2024’s pop culture moments: A year of hits and flicks

2024 has been nothing short of a global spectacle in pop culture, uniting us with music, fashion, internet drama, and cinematic brilliance. This year’s creative outpour has been a thrilling rollercoaster of entertainment, from viral dance crazes to high-stake movie launches, beats that got us grooving, and memes that sent us rolling with laughter Here’s a look back at the moments that defined our collective experience.

Music, fashion, films, and the ever-dramatic internet gave us countless moments to laugh, cry, dance and sometimes get confused altogether. Nigerian music stars like Davido, Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Asake graced global stages, while Nollywood wowed us with unforgettable flicks.

Remember the viral TikTok dance, Pikkewyne? Or when the internet stopped for Chidimma Adetshina? It’s been a cocktail of emotions and creativity. Relax with a glass of wine as Guardian Life revisits the most memorable beats, threads, screens, and scrolls that defined the year. Sit tight because this might be your VIP ticket to relive the major highlights of 2024.

Music that defined the year

The year’s soundtrack was loud, infectious, vibrant, and undeniably global. There were big hits and some flops, too. Nigerian artists took the lead, with Rema’s Ozeba tearing up the charts and breaking streaming records, while Ayra Starr’s smash hit, Commas, owned the airwaves from Lagos to Los Angeles.

Burna Boy’s Grammy-worthy melodies and Wizkid’s Morayo album brought the vibes and kept us hooked. Davido’s Awuke became an anthem and instant club banger, and collaborations like that of Tems with John Legend on the Ordinary People remix proved that Nigerian talent knows no bounds.

On social media, viral hits like Marhaba by Kiss Daniel, Ogechi remix by BoyPee, Hyce & Brown Joel featuring Davido, and Azaman by Rema had everyone dancing. TikTok and Instagram went into a frenzy, pushing the tracks into global fame. Beyond beats, artists blurred genres and borders, with Afrobeats merging with pop, hip-hop, and Latin music, reminding us that when Nigeria sings, the world listens.

Blockbuster films and TV shows

From the big screen to streaming platforms, 2024 served up drama, laughter, and edge-of-your-seat moments. Standout local titles—Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Bolanle Austen-Peters), Tòkunbò (Odeh Chris and Joy Odiete), Lisabi: The Uprising (Adebimpe Oyebade and Victoria Akujobi), and Beast of Two Worlds (Eniola Ajao), and the Everybody Loves Jenifa, the movie—captured our hearts.

Globally, blockbusters like Inside Out 2, Mufasa The Lion King, Wicked, Deadpool & Wolverine, Despicable Me 4, and Moana 2 sparked intriguing conversations. Meanwhile, series like Blood Legacy, Citadel: Diana, Those About To Die, and Hierarchy dominated binge-watch lists.

Nollywood held its ground this year, delivering world-class storytelling and visuals that appealed to both local and international audiences. Thanks to expanded streaming catalogues, Nigerian gems stood proudly alongside Hollywood blockbusters.

Indeed, screens around the world were windows into worlds both familiar and new, with enough variety to keep us glued to the screens and our popcorn bowls filled.

Fashion trends that ruled

The fashion scene was nothing short of a spectacle this year. Y2K fashion made a bold comeback with crop tops, baggy jeans, and tinted sunglasses flooding wardrobes. Streetwear looks were loud, colourful, and unapologetic, dominating runways and street corners alike. Think Y2K footwear, loafers, chunky slippers, and bold heels.

Lagos Fashion Week and GTCO Fashion Weekend gave us jaw-dropping moments. From avant-garde designs to celebrity-studded appearances, we indulged in bold street-style ensembles that screamed “I came here to shine!” Individuality and gender stereotypes were put aside and fashion united male, female, and even gender–neutral persons in a way that showed the strength and beauty of diversity.

Globally, designers played with textures and bold colours like metallics and silhouettes. Both locally and internationally, sustainable fabrics, the need for waste reduction, and the use of earthy materials to create masterpieces held sway.

