What’s a year without trending topics that we all get to discuss over and over?
As we bid farewell to a year marked by unforgettable events and defining cultural moments, we take a moment to reflect on what truly made 2025 stand out.
The year was defined by moments that brought people together, sparked conversation, and shaped how we experienced the world around us. Creativity flourished across music, film, fashion, and digital spaces, while global events reminded us of the power of community, resilience, and shared values. Together, these milestones didn’t just mark time; they gave 2025 its character, leaving impressions that will continue to influence how we move forward into the next year.
Weddings we couldn’t stop thinking about
Like every year, love was unmistakably in the air, with beautiful couples coming together to celebrate their bond and turn their moments into lasting memories.
Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, tied the knot with Tanzanian musician Juma Jux. Spanning breathtaking locations in Tanzania and Nigeria, the celebration unfolded as a truly star-studded affair. The celebrations unfolded across countries and cultures, beginning with a Nikkah and civil wedding in Tanzania in February. This was followed by a vibrant Nigerian traditional wedding in Lagos on 17 April 2025, a classic white wedding on 19 April 2025, and culminated in a grand finale reception in Tanzania on 28 May 2025. Influencer friends like Enioluwa Adeoluwa sharing behind-the-scenes snippets, the event quickly became a social media spectacle. The hashtag #JP2025 dominated social media feeds across all platforms.
Kene Obi Jackson’s marriage to Ugo Okonkwo was unforgettable. The two come from prominent Nigerian families who used this moment to usher their children into a new chapter. Clips of the bride in her magnificently beaded, detailed dresses trended all over the internet.
Ifedayo Agoro and Frank Itom sealed their love this December, treating us to stunning engagement and wedding videos they’re known for. Their outfits were playful yet elegant, perfectly reflecting the vibrant partnership that has captured our admiration.
The ones that took us across continents
Davido and Chioma’s love story reached a defining moment in 2025 with a white wedding that felt both cinematic. The couple exchanged vows in Miami on 10 August 2025, drawing an impressive star-studded guest list. Chioma and David honoured their son through objects that carried meaning rather than spectacle. Her bouquet and his custom cuff links became personal markers of remembrance, woven seamlessly into the occasion. Clips from the ceremony dominated social media, turning the wedding into one of the most talked-about cultural events of the year.
Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi marked their union with a series of weddings that spanned the globe, each reflecting a different facet of their love. An intimate civil ceremony in Monaco on 9 May 2025 set the tone for their celebrations, followed by a vibrant traditional Yoruba wedding in Dubai in July, where culture and couture combined in a lavish display. The celebrations reached their pinnacle with a white wedding in Iceland on 8 August 2025, where the couple’s elegance against the striking landscape created moments that captivated guests and audiences worldwide.
The artists who set the tone
Tiwa Savage returned with her highly anticipated album “This One Is Personal, a vulnerable project that discussed her romantic entanglements and state of mind.
Adekunle Gold “FUJI” was an iconic celebration of Fuji music while tying in contemporary Afrobeats sounds.
Mavo, an emerging Nigerian artist, burst onto the music scene this year, turning not just the charts but Detty December into his playground. Partygoers echoed his lyrics through the city’s nightlife, cementing him as the soundtrack of the season. “Money Constant” ft Wizkid, DJ Tunez and DJ Maphorisa. Has been a trending sound for the holiday season.
American artist Halle released her debut solo album, “Love?…or Something Like It,” a heartfelt exploration of her breakup with streaming star DDG and her journey of self-discovery as a woman and mother.
The year in film and television
Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo Del Toro, starring Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth, was a beautiful addition to cinema this year. The film’s stunning visuals and emotional depth gave a fresh, memorable take on Mary Shelley’s classic story.
“My Father’s Shadow,” directed by Akinola Davies Jr., was a poignant love letter to Lagos and the daily journeys families undertake in this city. It won awards at Cannes and the British Independent Film Festival, making the film one of the most decorated Nigerian films thus far.
The film premiered in Lagos at a special screening on 17 September 2025. Also, the nationwide theatrical release was on 19 September 2025. It also premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2025, marking its North American premiere, where audiences and critics alike embraced the poignant work.
“To Kill a Monkey, directed by Kemi Adetiba, premiered on Netflix on 18 July 2025 as an eight‑episode crime thriller that plunged audiences into the gritty realities of Nigeria’s cybercrime underworld. The series tackled the forces that drive ordinary people into illicit digital schemes. It sparked widespread conversation and quickly became one of the year’s most talked-about Nigerian releases on the global streaming platform.
Read also: My December reset: reflections on change, letting go, and overcoming the fear of failure
The cultural defining moments we can stop thinking about
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie returned to fiction in March 2025 with the release of Dream Count, her first novel in a decade, captivating readers with her signature exploration of identity, culture, and human connection. The book was met with critical acclaim, sparking conversations about storytelling, heritage, and the evolving landscape of contemporary African literature.
Hilda Baci broke yet another record in July 2025, further cementing her place in global culinary history. Her achievement showcased not only skill and endurance but also a dedication to pushing the limits. Her accomplishment in her craft inspired fans and aspiring chefs.
Alma Asinobi captured the world’s attention in September 2025 with her ambitious 7-Continent Sprint, an attempt at a Guinness World Record that combined athleticism, strategy, and determination. The journey highlighted her resilience and adventurous spirit, turning the global challenge into a story of inspiration and human possibility.
The Super Falcons celebrated a landmark victory on 26 July 2025, winning a high-stakes match that marked their 10th African Women’s Championship title, a milestone that resonated far beyond the pitch. Their triumph reinforced the team’s legacy as trailblazers in African and global women’s football. Inspiring a new generation of athletes and highlighting the growing prominence of women’s sports in Nigeria.
As we close the chapter on 2025, it’s clear that this was a year shaped by moments we collectively felt, debated, celebrated, and sometimes mourned online. Headline-making weddings,, new music, films, and TV shows that captured our emotions and defined our timelines. These cultural moments became markers of time and conversation. They reminded us why pop culture matters — it reflects who we are, what we care about, and how we connect. Here’s to the memories, the discourse, and the stories we’ll carry with us as we step into a new year.
Read more: These are the trends I’m officially ready to retire in 2025
