Lagos celebrates record attendance at ‘Black Market’ film premiere

The Lagos State Government has celebrated the setting of a Guinness World Records title after 51,258 people attended the premiere of the Nigerian crime thriller Black Market at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island. The premiere was supported by the state government through its Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It attracted film audiences, industry stakeholders and entertainment personalities, with the record formally announced after the screening and verification process.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Mark McKinley said only people present at both the beginning and end of the screening could be included in the final count. Attendees could leave temporarily for comfort breaks, but those who did not return or left before the film ended were excluded. After reviewing the documentation, observing the attempt and completing the verification procedures, McKinley announced the final attendance figure.

He said it exceeded the previous record of 43,624 attendees, recorded in the Philippines in 2015. Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat congratulated the organisers and the audience, describing the event as evidence of Nigeria’s creative capacity. He said public investment in roads and hospitals should be matched by attention to the creative and cultural sectors.

Hamzat said Lagos remained committed to developing its cultural and creative industries, which he described as important to the state’s soft power and economic development. Drawing a comparison with Hollywood, he urged Nollywood to expand its international reach through partnerships and initiatives that could strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy. Producer Nora Awolowo said the gathering had grown beyond the film itself, with the audience becoming part of a historic occasion.

The premiere included music, food and games, and featured actors including Omowunmi Dada, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimpe Adedimeji, Real Warri Pikin and Tomi Ojo. Black Market was directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Awolowo. The state government said the achievement further demonstrated Lagos’ role in entertainment, tourism, arts, culture and creative enterprise.