Entertainment News Today, 13 November 2026: Tems Leads Hollywood Soundtrack, Issakaba Returns, Rema EP Tracklist
Last updated: 13 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Friday 13 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Tems is steering the music of one of Hollywood’s biggest African-inspired films, a Nollywood classic returns to cinemas 25 years on, and Rema’s new EP is taking shape. There is also a frank warning about working conditions on film sets, an apology in a long-running music dispute, and a Nollywood actor who has swapped the set for a uniform.
Today at a glance
- Tems is executive music producer of the Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack; her song “African Love Song” arrives on 20 November.
- Issakaba: The Return and Five Figurines open in Nigerian cinemas today.
- Rema’s E-Mortal Boy tracklist reportedly includes Wizkid; Zinoleesky releases “Omo Ologo”.
- Scarlet Gomez speaks out on long hours and late pay for Nollywood cast and crew.
- Speed Darlington publicly apologises to Burna Boy and asks him to drop the charges.
- Actor Justin UG announces he has joined the United States Air Force.
1. Tems leads the Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack
What happened
Paramount released a new trailer on Thursday for Children of Blood and Bone, the film adaptation of Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi’s fantasy novel, which draws on Yoruba mythology. The trailer gives the first listen to “African Love Song”, written and performed by Tems, who is the soundtrack’s executive music producer. The single is due on 20 November through RCA Records. Burna Boy is executive music consultant, and the guest list includes Fireboy DML, BNXN, Ayra Starr, Obongjayar, Moelogo, Show Dem Camp and South Africa’s Moonchild Sanelly. Tems contributes three original songs. The film, starring Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg and Tosin Cole, opens in cinemas on 15 January 2027.
Why it matters
A Nigerian artist shaping the sound of a major studio film, built on a Nigerian-rooted story, is a big moment for Afrobeats and for how African culture is presented on the global screen. It also puts several Nigerian acts in front of a new cinema audience.
Source: BellaNaija; BroadwayWorld; theGrio.
2. Issakaba returns to cinemas after 25 years
What happened
Issakaba: The Return, a sequel to the 2001 action classic about a vigilante group, opens in Nigerian cinemas today after a Lagos premiere on Wednesday. Sam Dede returns in his original role, alongside Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Nosa Rex, Regina Daniels, Zubby Michael and Mark Angel. Also opening today is Five Figurines, a mystery thriller directed by Akay Mason with a cast including Bimbo Akintola, Ini Edo, Odunlade Adekola and Ireti Doyle.
Why it matters
Nostalgia sells: the original Issakaba series is one of the most remembered titles of the home-video era. The releases land in a strong year for cinemas, with Fusion Intelligence data showing 2026 takings have already passed the whole of 2025, so the next two weekends will show whether a legacy brand can compete with newer hits. For older classics worth revisiting, see our list of the best Nollywood movies of all time.
Source: Legit.ng; MAD.tv; FilmBunch.
3. New music: Rema’s EP takes shape, Zinoleesky starts a new era
What happened
Rema’s seven-track EP E-Mortal Boy, due on 20 November through Mavin and Jonzing World, now has a tracklist in circulation that opens with “Feel Alright” featuring Wizkid, with other contributions from producer BNYX, London and Kah-Lo. TheCable linked the list to Rema’s Instagram post, while MusicNG cautioned that the official tracklist has not been fully confirmed. Separately, Zinoleesky has released “Omo Ologo” today, the first single from his upcoming Euphoria EP, deliberately timed for Friday the 13th. The song follows his recent publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa.
Why it matters
A Rema and Wizkid record would be one of the most talked-about pairings of the year if confirmed, and both releases add fuel to the December listening season at home and in the diaspora.
Source: TheCable Lifestyle; MusicNG; HypeTribe.
4. Scarlet Gomez: fair pay and rest are rights, not favours
What happened
Actress Scarlet Gomez used a long Instagram post on Thursday to criticise working conditions in parts of the film industry. She said cast and crew sometimes work until dawn and are called back a few hours later, that some go without proper meals or accommodation, and that payments can be delayed for months. She alleged that people who complain risk being labelled difficult and losing future jobs, and criticised colleagues who quietly cut their fees to win roles. She also praised producers who pay fairly and treat their teams with dignity. No producers’ association had responded publicly at the time of writing.
Why it matters
Nollywood’s growth in cinemas and on streaming has raised questions about whether the people behind the camera are sharing in it. Conversations like this often feed into guild negotiations on minimum rates, working hours and on-set welfare.
Source: QED.ng; The Nation; Daily Review.
5. Speed Darlington apologises to Burna Boy
What happened
Singer Darlington Okoye, known as Speed Darlington, posted a video on Thursday apologising to Burna Boy for the pain his past comments caused. He asked Burna Boy to withdraw the charges against him within two weeks and promised never to mention him again. The dispute began in 2024, when Speed Darlington made claims about Burna Boy in online videos; Burna Boy petitioned the police alleging defamation and cyberstalking, and Speed Darlington was arrested and detained that year. Burna Boy had not publicly responded to the apology at the time of writing.
Why it matters
The case has been one of the clearest tests of how Nigeria’s cybercrime law is applied to online comments about public figures. Whether Burna Boy accepts the apology will decide if the matter ends quietly or continues through the legal process.
Source: TheCable Lifestyle; P.M. News; Naija News.
6. Justin UG joins the US Air Force
What happened
Nollywood actor Justin Ugonna, known as Justin UG, announced on Instagram that he has enlisted in the United States Air Force, sharing a photo in uniform and describing the training as one of the toughest experiences of his life. He did not give details of his role. He follows actor Joseph Momodu, who completed US Army basic training in June.
Why it matters
Their moves reflect a wider trend of Nigerians abroad, including entertainers, taking up military service as a career path and a route to stability in the US.
What to watch next
- This weekend: first box office figures for Issakaba: The Return and Five Figurines (expected Monday).
- 16 November: public voting closes for The Beatz Awards, which honour producers, songwriters and engineers.
- 20 November: Rema’s E-Mortal Boy and Tems’ “African Love Song” are both due; the drama Ray of Hope opens in cinemas.
- 15 January 2027: Children of Blood and Bone in cinemas.
For more on where to stream Nigerian titles, see our guide to Nigerian movies and series to stream.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tems’ “African Love Song” released?
On 20 November 2026 through RCA Records, as the lead single from the Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack.
Is Wizkid on Rema’s new EP?
A circulating tracklist lists Wizkid on the opening song, “Feel Alright”. Some outlets say the official list is still to be confirmed, so the EP’s release on 20 November will settle it.
When does Issakaba: The Return come out?
It opens in Nigerian cinemas today, Friday 13 November 2026.
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.
