2024 is that drama-filled reality show that is our dear country Nigeria and didn’t need a script. From economic woes to political tension, it’s been a wild ride. But amidst all the Nigerian turmoil and complaints here and there, global pop culture also served as our trusty distraction — a much-needed escape from the chaos.
We’re counting down 15 pop culture moments that stole our attention, sparked joy, and started conversations locally and worldwide. Here are some 2024 pop culture highlights that defined this stressful year.
Films and TV Shows
Shōgun
When Shōgun, a historical TV show, came out, it became viral due to its samurai details and other Japanese culture elements. The show became so popular, viewers made and posted memes weekly in anticipation for new episodes. It ended up bagging Emmy Awards nominations.
Baby Reindeer
The tea is, Baby Reindeer‘s success was largely due to its unflinching honesty and unconventional storytelling approach. Richard Gadd, the mastermind behind the series, bared his soul, drawing heavily from his personal experiences with stalking and abuse. This raw authenticity resonated deeply with audiences, making the show feel more like a mirror reflection of real life than a scripted drama.
Wicked
If you’ve seen recent media coverage of Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande, they’re currently on a media tour for a musical film titled Wicked. They co-starred in this film about friendship. It’s an all-round excitement. From its colour and lighting being debated to internet memes, the Glinda/Elphaba fandom, and return to theatre and musical production.
John Boyega and Skepta at AFRIFF 2024
The African International Film Festival held in Lagos had big hitters like international actor John Boyega and international rapper Skepta in attendance at its 2024 edition. Skepta’s short film, Tribal Marks, screened at the event. Boyega had a panel conversation about the challenges new actors face and also hinted he’s working on a new project with Genevieve Nnaji.
Music
Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
Kendrick Lamar and Drake, two of the biggest rappers in the world finally went at each other after years of sneaking dissing (mostly from Drake) and beef rumours. Their back-and-forth this year gave us nine scathing and earth-scorching diss tracks, four from Drake and five from Kendrick. It’s considered the biggest rap beef ever and Kendrick won, based on public opinion.
“Cowboy Carter”
Last year, Beyoncé released a 27-track country album, paying homage to her Houston and Louisiana roots and showcasing her range as a musician and concept writer. Bey = MOTHER.
The Mavin-UMG deal
In February 2024, an investor and company called TGP exited Nigerian music label and company Mavin Records and sold its majority stake to Universal Music Group (UMG). It was acquired by UMG for nothing less than $125 million in sales price and $150 million to $200 million in valuation. Mavin is still running with Don Jazzy as CEO and Tega Oghenejobo, the newly appointed president and COO. This deal is considered the biggest exit ever in African entertainment.
Big Smoke and Tobacco
Nigerian singer Portable and Nigerian-British rapper and producer Skepta released their song “Tony Montana” in March 2024. The surprising fire song became so huge that it peaked at number one on Apple Music Nigeria and Spotify Music Nigeria charts. The music video also bagged a million views in four days. It remains one of the biggest Nigerian songs of 2024.
Wizkid vs Davido
This year, Afrobeats A-listers Wizkid and Davido went from subtly dissing each other to publicly throwing jabs on social media. The singers resurrected their longtime beef in April after unprovoked clapbacks and rants at his fans and colleagues. Since then, months after months, it’s been a dick swing between them. Wizkid resumed the online beef in October, calling Davido “wack” and “talentless.”
READ: 5 Top Nigerian Creators of 2024
Entertainment
The WAG Movement
The popular movement of Wives and Girlfriends (WAG) of sports celebrities was revived this year in a solo effort by Tolani Benson, the girlfriend of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. She was one of the unforgettable moments of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Face card >>>>
Celebrities lookalike contests
A Timothée Chamalets lookalike competition drew such a large crowd that the police eventually had to break up. But it didn’t stop at Timothée. Doppelganger contests of Drake and Justin Bieber have happened since then.
Nollywood veterans’ call-to-glory
In March 2024, after an amputation and a long battle with his health, Nigerian comedic actor Mr Ibu passed away at 64. In less than 24 hours, another actor, Quadri Oyebamiji (AKA Sisi Quadri) died too.
In less than four months, we lost another Nigerian actress, singer, broadcaster — Onyeka Onwenu. According to the confirmed news report, the singer-songwriter and actress slumped and died after a performance at a birthday party.
Hawk Tuah
In a street interview that went viral in 2024, Hailey Welch, an interviewee, used the slang “Hawk tuah” to describe spitting on it during oral sex. Hawk Tuah >>> Gawk Gawk 3000.
Demure
A TikToker named Jools Lebron went viral in a TikTok video in 2024 where used the word “demure” to explain what it means to keep it “cutesy”. If “Very demure, very mindful” is not the most used statement in 2024, it’s in the top three.
The incarceration of Mummy of Laygurz
In April 2024, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison after she was found guilty of mutilating the Nigerian currency. The saga provoked outrage from concerned Nigerians due to the unusually fast proceedings of the court and the sentencing.
After Bobrisky got released in August, a rumour that she didn’t spend the whole of her sentence in jail sparked controversy about corruption in the Nigerian prison and justice system. Anyway, Bobrisky came back home to a lot of cheers, money donations and boos from admirers and haters alike.
