Nollywood Makes History as Black Market Draws Over 51,000 People in Lagos
Nollywood has officially made history after more than 51,000 people gathered in Lagos for a single movie screening.
Nigeria has added another Guinness World Record to its name after the Nollywood crime thriller Black Market attracted a massive crowd at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The record-breaking screening took place on Saturday, September 26, with thousands of movie lovers turning up for what was planned as an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest audience at a film screening in a single location.
And Lagos showed up.
51,000 People, One Movie
Guinness World Records officially recognised 51,000 viewers who met the requirements for the record.
The figure surpassed the previous record of 43,624 people, which was set in 2015 during a screening of the Filipino film Felix Manalo at the Philippine Arena.
While Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat announced that around 64,000 people attended the overall event, Guinness counted those who remained from the beginning of the movie until the end.
That distinction made 51,000 the official qualifying figure.
Lagos Turned Into a Giant Cinema
The atmosphere at Tafawa Balewa Square was unlike an ordinary movie premiere.
Long queues formed around the venue as thousands of Nigerians arrived ahead of the screening.
The gates opened in the afternoon, with a red-carpet session followed by music, games, food and other entertainment before the movie was screened.
Nollywood stars including Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor, Kunle Remi, Stan Nze and Gabriel Afolayan were among those present.
What Is Black Market About?
The record-breaking movie is a crime thriller centred on five women involved in a cross-border smuggling operation.
Their lives take a dramatic turn after the daughter of one of the women is kidnapped, setting off a chain of events that puts their operation and survival at risk.
The movie features Omowunmi Dada, Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini and Uzor Arukwe.
It was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Rixel Studios, Signet Ring Studios and FilmOne Studios.
Nigeria Does It Again
The record is another major moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Instead of simply bringing thousands of people to a concert, festival or football match, Nollywood managed to turn a movie screening into a massive national event.
One screen.
One movie.
More than 51,000 qualifying viewers.
Nollywood has officially made history.
