Weekly Trend Report 17: The Entertainment Sphere

by Andrew Simire

The new year continues to unfold. As the days pass, things continue to happen, good, bad and ugly. The entertainment sphere is not set apart, coming up with its own fair share of drama, gists and gossips.

From album launches to celebrity splits, beefs and pleasant surprises, let’s jump right in to our weekly trend report!

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren Reportedly Split After 16 Years of Marriage

Jessica Alba and her husband, Cash Warren, are reportedly heading for divorce after 16 years of marriage, according to reports. Alba’s representative has yet to comment on the news. The couple met on the set of Fantastic Four in 2004, where Alba starred as Sue Storm and Warren worked as a director’s assistant. They married in May 2008 and share three children: daughters Honor, 16, Haven, 13, and son Hayes, 7.

Despite the separation rumors, Alba and Warren recently celebrated their son Hayes’ seventh birthday together in January. On New Year’s Eve, Alba shared a reflective Instagram post, describing her 2024 as a year of “connection, growth, and transformation.” While the couple has not publicly addressed their relationship troubles, Alba’s previous interviews hinted at challenges balancing their marriage, parenting, and her entrepreneurial ventures.

In past interviews, Alba shared her approach to maintaining a strong relationship, emphasizing communication and adaptability. She revealed that they often discussed their needs to avoid misunderstandings. However, Alba also acknowledged the struggles of sustaining their bond over the years, likening marriage to a “life journey” that requires daily commitment. The couple last celebrated their anniversary in May 2024, with Alba posting a heartfelt tribute to their enduring partnership.

Black Sherif Kicks Off 2024 With New Single, Lord I’m Amazed

Ghanaian music star Black Sherif has released his first single of 2024, Lord I’m Amazed, via RBA/Empire. Dropping on January 9, the track combines gospel-inspired melodies with introspective lyrics, offering fans a soulful start to the year. Known for his raw storytelling and emotive delivery, Black Sherif describes the song as a personal prayer and testament of gratitude.

The release follows the success of his sold-out Zaama Disco concert in Accra last December and adds to the anticipation for his upcoming sophomore album, Iron Boy. Lord I’m Amazed serves as a prelude to the album, which is expected to delve into themes of perseverance and growth while retaining the artist’s authentic style. Black Sherif’s debut album, The Villain I Never Was, along with several chart-topping singles, has cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s leading musical voices.

The song is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth of Iron Boy. As Black Sherif continues to rise internationally, his music remains a source of inspiration, reinforcing his message of resilience and faith.

Ed Sheeran Surprises Antrim Sisters with Special Audience

County Antrim sisters Molly and Ruby Mulholland were in for a surprise when Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody became their unexpected audience. This development came during a performance at Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre. The visit was part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The NGO aims to improve access to music education and opportunities for young people. The sisters had no idea who their “special guests” would be until Sheeran and Lightbody walked in during their set.

The girls, aged 17 and 15, performed Stick Season by Noah Kahan, a song they frequently play while busking. “It was surreal,” Molly told BBC News NI. Ruby added that the musicians’ relaxed demeanor made the experience less nerve-wracking. After the performance, Sheeran and Lightbody chatted with the sisters, signed their guitar, and praised their passion for music.

The Mulholland sisters are now preparing for their next big gig. This comes up at Belfast’s Grand Opera House, where they’ll perform in the Future Talent showcase. Their mother, Tracy Mulholland, called the experience “a dream come true,” expressing pride in their dedication to music. Sheeran’s visit has left the family inspired and more determined than ever to support the girls’ budding musical careers.

Showmax to Live Stream Tyla’s Historic Concert Across Africa

On January 18, 2025, Showmax will make history as the first African streaming service to live stream a homegrown concert. Fans in 40 African countries can watch Grammy-winning Amapiano star Tyla perform live from SunBet Arena, Pretoria, exclusively on Showmax.com. Tyla, the youngest African Grammy winner, will perform tracks from her debut album TYLA. The album has amassed over 1.6 billion streams.

Yatish Narsi, Chief Marketing Officer at Showmax and MultiChoice South Africa, highlighted the significance of the event. She said, “with our advanced live-streaming technology, we’re thrilled to spotlight Tyla’s iconic homecoming concert. This marks our first live-streamed entertainment event, underscoring our commitment to making world-class experiences accessible across the continent.

“Fans who missed Tyla’s sold-out shows in Cape Town and Pretoria now have one last chance to experience her magic. Showmax’s success this year has been marked by a 50% year-on-year growth in subscribers and advanced technology powered by Peacock. This concert is not only a milestone for Showmax but a demonstration of its global ambition.

Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest Feud: A Tale of $30,000 and Family Drama

The feud between Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy and Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has taken a dramatic turn. Burna gifted $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairman claiming to be Chief Priest’s brother. This comes after Bethel’s viral video detailing his struggles. Burna’s gesture, meant to lift Bethel out of poverty, was warmly received by the beneficiary but sparked controversy.

Chief Priest quickly refuted the family connection, calling Bethel’s claim a staged drama. Taking to social media, he denied any ties to Bethel and dismissed Burna’s actions as a publicity stunt. Chief Priest emphasized that while Burna was free to assist whomever he wanted, he bore no responsibility for Bethel’s financial situation.

Adding fuel to the fire, Burna promised to support an alleged Kenyan baby mama of Chief Priest, Hellen, and her son. Burna vowed to relocate them to Nigeria and help the child achieve his football dreams. Chief Priest, however, denied Hellen’s claims, further intensifying the drama.

That’s all we have for now. We wish everyone a wonderful new week and hope that better things continue to happen as the year unfolds. Happy new year!

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