In Nigeria, aso-ebi styles became grander, more creative and eye candy for Owambes, red-carpet events and movie premieres. Party enthusiasts pressed our necks and tried to suffocate onlookers with their super creative styles.

We can’t forget the mind-blowing headgear styles that made this year tick. From ruffles to knots to bridal ace-styled geles, everything screamed amazing and so Nigerian! Whether you’re a fashionista or not, 2024 had everyone asking, “Tell me who you’re wearing and your stylist.”

The internet’s favourite moments

The internet this year? Pure chaos and laughter. We lived for the memes. From the “Sapa” and “Japa” debates to “No gree for anybody” reactions, we got some good laughs and some good frowns. TikTok also kept us dancing, with viral challenges like the “Biri Marung” and “Pikkewyne” shuffle taking over.

One of the biggest and more interesting sensations was the revealing “Suspect Challenge”, where celebrities and regular folks alike spilt secrets—even revealing spicy bedroom preferences, much to everyone’s shock and amusement.

Then came the Miss Universe 2024 fever, as Nigerians held their breath through Chidimma Adetshina’s journey to Miss Universe. What felt like a battle between South Africans and Nigerians quickly morphed into an identity crisis debate.

In the end, it was Chidimma’s individual brilliance that mattered. After picking up the sought-after ticket to represent Nigeria on the global stage, we cheered our queen, Chidimma Adetshina to becoming the First Runner Up, Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024. To her, “Nigeria gave a reason to live…with resilience, every dream or height is attainable in the universe.”

Social media influencers also left their mark, dictating trends and setting the agenda for beauty, lifestyle, and everything in between. And let’s not forget how a single hashtag could unite millions for a shared cause or laugh. The internet proved once again that it is chaotic, but also home.

Cultural moments and shifts

Beyond the glitz, this year’s pop culture scene reflected deep societal undercurrents. Activism took centre stage, with campaigns advocating mental health awareness and body positivity gaining traction. The Miss Nigeria pageantry, spearheaded by Chidimma Adetshina, championed conversations about diversity and shattered stereotypes.

Creators leaned into inclusive storytelling and more diverse representation. From Nollywood’s focus on female-driven narratives to global campaigns highlighting racial and gender equality, content creators used their platforms as tools for meaningful conversations. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was a year of cultural awakening, reminding us that pop culture doesn’t just mirror society—it shapes it.

A video of award-winning author, Chimamanda Adichie challenging the notion that culture is non-fluid and revealing how she combined an Igbo name “Chima” with an English name “Amanda” to form her name—Chimamanda went viral again.
Moreover, flowy pants and corsets, which used to be girls’ things, became unisex and further challenged gender stereotypes of what should be men’s or women’s wears.

Biggest celebrity moments

Celebrities gave us no shortage of headlines. Weddings like #CHIVIDO2024 (Davido and Chioma), #LoveUnitesUs24 (Sharon Ooja and Ugo Nwoke), #TYtyloverockd2024 (Yhemo Lee and Thayour B), and #KTTV24 (Kunle Remi and Boluwatiwi) set social media ablaze, sparking endless well-wishes and conversations. High-profile births and baby showers brought celebratory fanfare as well.

On the global stage, Tems’ Born In The Wild Tour and Taylor Swift’s world tour performances left fans in awe. Back home, our daily activities and mornings were lit up with podcasts like I Said What I Said, DJ Selex, The Honest Bunch, and Diary of a CEO that kept us informed, entertained, and sometimes challenged our perspectives.

From achievements to controversies, celebrities reminded us why they’re the stars we love (and sometimes love to hate). Whether we were celebrating achievements or dissecting controversies, celebrity moments shaped cultural milestones that we won’t soon forget.

Looking ahead to 2025

Pop culture brought us together this year, offering laughter, inspiration, and plenty of “aha!” moments. It highlighted our shared experiences and celebrated our unique stories. As we step into the new year, one thing is certain: creativity, innovation, and connection will continue to drive the culture. From music that moves us to stories that unite us, the future of pop culture promises to be brighter, bolder, and undeniably thrilling.

Here’s to another year of show-stopping moments—and here’s to even more unforgettable reads with Guardian Life.