Welcome to Trickle Media’s Weekly Trend Report, your go-to source for the latest buzz in the entertainment sphere! This week, we’re diving into a mix of legal drama, historic achievements, highly anticipated reunions, and innovative brand collaborations.
From a controversial rapper’s legal woes to an African music icon’s well-deserved recognition, a legendary rock band’s return, a celebrity couple’s evolving relationship, and a global brand’s musical foray into Africa, there’s no shortage of exciting developments. Stick around as we break down the top headlines shaping the entertainment landscape right now.
Speed Darlington Declared Wanted by NAPTIP
Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has been declared wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The federal government agency announced the declaration via its official Instagram handle, citing allegations including **rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking**. This development follows NAPTIP’s previous attempts to invite the rapper for questioning regarding claims he made in an Instagram live video that suggested involvement in the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
Speed Darlington, however, has expressed little concern over the declaration, stating in an interview with Punch Newspaper that NAPTIP “has no right to declare me wanted.” He confirmed that his lawyer is already handling the situation, dismissing the agency’s actions as an attempt to embarrass him. This legal standoff began about a month ago when the rapper reportedly refused to honor NAPTIP’s initial invitation, citing short notice and prior commitments.
NAPTIP reiterated the urgency of the matter, issuing a follow-up letter extending the invitation by only a few days and emphasizing the “urgent national importance” of the allegations. Despite the agency’s persistence and the serious nature of the claims, Speed Darlington remains defiant, setting the stage for a continued legal battle that has captured public attention.
Entertainment Icon, Angélique Kidjo Makes History on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Renowned music icon Angélique Kidjo has achieved a historic milestone. She became the first Black African performer to be selected for a star on the esteemed Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy Award winner was among the 35 honorees announced for the Walk of Fame Class of 2026. This recognition that solidifies her status as “Africa’s premier diva.” This significant achievement celebrates Kidjo’s illustrious career. It also marks a crucial moment for African representation on the iconic Walk of Fame.
Kidjo’s selection comes alongside other notable inductees like Miley Cyrus and Shaquille O’Neal. It also highlights her enduring impact on global music for over 40 years. Her discography, spanning 16 studio albums, is celebrated for its powerful vocals and innovative fusion of traditional West African sounds with funk, jazz, and R&B. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with international stars such as Burna Boy and Sting. These collaborations showcase her versatility and widespread admiration.
Beyond her musical prowess, Kidjo is a dedicated humanitarian. She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and Oxfam. She also leads her own foundation, Batonga, which focuses on educating young girls across Africa. Born in Benin, her relocation to Paris due to political repression fueled her passion for freedom. She consistently weaves this passion into her music and advocacy. While the exact date for her star unveiling is yet to be announced, this recognition is a testament to her profound cultural and philanthropic contributions.
UK Pop Band, Oasis Reunites for Electrifying UK Tour Kick-off
After a 16-year hiatus, Oasis dramatically ended their long break on Friday. They kicked off their hiatus with their highly anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales. The Britpop legends delivered a powerful and punchy performance of their greatest 1990s hits to an ecstatic crowd. Their fans had traveled from around the world for a show they believed would never happen. The band’s acrimonious split in 2009 had left fans longing for a reunion. This was perfectly captured by one banner proclaiming, “The great wait is over.”
The concert opened with a montage of headlines about the famously feuding Gallagher siblings. This culminated with the words “the guns have fallen silent,” before Oasis stormed the stage to a deafening roar. Kicking off with the aptly titled “Hello,” Liam Gallagher snarled into the microphone while Noel Gallagher focused on his guitar. Despite a brief hand-in-hand moment, the brothers largely maintained their distance, letting their timeless music do the talking.
The more than 60,000 fans at Principality Stadium were treated to a two-hour set. They performed tracks from their seminal albums “Definitely Maybe” and “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory”. Classics like “Supersonic,” “Roll With It,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” ignited mass sing-alongs, proving their enduring appeal. The show concluded with iconic encores including “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Wonderwall,” and “Champagne Supernova.” It left no doubt that Oasis’s return was worth the wait, even for those who paid exorbitant ticket prices.
Entertainment Power Couple, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Announce Split
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have confirmed their separation, three years after announcing their engagement. The split ended months of speculation about the state of their relationship. Representatives for both stars issued a joint statement to US Weekly. They revealed that the couple has been “shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting.” The couple emphasized that their shared priority will always be raising their daughter, Daisy Dove, with “love, stability, and mutual respect”. This shows that they will continue to be seen together as a family.
The news follows recent observations, including Perry’s absence from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice. Bloom attended the event as a guest. This fueled existing rumors that the A-list duo, who had been together for nine years, might have already parted ways. Adding to the speculation, Bloom shared a series of cryptic quotes from Swiss psychologist Carl Jung on his Instagram. The posts touched on themes of love, loneliness, and communication, suggesting personal reflection amidst the reports.
Despite the split, Bloom had previously spoken warmly of their complex relationship in an interview with Trevor Noah last year. He acknowledged their challenge of balancing two demanding careers. He expressed that he “wouldn’t change it for anything,” highlighting their commitment to navigating their lives together. While their romantic partnership may be over, their focus remains firmly on co-parenting their daughter. Both emphasize that her well-being is their primary concern.
Mastercard Amplifies African Sonic Brand with Mayorkun and Sho Madjozi
Mastercard is significantly expanding its iconic sonic brand across Africa by launching two localized anthems. “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in the Amapiano genre. These new tracks masterfully blend Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rich rhythms and cultural essence of the continent’s vibrant music and entertainment scene. The songs feature collaborations with Nigerian star Mayorkun and South African sensation Sho Madjozi. This initiative reflects Mastercard’s strategic move to evolve from a mere payments brand into a culturally resonant entity. Their focus is deeply embedded in the culture of people’s everyday lives.
The creation of these anthems aligns with Mastercard’s commitment to creativity and youth empowerment. The Afrobeat anthem was produced by acclaimed Nigerian producer LeriQ (a participant in the 2024 Mastercard Artist Accelerator). The song showcases the program’s success in elevating local voices to global stages. Similarly, the Amapiano anthem, produced by South Africa’s Gemini Major and performed by Sho Madjozi alongside Mthunzi and Sfundo Ndimande. It delivers an uplifting track radiating optimism. This mirrors Mastercard’s progressive approach to digital payments and youth engagement across the continent.
Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Communications for Mastercard in Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, emphasized that these genres are “cultural movements”. He believes the move is rife for underscoring the emotional connection the brand aims to build with young, music-loving audiences. These sonic anthems will be further amplified with accompanying music videos and a TikTok dance challenge. They promise to create an immersive and engaging experience for consumers while reinforcing trust and innovation in every transaction.
Final Words
As we conclude this edition of Trickle Media’s Weekly Trend Report, it’s clear that the entertainment sphere continues to be a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. From legal battles and historic achievements to celebrated reunions and innovative marketing strategies, the stories we’ve covered highlight the diverse facets of the industry. What do you think will be the next big trend to shake up the entertainment world?
