Mainland BlockParty has announced its first ever all-female festival edition, Her Future Festival, set to take place on March 27, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos.
Her Future Festival represents a structural shift in how festivals are curated and held in Nigeria placing women at the centre not only as performers, but as organizers, creators, and economic drivers.
At the heart of the festival is a strong and diverse lineup of female artists, headlined by:
Niniola Fave M.I.A.
The extended lineup includes:
GoodGirl LA Smur Lee Fimi with the Flow Wanni x Handi
What sets Her Future Festival apart is its commitment to going beyond surface-level inclusion.
According to organisers, the event is designed as a fully female-powered ecosystem, including:
An all-female DJ lineup Women-led vendor and marketplace spaces Female creatives and professionals driving production and operations.
In an industry where women often dominate cultural influence but remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, this move signals a deliberate effort to rebalance opportunity.
Since its inception, Mainland BlockParty has evolved into one of the most influential youth-driven event platforms in Lagos.
Known for its energetic fusion of music, fashion, and street culture, the platform has consistently attracted large audiences and top-tier talent. Rather than treating gender inclusion as an add-on, the organisers are embedding it into the core structure of the event.
Even more significant is the announcement that this will become a permanent Women’s Month edition, returning every March. This signals a long-term commitment rather than a one-off statement.
If executed at scale, it could mark the beginning of a new era where inclusion is not a theme, but a standard.
And in a city like Lagos, where culture moves fast and influence travels even faster, that kind of shift rarely goes unnoticed.
Reports gathered from online source and credit The Cables.
Eid, also known as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, is a time for reflection, gratitude, family, and celebration. Beyond the food, gatherings, and prayers, it is also a perfect moment to enjoy films that align with the spirit of faith, sacrifice, and community.
There is a growing collection of movies that explore Muslim history, identity, and values in meaningful ways. Whether you want something educational, emotional, or inspiring, here are five Islamic movies worth watching this sallah.
1. The Message (1976)
Often regarded as the most important Islamic film ever made, The Message tells the story of the early days of Islam and the spread of its message. Directed by Moustapha Akkad. The Message tells the story of the early rise of Islam in 7th-century Arabia. It follows the struggles of Prophet Muhammad’s early followers from persecution in Mecca to migration (Hijrah) and eventual establishment in Medina. The film respectfully avoids depicting the Prophet, instead telling the story through his companions.
Its storytelling, scale, and cultural significance make it a must-watch, especially during Eid when reflection on faith is central.
Major Cast
Anthony Quinn (Hamza) Irene Papas (Hind) Michael Ansara (Abu Sufyan) Johnny Sekka (Bilal ibn Rabah)
Muhammad: The Messenger of God (2015)
This visually rich film focuses on the childhood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offering a unique perspective rarely explored in cinema. Directed by Majid Majidi, the film blends spirituality with strong cinematography and emotional storytelling. Like The Message, it maintains religious sensitivity by not showing the Prophet directly.
It is an ideal choice for viewers who want something both educational and visually engaging during the holiday.
For a more family-friendly option, Bilal: A New Breed of Hero tells the inspiring story of Bilal ibn Rabah, one of the most respected companions in Islamic history. It focuses on his courage, faith, and fight for freedom.
Directed by Khurram H. Alavi and Ayman Jamal
The animation brings the story to life in a way that is accessible to both younger audiences and adults, making it a perfect Eid watch for families. Beyond entertainment, it delivers powerful lessons about resilience, faith, and freedom.
Major Voice Cast
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Bilal) Ian McShane (Umayyah) China Anne McClain (Ghufaira)
Assalamualaikum Beijing (2014)
The film follows a young Muslim woman who travels to Beijing after a heartbreak. While documenting her journey, she meets a Chinese man who eventually converts to Islam. Their relationship is tested by illness and life challenges, making it a story about love, faith, and perseverance.
The film follows a young Muslim woman navigating life, relationships, and spirituality. It’s a softer, more relatable watch that still carries strong Islamic values.
Directed by Guntur Soeharjanto
Major Cast
Revalina S. Temat Morgan Oey Ibnu Jamil
The Muslims Are Coming! (2013)
If you’re looking for something light-hearted after a long day of celebrations, this comedy documentary provides a refreshing take on Muslim identity.
The documentary follows Muslim comedians touring the United States, using humor and real-life interactions to challenge stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.
