The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has attributed the mercy of God for British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s survival in a fatal auto crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Two of Joshua’s friends, Ayodele Kevin and Ghami Sina, lost their lives in the accident.
Adeboye spoke at the church’s monthly thanksgiving service, saying Joshua’s survival was a demonstration of God’s mercy.
Many names on this list may not yet ring a bell, at the time of writing, but they will soon enough. Some of these actors, and musicians have been bubbling up for years, while others are set to make their screen debuts in some of 2026. Also on the list are established acts, who are poised to make waves and contribute to the totality of what is expected to be 2026. Across TV, theatre, music, and streaming platforms, The Nation Entertainment identifies the most promising young talent destined for great things in the New Year.
Fola
Folarin Odunlami, aka Fola, was one of the breakout stars of 2025. He injected fresh energy into the industry and earned himself several features with established music acts to create some of the biggest tunes of 2025. His album ‘Catharsis’ performed impressively enough to land inside Spotify’s top Nigerian album charts, amassing tens of millions of streams and signaling a rising trajectory.
Singles like ‘You,’ and ‘Lost’ (featuring Kizz Daniel) also became streaming staples, firmly placing the singer on both local and global radars; a rare achievement for emerging voices in a year dominated by established names.
Fola, like some others on this list actively set the nation’s new sonic agenda, alongside established heavyweights like Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, and Ayra Starr across the most-streamed artist and album categories, proving Nigerians’ unwavering loyalty to homegrown talent.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of the leading faces on the Nigerian film scene, who has graced the klieglights for almost three decades. For a while between 2023 and 2024, she decided to go underground, while still working behind the scenes. Then came 2025 and she decided to unveil what she’s been working on to the world – she made her directorial debut and premiered it at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. An elated Omotola revealed that 2026 will see more of her works behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Zaylevelten
Chisom Lucky Okoro aka Zaylevelten is one of Nigeria’s most compelling emerging voices on the music scene specialising in rap and alternative Afro‑fusion. He fuses street energy, trap influence and experimental sound into something distinctly his own. Zaylevelten’s breakout came through a series of strong releases and viral moments including ‘Maye.’ Many agree that what makes Zaylevelten stand out is his work as a producer under the name Tenski as he plays a critical role in crafting sound, producing, and ensuring identity while ensuring his music reflects his vision from the ground up.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is a recurring name on lists like entertainers, who defined 2025 and entertainers to watch out for in 2026. This is because the demure actress seems to have mastered her craft in storytelling and positioning her brand. With Ademoye not ready to stop, she’s one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2026.
Fido
2025 was a good year for Josiah Olayemi Awosika aka Fido, who joined emerging music acts that are actively setting the nation’s new sonic agenda and securing spots in the lists of top songs in the country. It is believed that the young Nigerian, who is not relatively an upcoming act, will consolidate on his 2025 achievement to make further statements musically in 2026.
Genoveva Umeh
Year on year since she broke out from the Netflix limited series, ‘Blood Sisters,’ Genoveva has continued to wax stronger in the film industry. She’s unarguably one of the rising film stars gaining significant traction with strong performances year upon year and she’s one act to watch out for in 2026.
Adesewa Rebecca Ojedele aka Sewà Ayoola is a Nigerian soul singer, who grounds her music in Afro-soul, but with the gleams of R&B, jazz and pop. Though she’s based in Toronto, Sewà is finding her path in the line of bold voices like Asa and Cavement. Her sound is a rich fusion that carries both mainstream and niche circles with a speciality in storytelling. Her debut album, ‘Detox’ announced her powerful strength and she’s one music act to watch out for in 2026.
Mike Afolarin
Mike Afolarin found, almost instant, fame with the klieglights since he broke out and he has enjoyed film casting with his name frequently mentioned for exciting projects. Afolarin has been able, through his performances, to carve a niche for himself such that he features in at least 3 out of the top 10 films in Nigeria per year. He’s one young star to watch out for in 2026.
Uzoamaka Onuoha
Uzoamaka Onuoha rose to fame with her role in the popular series, ‘Origin: Madam Koikoi.’ However, she has since proven her worth with several defining roles in projects that have projected and catapulted her career faster than she expected. From ‘Inside Life,’ to ‘Agemo,’ Onuoha has done so well that she will feature prominently in Nollywood come 2026.
Syntax, the creator
Wisdom Omotoso Adeoluwa aka Syntax, The Creator is a self taught producer, pianist and songwriter that has distinguished himself as one of those artists that makes music which takes listeners into spaces of introspection, celebration and creative expansiveness. Always wearing Ibadan as his badge, he wowed fans in the last two years with successful EPs such as ‘Room 203’ in 2024, and ‘Rvivi’ in 2025 and expresses this vividly, with collaborations and features that expanded his sound. 2026 is expected to also favour Syntax, the creator.
