Nollywood crime thriller Black Market has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest single-location film screening, drawing 51,000 attendees at Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Saturday. The feat was officially verified by Guinness World Records, which confirmed the figure based on viewers who remained for the entire duration of the film. While Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat initially reported 64,000 attendees, the record-eligible number was determined to be 51,000. The event, organized by Rixel Studios in collaboration with FilmOne Studios, Signet Ring Studios, and Switch Visuals Production, surpassed the previous record of 43,624 viewers for the 2015 Filipino film Felix Manalo at the Philippine Arena.
The screening, part of an official Guinness World Records attempt, attracted thousands of fans who queued for hours ahead of the 7 p.m. start. Gates opened at 2 p.m., with a red carpet event commencing at 3 p.m. The gathering featured music, food, games, and entertainment, alongside appearances by Lagos State Deputy Governor Hamzat, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Toke Benson, and Nollywood stars such as Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, and Linda Ejiofor. The film, directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and co-written by Gimsay and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, follows five women entangled in a cross-border smuggling operation after one of their daughters is kidnapped.
Organizers had targeted 50,000 simultaneous viewers to exceed the 2015 benchmark, a goal achieved through meticulous planning and crowd management. The event’s scale underscores the growing global reach of Nollywood, with Black Market starring Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Lateef Adedimeji, and Omowunmi Dada among others. The screening’s success highlights Nigeria’s cultural influence and the potential for large-scale cinematic events to capture international attention. Guinness World Records’ recognition adds credibility to the achievement, positioning the film as a milestone in African film history.
The record-breaking screening not only celebrates Black Market’s production but also reflects the collaborative efforts of Nigerian studios and the public’s enthusiasm for local storytelling. With its blend of crime drama and social commentary, the film exemplifies the evolving narratives in Nollywood, which continues to challenge global entertainment norms. The event’s impact extends beyond entertainment, symbolizing Nigeria’s capacity to host and execute world-class cultural milestones, further cementing its role as a hub for creative innovation in Africa.