Through humor and satire, the film challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking, an unusual but fitting addition to your Eid watchlist. Directed by Negin Farsad and Dean Obeidallah
Major Cast / Appearances
Dean Obeidallah Negin Farsad Aasif Mandvi
Eid is not just about celebration, it is about reconnecting with faith, appreciating sacrifice, and strengthening bonds with family and community. These films reflect those values in different ways, from historical storytelling to modern-day experiences.
The global toy trend that took social media by storm is set to make its Hollywood debut. Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the viral Labubu series, is partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop a feature film based on the franchise. The movie is currently in early development, focusing on planning and writing, with no release date announced yet.
The project will be a hybrid of live action and CGI, translating the mischievous Labubu characters from toy shelves to the big screen. Paul King, director of family hits like Paddington and Wonka, is set to helm the project and co-write the screenplay with award-winning playwright Steven Levenson. Pop Mart’s founder, Kasing Lung, will serve as executive producer, ensuring that the film stays true to the original vision of the Labubu universe.
Labubu originated in 2015 as a line of collectible plush and vinyl toys created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based illustrator. The toys feature playful “ugly-cute” monsters with wide eyes, pointy ears, and toothy grins. Sold mostly in blind boxes, where buyers don’t know which figure they’ll get until they open it, the surprise element has made collecting addictive and fueled a global craze.
Though Labubu has been around for years, its popularity skyrocketed in 2024 and 2025, particularly in Asia and mostly through social media. The character became a viral phenomenon across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. Celebrity exposure also played a role; Notably, BLACKPINK’s Lisa was photographed with a Labubu keychain, sparking waves of posts and videos showcasing the toy worldwide.
Forward to 2026, the frenzy around Labubu is no longer just online. Rare figures often sell for premium prices in the resale market, and the toy has inspired exhibitions, parades, and themed events in multiple countries. Its mix of humor, design charm, and collectible appeal has made it a recognizable cultural icon for Gen Z and collectors alike.
Nigerian trumpeter Joshua Olusanya, popularly known as The Trumpet Influencer, continues to capture global attention with his extraordinary talent and dedication to instrumental music. In a notable display of cultural diplomacy, Olusanya has met with India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, at the Indian High Commission in Abuja, highlighting growing creative collaboration between the two countries.
Discussions according to the reports on the official X account of the Commission of India and Nigeria, focused on potential arts and culture collaborations, including joint musical performances between Indian and Nigerian artists, positioning Olusanya as a rising cultural ambassador for Nigeria.
Olusanya’s most remarkable achievement remains his Guinness World Record for the longest marathon trumpet performance. On May 9, 2025, at Terra Kulture, Lagos, he played continuously for 25 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds, the first-ever record in this category.
Olusanya had to attempt the feat twice after an initial effort was disqualified. Under Guinness rules, only brief five-minute breaks were allowed at set intervals, requiring near-constant performance for more than a full day. The physical challenge was immense: his legs shook, fingers cramped, and lips bled as he pushed through exhaustion.
In interviews with outlets including The Guardian, he emphasized that the record was a way to inspire young musicians and advocate for greater recognition of instrumental artists worldwide.
Olusanya has used his record-breaking platform to inspire the next generation through initiatives like the Joshua Olusanya Empowerment Tour (JOMET), performing at schools and community events to promote music education. His dedication resonates in the arts community and also among faith-based groups in Nigeria, such as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), who celebrate his journey as an example of perseverance and divine guidance.
High Commissioner @AmbAbhishekIFS received Nigerian-born trumpeter Joshua Olusanya, fondly known as The Trumpet Influencer, who holds the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon trumpet performance, which lasted for 25 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds. HC discussed… pic.twitter.com/sDykm2igv9
— India in Nigeria (and Benin & ECOWAS) (@india_nigeria) March 19, 2026
Fireboy DML has reached another career defining milestone, as his third studio album Playboy officially surpasses 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Released in 2022, Playboy represented a shift, a more assured, internationally aware version of Fireboy, without losing the melodic identity that first set him apart. It was an album built on intention.
Standout tracks like “Bandana” featuring Asake and the global hit “Peru” boosted further by its remix with Ed Sheeran, played a central role in the album’s worldwide reach. But beyond the hits, Playboy has thrived on consistency, with multiple tracks contributing to its steady rise in streams.
Now, it joins one of the most exclusive benchmarks in Nigerian music today.
