In a remarkable testament to her star power and Nigeria’s booming digital entertainment scene, media personality Papaya Ex is celebrating a viral milestone. Her debut produced film, “The Night Market,” has surged past 1.5 million views on YouTube in less than a week.
Overwhelmed by the support, Papaya Ex (born Raheem Abike Halimah) shared her gratitude and a bold promise with fans: “All praises and Adoration to the most high. 3 million views and we drop the PART 2,” she announced. She passionately urged viewers to watch or rewatch the movie on her channel, PAPAYAEXTVV, calling it “a good movie that every single person needs to watch and learn one or two”.
This success marks a significant evolution for Papaya Ex, who has masterfully transitioned from being one of Africa’s top fashion influencers to a formidable force in Nollywood. Her journey, characterised by strategic brand-building and authenticity, recently earned her the honour of being named one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Brand Influencers for 2025.
| Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Career Origin | Gained fame as a pioneering fashion and lifestyle influencer. |
| Commercial Impact | Landed a landmark ₦50 million endorsement deal with Zikel Cosmetics in 2024. |
| Film Transition | Made acting debut, leading to a breakout cinema role. |
| Debut as Producer | Wrote, produced, and starred in “The Night Market,” streaming on her YouTube channel. |
| Recent Honor | Recognised as Brand Influencer of the Year (2025) by Ranks Africa. |
The film’s rapid success highlights a new distribution model within Nollywood, leveraging a creator’s direct connection to a massive audience. Papaya Ex credits her loyal online community for amplifying her projects, stating, “My online community has helped me a lot. When I post a project, the support is always loud”.
Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Tony Umeh and Tina Mba, “The Night Market” explores themes of culture and community. For Papaya Ex, the project represents deep personal and creative growth. “Acting is deeper. You have to understand the character, feel their emotions, and carry their story,” she explained, noting the immense sacrifice involved.
With the 3-million-view target for a sequel now in sight, Papaya Ex’s story is a shining example of how Nigerian creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and digital innovation are converging to tell powerful stories to a global audience.
