciliation. The music world watched as they went back and forth, and it’s safe to say that the fans still haven’t forgiven the twins for allowing such drama to overshadow their careers.

8. Ayo Makun transforms Third Mainland Bridge into glamorous date venue for ‘The Waiter’

Ayo Makun, also known as AY, is famous for his creativity, and in 2024, he truly took it to another level. The comedian and filmmaker wowed his fans with an extraordinary stunt for his movie promotion. He used Lagos’ iconic Third Mainland Bridge as a date venue featuring May Edochie, the estranged wife of actor Yul Edochie. Decked out in elegant outfits and surrounded by a dazzling setup, the pair seemed to share a moment of pure Hollywood glamour right in the heart of Lagos. This bold promotional move, while unconventional, immediately captured the hearts of movie lovers and turned heads for its originality. It wasn’t just a stunt; it was an artistic show of how Nigerian entertainers are pulling out all the stops to get attention.

9. Femi Adebayo’s and Chukwuka’s kiss in ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka ignited both excitement and mixed feelings with an unexpected on-screen kisses in the movie “Seven Doors”. These kisses were rare, particularly from two actors known for maintaining certain reputations. The scene stirred mixed reactions among their fans. While many appreciated the chemistry and intimacy depicted in the moment, others felt uncomfortable, with one Twitter user admitting, “I am not used to either of them kissing in movies, and to see this sort of makes me feel indifferent.” Regardless, the kiss had social media buzzing and cemented Seven Doors as one of the most talked-about films of the year.

10. Chike’s unexpected gesture: rewarding an X troll with N1 million

Finally, one of the most unexpected moments of 2024 came when Chike decided to take the high road after a troll attacked him online. The troll, trying to dismiss Chike’s success, claimed that “Mohbad made you,” pointing to his collaboration with the late artist. In an unexpected twist, Chike didn’t fire back with insults. Instead, he requested the troll’s account number and sent N1 million, accompanied by the message: “Let hunger show you the way and let good manners lead you.” The gesture not only stunned the troll but quickly turned the narrative around. It was an act of grace and humility that captivated social media, leaving fans in awe of how to handle negativity in such a stylish and generous way.

11. Eniola Ajao announcing Bobrisky as Best Dressed woman at her movie premiere, Ajakaju

Hell was let loose when Nigerian cross-dresser and self-styled transgender Bobrisky emerged the Best Dressed Woman at the premiere of Beast of Two Worlds: Ajakaju movie produced by Eniola Ajao ahead of many notable actresses and celebrities

In the wake of outrage that greeted her action, Eniola quickly apologised for the stunt gone wrong, she took to her social media handles to tender an apology to Dayo Amusa, Bobrisky, women, Muslim societies and everyone offended by her action.

In her message to Bobrisky, the actress apologised for putting the crossdresser in a problematic situation, as announcing him as the winner was to generate publicity for her movie.

The year 2024 has once again proven how the Nigerian entertainment industry thrives on unpredictable moments. With its colorful characters, daring performances, feuds, and viral moments, the industry has gifted us with stories that will linger long after the year is over. Whether it’s controversy, creativity, or audacity, Nigerian stars have redefined what it means to be an entertainer. We can only wait in anticipation to see what 2025 brings to the table as these celebrities continue to surprise, entertain, and provoke conversation.