Nigerian Projects With Over 1 Billion Spotify Streams
The billion-stream mark has increasingly become a measure of global impact for Nigerian artists. With Playboy crossing that threshold, it now sits alongside some of the most successful Afrobeats projects of the streaming era:
Rave & Roses (Ultra) — 3.26B (Rema) Love, Damini — 1.59B (Burna Boy) The Year I Turned 21 — 1.3B (Ayra Starr) Boy Alone (Deluxe) — 1.3B (Omah Lay) African Giant — 1.24B (Burna Boy) Made in Lagos (Deluxe) — 1.16B (Wizkid) CKay The First (EP) — 1.04B (CKay)
Unlike projects driven purely by viral moments, Playboy success has been gradual and sustained. More broadly, the growing number of Nigerian projects hitting this mark underscores a larger shift which is becoming a norm in the Nigerian music industry.
The arrest of Emmanuel Analike (NetNaija founder) on Wednesday, March 4, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple charges of copyright infringement has again pushed the issue of piracy in Nigeria’s entertainment industry into the national spotlight. While initial reports centred on the arraignment itself, the case has quickly evolved into a wider conversation about copyright protection and the long-standing impact of digital piracy on Nigeria’s creative economy.
For years, NetNaija has remained one of the most widely visited websites in Nigeria for free access to movies, television series, and music. Its popularity among audiences is undeniable, but industry stakeholders have consistently argued that platforms like it undermine the commercial structure that sustains the entertainment business.
Emmanuel Analike
According to the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the platform allegedly facilitated the distribution of films and other copyrighted materials without the permission of their creators or rights holders. Authorities say the case is being prosecuted under the Copyright Act 2022, Nigeria’s updated copyright law designed to address intellectual property violations in the digital era.
For many filmmakers in Nollywood, this case is one of the most visible attempts in recent years to confront online piracy.
Piracy has remained one of the industry’s most persistent structural challenges. Film producers often invest millions of naira into production, marketing, and distribution, only for pirated copies of their work to appear online shortly after release. In some cases, illegal copies circulate even before a film reaches cinemas or legitimate streaming platforms.
When that happens, the financial model that supports film production begins to collapse. Revenue that should come from cinema ticket sales, streaming licensing, or digital distribution is instead diverted to illegal platforms offering the same content for free.
The result is not only lost income for producers but also fewer resources for future projects, affecting actors, crew members, distributors, and the wider creative workforce.
The rise of internet distribution has made piracy significantly harder to control. Unlike physical piracy, which once relied on DVDs sold in markets, digital piracy spreads rapidly across websites, social media channels like Telegram, and file-sharing platforms.
The Copyright Act 2022 was introduced partly to address this evolving challenge by strengthening enforcement powers and updating legal protections for digital content.
Over the past decade, streaming services have begun to reshape how audiences watch films and television in Nigeria. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and regional services such as Showmax (Paused) have expanded their Nollywood catalogues, giving filmmakers new distribution channels.
The case involving NetNaija could also shape how Nigerian authorities approach other websites associated with pirated content. If the prosecution leads to meaningful enforcement under the Copyright Act 2022, it may signal a stronger commitment to protecting intellectual property within the country’s creative industries.
For filmmakers, musicians, and digital creators, the stakes extend far beyond a single website.
The outcome of the case highlights a deeper challenge facing Nigeria’s entertainment industry: how to protect creative work in a digital environment where distribution is instant, global, and difficult to control.
David Zaslav is set to receive a compensation package that could exceed $800 million in connection with the proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.
The figure, based on company filings and multiple financial reports, has drawn attention due to its scale and structure. Some estimates circulating online place the total closer to $887 million, depending on how stock awards, executive benefits, and tax reimbursements are calculated.
The projected payout is not a fixed salary but a combination of financial components tied to the merger agreement:
Cash severance payments triggered by the transaction
Stock awards and equity incentives, both vested and performance-based
Long-term incentive compensation linked to post-merger performance
A tax reimbursement provision, commonly referred to as a “golden parachute”
Taken together, these elements place the total value of the package at over $800 million, with the high-end estimates ($887 million) including unvested stock and the full tax gross-up.
David Zaslav is a veteran media executive and the current President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates.
He is widely known for his long-standing influence in the global media industry, particularly across television and streaming.
Zaslav’s career cuts across decades, with several defining roles and decisions that have shaped modern entertainment.
He became CEO of Discovery in 2006, transforming the company into a global television powerhouse with an expansive portfolio of lifestyle and factual programming.
He later played a central role in the 2022 merger that combined Discovery with WarnerMedia, forming Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal brought together major assets including HBO, CNN, and Warner Bros., significantly expanding the company’s global reach.
Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow its influence across film, television, and streaming, positioning itself as a key competitor in the evolving media landscape.
