Timini Egbuson’s ‘Love and New Notes’, the romantic drama, has set a new benchmark for the Nigerian film industry, achieving an opening of N106 million at the box office. This debut not only makes it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2026 so far but, crucially, establishes it as the first Nollywood title ever to debut above the N100 million mark outside of the highly competitive, traditional December holiday season.
The film, which debuted during the Valentine’s weekend, achieved the highest single-day gross for a 2026 release with N48 million. The film, which premired 13th February 2026, was timed for the Valentine’s Day weekend, and recorded strong attendance across major cinema chains in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Accra.
Analysts also point to strategic release timing, targeted marketing, and Timini Egbuson’s growing commercial appeal during the Valentine’s Weekend as contributing factors to his box office milestone. In 2025, he released his debut film ‘Reel Love’, which opened at N95 million and grossed N356.82 million in total, making it the fifth highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025.
Kayode Kasum, the film’s director, has taken to his social media page to thank the audience for their support for the film. “Thank you, everyone, for the Love you showed the New Notes and us. Love and New Notes opens with N106M, breaking multiple records in just one weekend. Love and New Notes did not just open in cinemas; it kicked the door down. This was only possible because of you.”
Egbuson expressed his gratitude to fans who stormed cinema locations nationwide, saying, “This is me saying a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of this film. We go harder.” He urged fans to promote the movie to more people to see the romance drama.
‘Love and New Notes’ movie is centred on the story of Adrian Cole, a charismatic music executive whose structured life is disrupted when he reconnects with a former lover, Ifeoma Daniels, a gifted songwriter trying to rebuild her career after a painful public fallout. The ensemble cast features Nollywood names, including Ayoola Akinyoola, Toluwani George, Sophie Alakija, and Odunlade Adekola
Audience reactions online have highlighted the film’s contemporary romance angle, soundtrack-driven storytelling, and its relatable portrayal of relationships. Social media conversations throughout the weekend praised its chemistry-driven performances and stylish cinematography.
With its N106 million debut, Love and New Notes sets a new benchmark for non-December Nollywood openings and reinforces the expanding commercial strength of Nigeria’s theatrical market.
