Entertainment News Today, 8 November 2026: CANEX Legends Match, AFRIFF Wraps, Francis Duru Tributes
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Sunday 8 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Lagos has had a big creative week, with a film festival and a continental culture summit running side by side. As both wrap up, here are the entertainment stories worth your time this Sunday, from deal rooms and premieres to new albums and a sad farewell.
Today at a glance
- CANEX WKND closes today: over $500 million in deals under discussion, plus a legends and celebrity football match at Onikan.
- AFRIFF’s 15th edition wraps up with packed premieres for Which Way and Ramat.
- AGN and the Directors Guild set up a 27-member burial committee for Francis Duru.
- Nancy Isime’s first film as executive producer, Loving Itohan, is in cinemas.
- New music: Didi B’s 23-track Shogun in Lagos with Davido and Phyno; 2Baba’s album date confirmed.
1. CANEX ends today with deals on the table and a legends match
What happened
The four-day Creative Africa Nexus weekend, hosted by the Federal Government and organised by Afreximbank, ends today in Lagos. Trade minister Jumoke Oduwole said proposed transactions worth more than $500 million were being negotiated in the event’s deal rooms, across film, music, gaming, fashion, sport and food. She also pointed to more than $600 million in financing being unlocked for digital and creative businesses through the iDICE programme. Afreximbank has committed $2 billion to the sector through 2027.
The weekend closes with the Legends of Africa Football Game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, marking 30 years since Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold. Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi and Finidi George lead the Nigerian side against an African team featuring Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor and El-Hadji Diouf. A celebrity match featuring Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq and Teddy A starts at 1:30pm, with the main game at 5pm, live on NTA, AIT and Silverbird Television.
Why it matters
For filmmakers and musicians, the money talk matters more than the glamour: Afreximbank’s chairman warned that Africa still captures only around 2% of the global creative economy. Whether these talks become signed deals is the number to watch.
Source: Voice of Nigeria; The Guardian Nigeria; The Sight News; PM News.
2. AFRIFF wraps up with full houses
What happened
The 15th Africa International Film Festival, which opened on 1 November with 135 selections, closed on Saturday with its Globe Awards. Before the finale, the Lagos-shot musical drama Which Way, produced by Jumafor Ajogwu’s UK-based Bold Pictures and directed by Jide Okeke, had its African premiere at Filmhouse Landmark, where organisers opened a third screening hall after more than 350 guests registered. The film follows a Lagos mechanic whose childhood trauma shapes how he treats his wife and daughter. Separately, Steve Babaeko’s short film Ramat played to a full house and sustained applause, and he offered its child actor a full university scholarship. Festival founder Chioma Ude also received the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Leadership Award from Power WalkHer Global.
Why it matters
Which Way is timed ahead of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (25 November to 10 December), and its team placed the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency’s toll-free line (0800-333-333) on every seat. We will report the full list of Globe Award winners once it is confirmed by the organisers.
Source: The Sun; NAN; Leadership; News Ghana.
3. Guilds form burial committee for Francis Duru
What happened
The Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Directors Guild of Nigeria have set up a joint 27-member committee to plan industry tributes for actor Francis Duru, who died on 22 October aged 57 after a brief illness. Veteran actor Segun Arinze chairs the committee. It plans simultaneous wake-keeping and tribute events in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, and will raise funds to support his immediate family. The family’s own funeral plans cover Abuja and his hometown in Imo State.
Why it matters
Nollywood has lost several familiar faces in recent weeks, including veteran actor Diewait Ikpechukwu on 5 November. The guilds have urged members to set aside differences and turn out for Duru, one of the best-known faces of the home-video era.
Source: Realnews (NAN); Legit.ng.
4. In cinemas: Nancy Isime turns producer
What happened
Nancy Isime makes her debut as an executive producer with Loving Itohan, made by her NIP Studios with Jade Osiberu’s GREOH Studios and directed by Orobosa Ikponmwen. It opened nationwide on 6 November alongside Kayode Kasum’s Cursed Desire, Michelle Bello’s Perfect Spec and The Beacon Man. Next Friday, 13 November, brings Akay Mason’s Five Figurines, the sisters’ drama Dear Ajayi and Issakaba Returns, a revival of the vigilante classic 25 years on.
Why it matters
Nigeria’s box office reached a reported ₦15.64 billion in 2025 and is expected to pass ₦20 billion this year, but higher ticket prices mean audiences are choosier. More stars producing their own titles is a sign of where the money is moving. Prefer streaming? See our list of Nigerian movies and series to stream.
Source: MAD.tv; YNaija; BellaNaija.
5. New music: Didi B goes to Lagos, 2Baba sets a date
What happened
Ivorian rapper Didi B has released Shogun in Lagos, a 23-track album out through REPAT Agency and Sony Music France. Nigerian guests include Davido on “Party”, Phyno on “Gbedu”, plus Zlatan, Young Jonn, Qing Madi and Khaid, with Ghana’s King Promise and South Africa’s Focalistic also featured. At home, 2Baba has confirmed that Oldest Young Man, his first studio album since Warriors in 2020, arrives on 27 November with 16 tracks; the full tracklist has not yet been revealed.
Why it matters
Didi B’s album shows how francophone West Africa is leaning into Lagos for reach, while 2Baba’s return gives older Afrobeats fans a big December soundtrack. For more names to follow, see our Afrobeats artists to watch guide.
Source: StupidDope; Premium Times; Independent.
What to watch next
- Today: CANEX closing day; celebrity match 1:30pm and Legends of Africa game 5pm at Onikan.
- AFRIFF Globe Awards winners list.
- 13 November: Five Figurines, Dear Ajayi and Issakaba Returns hit cinemas.
- 16 November: Grammy nominations, with several Nigerian submissions in contention (our guide).
- 27 November: 2Baba’s Oldest Young Man.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Legends of Africa match in Lagos?
Gates open at 1:30pm, when the celebrity match starts. The legends game kicks off at 5pm at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, and is live on NTA, AIT and Silverbird Television.
When is 2Baba’s new album coming out?
Oldest Young Man is due on 27 November 2026, with 16 tracks.
Which new Nollywood films are in cinemas?
Loving Itohan, Cursed Desire, Perfect Spec and The Beacon Man opened on 6 November, with three more titles arriving on 13 November.
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.
