Entertainment News Today, 7 November 2026: CANEX Lights Up Lagos, Funke Akindele Eyes N5bn, Omotola on Royalties
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Saturday 7 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Lagos is hosting Africa’s creative industry this weekend, Funke Akindele has named a record box-office target, and Nollywood is mourning another veteran. Here are the entertainment stories that matter this Saturday morning.
Today at a glance
- CANEX WKND 2026 brings creatives, investors and stars to the National Theatre in Lagos.
- Funke Akindele aims for ₦5 billion with The Four, out in cinemas on 11 December.
- Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde says she has never been paid royalties in 30 years of Nollywood work.
- Veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu dies at 71.
- Grammy nominations land on 16 November; Pasuma and Cruel Santino drop new albums.
1. CANEX WKND 2026 puts Lagos at the centre of Africa’s creative economy
What happened
The Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), organised by Afreximbank with the Federal Government, opened on Thursday at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (the National Theatre) in Iganmu, Lagos, and runs until Sunday 8 November. It is the first time Nigeria has hosted the event. Vice-President Kashim Shettima opened it on behalf of President Tinubu, with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and ministers in attendance. Afreximbank says its financing commitment to African creative industries now stands at US$2 billion through 2027, and Trade Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole said proposed deals worth more than US$500 million were being discussed in the event’s deal rooms. Organisers expect over 15,000 delegates, with Wole Soyinka, Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Uzo Aduba among the participants and a concert line-up that includes Davido, Fally Ipupa and Flavour.
Why it matters
For filmmakers, musicians, designers and writers, this is a rare chance to pitch directly to financiers. The focus on intellectual property and distribution speaks to a long-standing complaint: African creators often make the hits but keep little of the money.
Source: Afreximbank; The Guardian Nigeria; Vanguard.
2. Funke Akindele sets a ₦5 billion target for The Four
What happened
Speaking at a CANEX fireside chat with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo on Friday, Funke Akindele welcomed a ₦5 billion box-office target for her new film, The Four: No One Fights Alone, and defended her heavy promotional approach. The film opens in Nigerian cinemas on 11 December after an international premiere in London on 29 November, which she confirmed is sold out. Toyin Abraham’s film Bestie is scheduled to follow on 16 December.
Why it matters
Reaching ₦5 billion would be roughly 81 per cent more than the reported takings of her previous hit, Behind The Scenes, and would set a new benchmark for Nigerian cinema. Two big Nollywood titles five days apart also points to a busy December at the box office.
Source: Punch; WithinNigeria.
3. Omotola: “I’ve never received an envelope” in 30 years
What happened
Veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde said on the Afropolitan podcast on Friday that she has never received royalties for three decades of work in Nollywood, while her few years of Hollywood jobs already bring in regular residual payments. She also called for better pre-production planning, safer working hours and tighter control of film funding, suggesting that grant money be held in escrow rather than paid straight to producers.
Why it matters
Her comments add a well-known voice to the debate on fair pay for actors, and they echo the same theme heard at CANEX this week: who owns, and who earns from, Nigerian content after it is released.
4. Nollywood mourns veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu
What happened
Veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu died on Thursday 5 November at the age of 71 after a long illness, according to a family source. Actors Guild of Nigeria national president Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu paid tribute on Friday, calling him “another legend”. His daughter has asked that the family be allowed to share news in its own time. Ikpechukwu spent more than 25 years on screen, with credits including Royal Palace, The Guilty, Across the River and Python King. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Separately, the family of the late Francis Duru, who died in October, has set a service of songs for 25 November in Abuja, with burial on 11 December in Imo State.
Why it matters
It is the second loss of a well-known veteran in a matter of weeks, and it renews questions about welfare and support for older actors, many of whom worked through Nollywood’s early years without pensions or royalties.
Source: Naija News; MyJoyOnline; QED.
5. Grammy nominations to be revealed on 16 November
What happened
The Recording Academy confirmed that nominees for the 2027 Grammys, across all categories, will be announced on Monday 16 November. The full list goes up on Grammy.com at 9am Eastern time (2pm in the UK, 3pm in Nigeria), after a live presentation in Times Square with artists including Pharrell Williams, Kehlani and Olivia Dean.
Why it matters
Nigerian acts have been regulars in the African music and global categories in recent years, and fans will be watching for Burna Boy, Tems, Wizkid and others. Our guide to Nigerian Grammy hopefuls for 2027 sets out who has submitted work.
Source: Grammy.com; Billboard.
6. New music: Pasuma’s Fuji Afro, Cruel Santino’s K.O.T.B and more
What happened
Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has released Fuji Afro, a 12-track album that blends fuji with Afrobeats and street-pop, featuring Olamide on “Ijo Alhaji”, Qdot on “Up Up Way” and Terry Apala on “Apala Fuji”. It is his first crossover album in a decade. Cruel Santino released K.O.T.B – The Bomberman Chronicles through Native Sounds and Warner Records. Other new songs this week include Joeboy’s “Pretty Girls” and Skepta’s “Aloe Vera” with Asake.
Why it matters
Pasuma’s project, coming weeks after Adewale Ayuba’s Arise, shows fuji veterans reaching for younger listeners, while the wave of releases is an early start to the December party season.
Source: Blackbox Nigeria; Album Talks; Clash; Pulse.
What to watch next
- Sunday 8 November: final day of CANEX WKND in Lagos, including the Legends Football Game.
- 16 November: 2027 Grammy nominations.
- 25 November: service of songs for Francis Duru in Abuja.
- 29 November: London premiere of The Four; Nigerian cinema release on 11 December.
Frequently asked questions
When is Funke Akindele’s The Four in cinemas?
The Four: No One Fights Alone opens in Nigerian cinemas on 11 December 2026, after a sold-out London premiere on 29 November.
What is CANEX WKND?
It is Afreximbank’s creative-industry trade and culture gathering, held in a different African city each edition. The 2026 edition runs from 5 to 8 November at the National Theatre in Lagos, with deal rooms, masterclasses, exhibitions and concerts.
When are the 2027 Grammy nominations announced?
Monday 16 November 2026, with the full list on Grammy.com at 9am Eastern time, which is 2pm in the UK and 3pm in Nigeria.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
