entertainment

Michael Jackson Biopic Records Massive Nigerian Box Office Debut

Published

6 months ago

May 18, 2026

Michael biopic box office earnings hit N123.2m in Nigeria as the film sets new global records after release

The 2026 Michael biopic has recorded a powerful start in Nigerian cinemas, earning N123.2 million within its first three days of release.

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Early box office figures showed that the film generated N111.6 million on its opening day before climbing to N123.2 million between April 24 and 26.

The strong performance came despite the movie not being screened by Filmhouse Group, one of West Africa’s largest cinema chains.

Globally, the Michael biopic box office performance also shattered expectations. The film reportedly earned about $218.8 million worldwide during its opening weekend, including $97.2 million from the United States and $121.6 million from international markets.

The film has now become the biggest global opening ever for a music biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody. In North America, it also recorded the largest opening for a biographical film, overtaking Oppenheimer.

Industry reports indicated that the movie recovered more than its estimated $200 million production cost within 48 hours of release, making it one of the most commercially explosive film debuts of 2026.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film traces the life of Michael Jackson from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global pop icon in the 1980s.

The movie stars Jaafar Jackson as the adult Michael Jackson, while Juliano Krue Valdi portrays the younger version of the singer.

Other cast members include Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula and Mike Myers.

Production on the film began after producer Graham King secured the rights to Michael Jackson’s life story in 2019. Filming eventually took place between January and May 2024 following delays linked to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

The project later underwent major revisions after legal concerns prompted the removal of references to the 1993 child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, resulting in extensive reshoots and a rewritten final act in 2025.

Although the film has enjoyed impressive commercial success, critics have delivered mixed reactions. While many praised Jaafar Jackson’s striking performance, others argued that the movie avoided some of the more controversial chapters of Michael Jackson’s life.

Also read: Tiwa Savage Admits Lingering Love for Wizkid On Stage

The biopic premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, before opening in the United States on April 24. It is currently ranked among the six highest-grossing films of 2026.

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events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

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The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.