Martha Ehinome
Martha Ehinome is an emerging talent to watch out for in 2026. Having done so well for herself in previous years, 2025 seems to be the major unveiling for Ehinome with her performances in ‘Gone,’ ‘My Father’s Shadows,’ ‘Midnight in Shangisha,’ and ‘I am Anis.’ With Ehinome’s achievements in 2025, it’s obvious 2026 will be a bigger year for her.
Kunmie
Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter aka Kunmie is a fast-rising Nigerian Afro-R&B artist who gained massive fame with his viral hit single ‘Arike.’ The song was released in early 2025, and became one of the biggest songs of the year earning him significant streams, nominations, and a historic chart position on Spotify’s global viral chart as an independent artist. Known for soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, he dropped his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, following the song’s success. Kunmie is an act to watch out for in 2026.
Sandra Okunzuwa
Sandra Ese Osayamon Okunzuwa aka Sandra Okunzuwa is a trained lawyer turned actress and movie producer. Okunzuwa has been on a steady rise on the Nigerian film scene snatching different challenging roles per film. Well noted for her rising presence, Okunzuwa is billed to shine an extra mile in 2026.
Renowned actress Iyabo Ojo has defended single motherhood, dismissing societal stereotypes and emphasising that personal growth, fulfilled children, and stability define success, not marital status.
Ojo, who raised her children alone from a young age, attributed her achievements to faith in God, resilience, and perseverance.
She stated that her daughter and son have succeeded, and her life has turned out better than many expected.
The actress, in a viral video, highlighted the challenges of parenting, citing moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and emotional strain, but stressed that these can be overcome with faith and determination.
“There’s confusion in their midst. I’m the president-general of single mothers because my daughter has succeeded, my son has succeeded, and my life is better. When you’re raising children at a young age, you almost run mad. There were times I didn’t know which road to pass. If they told me I’d be a landlady in Lekki, I’d say it was a lie. It wasn’t me, it was God,” she said.
She also spoke on relationships, stating that both men and women make choices in marriage, and expressed admiration for fathers who actively care for their children.
“Na man go leave you, na man go marry you. Na woman go leave you, na woman go marry you. Put your faith in God and see whether God will not do it for you. I easily fall in love with fathers that take care of their children,” she added.
Afrobeats singer and songwriter Hadiza Blell, popularly known as Di’Ja, has expressed gratitude for navigating the challenges of 2025, following the birth of her fourth child, a baby boy, on December 29, 2025.
Sharing maternity photographs on her Instagram page, the singer thanked her loved ones for their support, encouragement and guidance throughout the year.
Di’Ja celebrated her entry into 2026 as a mother of four, describing the milestone as a blessed new chapter in her life.
She also reflected on the lessons and personal growth gained over the past year, urging her fans to “be brave in all things” as they step into the new year.
She wrote, “Still on di matter. Mood knowing you survived everything and every lesson that came at you in 2025, Alhamdulilahi, while pregnant with our 4th child and having him two days ago, on 29th Dec, 2025.
“Entering 2026 in sha Allah as a mother of 4 and kickstarting what I know is a blessed year ahead is something to be grateful for. Thank you to my Husband, Children, Parents, siblings, in-laws, friends, and extended family for every lesson, good, bad, and ugly; love, support, and guidance during one of the crãziest years.
“Thank you to all of you for supporting our businesses and being part of our community growth. Be Brave in all things. Happy New Year in advance, and please stay safe out there.”
Afrobeats singer Skales has refuted claims that his colleague Burna Boy gifted him N600,000 during his period of financial struggle.
Skales attributed the rumour to a Burna Boy fan on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the claim was fabricated.
In a recent interview on the Adesope Live show, Skales expressed his disappointment, saying he had to reach out to the fan, identified as Benny, to understand the motive behind the false narrative.
“There was a time I had to reach out to a Burna Boy fan on Twitter, I think his name is Benny or something. I asked him what I had done to him to warrant the hate he exhibits towards me.
“He created a fake news that there was a time that I was broke and Burna Boy helped me with N600,000. That never happened,” he said.
The singer urged his peers to be cautious of overzealous fans and to communicate directly to clarify issues, rather than letting misinformation create tension.
Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has made history as the first musician to sell out the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, Lagos.
The feat was achieved on December 26, 2025, when the singer staged a star-studded concert at the venue, featuring performances by Olamide, Yinka Ayefele and Adewale Ayuba.
Adekunle Gold filled the 3,560-capacity hall and was subsequently presented with two plaques on January 1, 2026, in recognition of the achievement and the efforts of the management and record label that organised the event.
Reacting in a post on his Instagram page, the singer expressed appreciation to his fans, saying: “Thank you all for a great end to 2025. North America is up next. Where should I bring the Fuji experience to?”
Singer and entrepreneur, Tosin Ajibade popularly known as Mr Eazi, has revealed that he originated the phrase ‘Detty December’, which has become synonymous with festive celebrations in Nigeria.
