As the Yuletide season continues and Christmas is upon us, the entertainment world continues to thrive, bringing us juicy gists, gossips, beefs and more on our favourite events, celebrities and personalities. From near wins to album released and post-split trauma, check out Trickle Media’s line up of trends that rocked the world of entertainment this week.
Burna Boy Tops Spotify’s 2024 Nigerian Artists Export List
Grammy winner Burna Boy remains Nigeria’s top global music export, per Spotify’s 2024 data on most-streamed Nigerian artists outside the country. His unmatched success includes three albums surpassing 500 million streams, solidifying his global impact.
Following Burna Boy is Ayra Starr, whose sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 gained critical and commercial success with features from Asake, Giveon, and others.
Rema ranks third, propelled by his hit Calm Down and his sophomore album HEIS, which delivered chart-topping tracks like Ozeba and Azaman.Tems and Omah Lay round out the top five. Tems’ Grammy-nominated debut album Born In The Wild continued her rise on the global stage, while Omah Lay’s success showcased the depth of talent in Nigerian music.
Maya Blu Drops New Track Amid Industry Rumors
Ghanaian star Maya Blu has released Hail You, a celebratory single amid rumors of her departure from Lynx Entertainment. Produced by Mix Master Garzy, the song showcases her versatility, blending African instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics.
The track’s jubilant tone contrasts with speculation over her rumored split, which some see reflected in its lyrics. Maya Blu, however, describes it as a song for lovers and couples worldwide, distancing it from the controversy.
Rising steadily since her 2022 debut For You, Maya Blu has collaborated with notable artists like Mr. Drew and Abiana, solidifying her reputation as a talent to watch.SZA Announces Deluxe Album “Lana” Following SOS Success.
After the record-breaking success of her sophomore album SOS, SZA has announced a deluxe follow-up titled Lana, set to release on December 20. Known for her unique style, fans eagerly await the album, which includes the track Joni.
In a surprising twist, SZA collaborated with Ben Stiller to tease the album on Instagram, fueling speculation of further creative crossovers. Earlier this year, leaks frustrated the artist, but she promised fans an even better project.
The anticipation for Lana underscores SZA’s continued reign in music, as she prepares to deliver another standout addition to her discography.
Shakira Opens Up About Post-Pique-Split Support From Fellow Music Star, Chris Martin
Shakira revealed that Coldplay’s Chris Martin supported her during her difficult split from football star Gerard Piqué. Speaking to Rolling Stone, she credited Martin for daily check-ins and words of encouragement during her lowest moments.
The Colombian star described the heartbreak as a deeply physical and emotional pain, making her vulnerable after 11 years with Piqué, with whom she shares two sons.
Shakira and Martin’s friendship spans years, including collaborations and their time together on The Voice. Martin’s unwavering support highlights the bond between the two artists during life’s challenges.
Blake Lively Accuses Co-Star Justin Baldoni of Misconduct
Blake Lively has filed a legal complaint accusing It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a campaign to harm her reputation. Lively claims Baldoni and the studio retaliated after she and Ryan Reynolds raised concerns about misconduct.
The complaint details alleged attempts to smear Lively through online rumors, social media manipulation, and changes to the film’s marketing. Baldoni’s lawyer called the claims false and accused Lively of making unreasonable demands during production.
Despite the controversy, Lively hopes her case will expose harmful industry practices and protect others from retaliation for speaking out against misconduct.
And there we have it, some of the highs and lows in the global entertainment sphere in the last week. Stay with Trickle Media for more celebrity gists, gossips and more this Yuletide season.