Since the formation of Warner Bros. Discovery has also become associated with aggressive cost-cutting and restructuring efforts, including content cancellations and strategic changes aimed at reducing debt and improving profitability.
Zaslav’s experience in managing large-scale media operations and complex corporate mergers is a key factor in his expected role in the proposed deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.
The scale of the compensation package has generated discussion within the media and financial sectors.
While executive payouts of this nature are often tied to large-scale corporate transactions, the size of the package has raised questions about executive compensation, particularly amid ongoing cost-cutting measures across the industry.
The 98th Academy Awards took place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrating the best films and performances of the past year.
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, saw One Battle After Another emerge as the biggest winner of the night, taking home multiple awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
The film’s director Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director and also claimed the award for Adapted Screenplay, marking the film’s dominance at this year’s ceremony.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his performance in Sinners, while Jessie Buckley took home Best Actress for her role in Hamnet.
Below is the complete list of winners from the 2026 Oscars.
Full Winners List – Oscars 2026
Major Categories
Best Picture: One Battle After Another Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan — Sinners Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn — One Battle After Another Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan — Weapons
— Streamdorm | Film & TV News (@Streamdorm_) March 16, 2026
Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler — Sinners Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Technical Categories
Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw — Sinners Best Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen — One Battle After Another Best Production Design: Frankenstein — Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley — Frankenstein Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein Best Sound: F1 Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
Music
Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson — Sinners Best Original Song: “Golden” — KPop Demon Hunters
Animation
Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters Best Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Documentary
Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin Best Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms
Short Film
Best Live-Action Short Film: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva
International Film
Best International Feature Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)
New Category
Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis — One Battle After Another
Nigerian singer-songwriter Omah Lay has reached a major streaming benchmark as his album Boy Alone (Deluxe) surpasses 1.3 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the fourth Nigerian album to cross the mark on the platform.
The project, which is the expanded edition of his 2022 debut album Boy Alone, continues to perform strongly nearly two years after the deluxe version was released.
With the milestone, Boy Alone (Deluxe) joins a select group of Nigerian albums that have crossed one billion streams on Spotify, alongside projects by some of the genre’s biggest stars.
These include Rave & Roses by Rema and two albums by Burna Boy – Love, Damini and African Giant. The achievement positions Omah Lay among the leading Nigerian artists shaping the streaming era of Afrobeats.
Originally released in July 2022, Boy Alone marked Omah Lay’s first full-length studio album after gaining international attention with earlier projects like Get Layd and What Have We Done. The album explored themes of loneliness, fame, mental health, and relationships.
In June 2023, the deluxe edition expanded the project with additional songs, helping to extend the album’s life on streaming platforms and introduce it to new listeners.
Several songs from the album became standout hits, including “Soso,” “Understand,” and “Attention,” the latter featuring global pop star Justin Bieber. These tracks played a significant role in driving the album’s long-term streaming performance.
In recent years, Afrobeats albums have consistently crossed major streaming milestones, reflecting the genre’s widening international audience and its dominance in global music charts and playlists.
Pop superstar Billie Eilish is preparing to take a major step into the film industry as she lines up her feature acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the classic novel by Sylvia Plath.
The project, which began drawing industry attention this week, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for the critically acclaimed film “Women Talking.”
According to early reports, Billie Eilish is attached to play Esther Greenwood, the central character of the novel. The story follows a young woman navigating life during a prestigious internship in New York while grappling with mental health struggles and the pressure of societal expectations.
First published in 1963, The Bell Jar is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels exploring identity, ambition, and psychological struggle. The semi-autobiographical story mirrors aspects of Plath’s own life and has remained a major story for generations of readers.
In the upcoming adaptation, Polley will both write and direct the project, bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to the material. Her previous film, Women Talking, earned widespread praise and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film will be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company founded by Brad Pitt, alongside StudioCanal.
U.S. distribution will be handled by Focus Features. As of now, the rest of the cast and the production timeline have not been announced.
Although Billie Eilish is primarily known for her global music career, she has had a small acting role before. In 2023, she appeared in the television series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover. However, The Bell Jar would mark her first time leading a major feature film.
The casting has attracted significant attention partly because the novel’s themes closely mirror issues Billie Eilish has spoken about publicly, including mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame.
Billie Eilish already has strong ties to the film industry through her music. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, first for the theme from “No Time to Die” and later for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. The wins made her the youngest person to secure two Oscars in that category.
Beyond The Bell Jar, the singer is also involved in another film project. She is co-directing a concert documentary titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (Live in 3D) with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing the blockbuster Avatar. The film is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026 through Paramount Pictures.
