LASG hails ‘Black Market’ Guinness record

The Lagos State Government has hailed the successful setting of a Guinness World Records title for the largest attendance at a film premiere after 51,258 people attended the premiere of the Nigerian crime thriller, Black Market, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.

The premiere, held on Saturday, was supported by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and attracted film lovers, industry stakeholders and entertainment personalities.

Speaking, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, congratulated the organisers and the thousands of Nigerians who turned out for the record attempt, describing the show as evidence of the creative capacity available in the country.

Hamzat stressed the importance of increased investment in the creative industry.

He said, “While government investment in roads, hospitals, and other physical infrastructure remains important, it must give equal attention to the creative and cultural space.”

The Deputy Governor said Lagos remained committed to developing its cultural and creative industries, describing the sector as an important component of the state’s soft power and economic development.

Drawing a comparison with Hollywood, Hamzat urged Nollywood to continue expanding its global reach through partnerships and initiatives capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.

He also commended those who registered for and attended the premiere, saying their participation contributed to the growth of Lagos and the country’s creative industry.

Earlier, the producer of Black Market, Nora Awolowo, described the gathering as an event that had grown beyond the film itself.

She said the thousands of people gathered at one venue, united by the film, had become part of a historic occasion.

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The record was formally announced after the screening and verification process by the Guinness World Records official adjudicator, Mark McKinley.

McKinley explained that only people who were present at both the beginning and end of the screening could be counted, although attendees were allowed to leave temporarily for comfort breaks.

He said those who failed to return or left before the end of the film would be excluded from the final figure.

According to him, the previous record was 43,624 attendees, recorded in the Philippines in 2015.

After examining the required documentation, witnessing the attempt and completing the necessary verification procedures, McKinley announced a final attendance of 51,258, declaring that Switch Visuals Limited and Rizzle Studios had set the new Guinness World Records title.

He commended Switch Visuals, Executive Producer Damilola Osikoya and Rizzle Studios producer Nora Awolowo for the organisation of the event.

The premiere featured music, food and games and was attended by several actors and entertainment personalities, including Omowunmi Dada, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Bimpe Adedimeji, Real Warri Pikin and Tomi Ojo.

Black Market, directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and produced by Awolowo, stars Omowunmi Dada, Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Scarlet Gomez, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Ibrahim Yekini and Uzor Arukwe, among others.

The state government said the achievement further demonstrated Lagos’ role as a centre for entertainment, tourism, arts, culture and creative enterprise.