LAGOS — Tafawa Balewa Square in Onikan transformed into a historic cinema on Saturday as the Nollywood film Black Market smashed the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a single film screening.
More than 51,000 viewers gathered simultaneously to watch the premiere, officially confirmed by Guinness World Records. The figure surpassed the previous mark of 43,624 set in 2015 during a screening of the Filipino film Felix Manalo at the Philippine Arena.
Organisers had aimed for 50,000 simultaneous viewers. The successful attempt, driven by Switch Visuals Productions and Rixel Studios, turned the iconic venue into a vibrant entertainment hub. Music, food stalls, games and other activities kept the crowd engaged for hours before the screening, creating a festival atmosphere.
Among the dignitaries present was Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, who is also the Lagos APC governorship candidate for 2027. Hamzat joined thousands of film lovers and industry stakeholders for the landmark event.
While Hamzat announced that 64,000 people attended overall, Guinness World Records clarified that the official count of 51,000 was based strictly on those who remained from the beginning to the end of the film. The confirmation triggered cheers, jubilation and fireworks across the square.
Switch Visuals Productions, led by CEO Damilola Osikoya, handled event production, while Rixel Studios, headed by filmmaker Nora Awolowo, produced the film. Black Market is Rixel Studios’ second feature after Red Circle. Directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and co-written by Gimsay and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, the movie was shot in Abeokuta.
The ensemble cast includes Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Ibrahim Yekini, Scarlet Gomez, Omowunmi Dada, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok and Uzor Arukwe.
The achievement marks a major milestone for Nigerian cinema, underscoring the growing scale and ambition of Nollywood productions.