Speaking at his Detty Rave concert in Accra, Mr Eazi said he coined the term after touring the world.
He emphasised that the phrase has grown beyond him, stating, “So in 2016, me and my guys invented Detty December. And Detty December is all about going back to your roots, having fun and enjoying life intentionally.
Actor Charles Inojie has expressed his gratitude and surprise after Shaffy Bello praised him as one of her favourite comedy actors, alongside the late Sam Loco.
In an interview with VJ Adams, Shaffy Bello named Charles Inojie and the late Sam Loco as her top Nollywood comedy actors, and Samuel L. Jackson as her Hollywood favourite.
“Please bring me Sam Loco. I will bring his spirit back if I could bring anybody back. Praising Charles, she said his talents are innate, as she noted that they cannot be taught or learnt. His timing. People don’t get that, you can’t teach it, or could learn it. It is just innate”, she said.
Reacting to the praise on his Instagram page, Charles Inojie said he’s “awestruck and dumbfounded” by the recognition.
He called it his best New Year’s gift and promised not to disappoint Shaffy Bello, appreciating her kind words.
“Awestruck. I’m literally dumbfounded. To receive such glowing validation from an internationally renowned and widely celebrated professional is, to say the least, my best New Year’s gift so far. Thank you, @iamshaffybello, just as I make a fresh commitment never to disappoint. I do not take this for granted”, he wrote.
The family of the late actress, Allwell Ademola, has announced her burial arrangements, following her passing on December 27, 2025, after a heart attack at her residence.
According to a statement shared online by her colleague, Rotimi Salami, a service of songs will be held on January 8, followed by a candlelight procession.
The actress will be laid to rest on January 9 at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos.
Attendees are asked to wear white attire, specifically a white shirt with jeans, on the day of the burial, and will receive a customised T-shirt at the venue on Thursday.
“The burial arrangement for Princess Allwell Ademola
“Note: On Thursday, A Customised t-shirt will be provided at the venue.
“While on Friday for the burial, you can come wearing a white shirt with Jeans. Colour code is white. Thank you, everyone”, Salami captioned the post.
The 49-year-old actress’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from her colleagues and friends, including Damola Olatunji, Mr Latin, Faithia Williams, and Bidemi Kosoko, who were among the first to mourn her.
The family has expressed appreciation for the love, prayers, and messages of condolences from her colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, and has asked for prayers for her soul to rest in peace.
It was an exciting and fulfilling moment as female organists under the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO) demonstrated that mastery of the pipe organ knows no gender, only skill, discipline and passion.
At the concert tagged ‘Ladies on the Organ: Her Hymn, Her Organ,’ held recently, at the Grace Hall of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) International Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos, the women showcased remarkable dexterity, coordinating hands and feet with confidence, grace and deep spiritual expression.
Drawn from different parts of the country and across denominations, the organists were united by a shared passion for the instrument. One after the other, they mounted the stage, taking full control of the keys and pedals, thrilling the audience and challenging long-held stereotypes about gender and musical instruments.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Patron of the association, General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya noted that the organ had historically been dominated by men, often older men, while women are rarely found in organ lofts.
According to them, this perception inspired the establishment of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists last year.
“By the inspiration of the Almighty, this association was formed to encourage women to play the organ, to evangelise among women, and to let them know that what a man can do, a woman can also do. This is the first of its kind anywhere,” one of the leaders said.
On growth projections, the association explained that its focus is on training and mentoring the women already involved, through structured lessons, seminars and teachings. As interest continues to spread, more women are joining from across the country. Participants at the concert came not only from MFM but also from churches such as Methodist, Baptist, Deeper Life and others, with no denominational discrimination.
Olukoya, said the idea was born out of a desire to break barriers and give women a platform in areas traditionally dominated by men.
In her words, the Chief Host, Dr. Shade Olukoya emphasised that the initiative was not about showmanship or competition but about intentional inclusion and spiritual growth.
“This is a collaborative work put together for women to understand how important they are in the plan of God. They don’t just practise music; they study the Word of God together, pray together and grow together,” she said.
For many of the organists, the experience was deeply fulfilling. Abiodun George, Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists, said the consistent training has helped members realise that they are on a journey of learning, growth and exploration. He described the organ as “the king of all instruments,” quoting classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and added that “a woman playing the king of instruments makes her nothing less than a king.”
One of the performers, Temitope Aina, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, music educator and organist, said her motivation is passion and the desire to inspire young girls. “I want them to see organ and piano performance and be bold enough to venture into it. Balancing practice, teaching and other engagements is only by God’s grace and proper timing,” she said.
As the final notes faded, the concert left a clear message: when women are given the platform, they excel, inspire and redefine boundaries. The Association of Nigerian Female Organists says it will continue to provide training, mentorship and a safe space for women to discover their voice and fulfil their God-given potential through music.
