Weekly Trend Report 20: The Entertainment Sphere

by Andrew Simire

According to ancient history, the month January is named after the Roman God of doorways, beginnings and transitions, Janus. January had a lot of action under its belt, from Burna Boy locking horns with Celebrities; to Shatta Wale performing for the first time in Jamaica.

Today is the first day of February and as we step into the new month, let us look back at some of the trendiest acts of the entertainment sphere last month.

Wizkid Earns Big On Spotify With Latest Album

Wizkid has been crowned Africa’s highest earner on Spotify, raking in approximately $1 million monthly.  This impressive income is driven by his massive streaming numbers, surpassing 8 billion streams, as reported by Chart Masters. 

His recent album, “Morayo,” further solidified his streaming success, achieving 16.27 million streams within just 24 hours of its Spotify release.  This achievement places him significantly ahead of other prominent African artists on the platform.

Wizkid’s Spotify earnings put him in a league of his own compared to other leading African musicians.  He outpaces fellow Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, Asake, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Rema, as well as South African artist Tyla.  These artists, while successful, earn considerably less than Wizkid on the platform, highlighting his dominance in the African music streaming landscape.

Beyond his music career, Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has diversified his income streams through various business ventures.  He founded Starboy Entertainment, a record label that has nurtured other artists.  His portfolio also includes lucrative endorsements with major brands like UBA, Tecno Mobile, Puma, Pepsi, Ciroc, and Nike.  Furthermore, Wizkid has invested in real estate in Lagos and Los Angeles and launched Starboy Pop-Up Stores in London and New York.  These combined business pursuits contribute to his estimated net worth of $30 million as of 2024.

Burna Boy In Tangle Of Wills With Cubana Chief Priest, Speed Darlington

The Nigerian entertainment scene is no stranger to drama, often fueled by celebrity beefs, financial disputes, and ego clashes.  The recent feud between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest exemplifies this trend, encompassing accusations, denials, and even the involvement of third parties.  The conflict began with Burna Boy’s seemingly benevolent act of gifting $30,000 to a phone repairman claiming to be Chief Priest’s brother, a claim Chief Priest vehemently refuted, dismissing it as a publicity stunt.

The situation escalated as Burna Boy extended assistance to an alleged Kenyan baby mama of Chief Priest, further intensifying the social media battle.  Chief Priest responded by flaunting his wealth, seemingly mocking Burna Boy’s financial status.  Accusations of unpaid debts and past financial transactions further complicated the narrative. A spiritual warning from a Ghanaian seer added an unexpected dimension, predicting career troubles for Burna Boy and urging intervention.  The public remains captivated by the unfolding drama, with many speculating about the motivations behind the conflict.

Adding another layer to the ongoing drama, musician Speed Darlington’s recent detention and subsequent release order have become intertwined with the Burna Boy narrative.  Darlington, known for his online diss tracks, including one targeting Burna Boy, was detained for over a month, sparking legal battles and public outcry.  Cubana Chief Priest, amidst his own feud with Burna Boy, has publicly vowed to secure Darlington’s release, highlighting the complex web of relationships and conflicts within the Nigerian entertainment industry.  The situation underscores the prevalence of disputes and the often-unpredictable nature of celebrity interactions in the public eye.

Fido Shuts Down New Year, Records Success With “Joy Is Coming” Single

Afrobeat artist Fido is back with a new hit, “Joy Is Coming,” released on December 14, 2024, and already making significant waves.  Following his earlier success with “Awolowo,” this latest single has quickly become a favorite among Nigerian content creators on social media, its energetic beats and uplifting message making it a perfect anthem for the new year.  The song’s popularity underscores Fido’s growing influence in the Afrobeat scene.

“Joy Is Coming” has resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences, offering a message of hope amidst challenging circumstances.  Its powerful lyrics, inspired by Psalm 30:5, have propelled it to the top of Apple Music Naija’s charts, surpassing even popular tracks by Davido and Odumodublvck.  Fido’s unique blend of Afrobeat with cultural influences like Galala and Fuji gives his music a distinct and relatable sound, setting him apart in the crowded Afrobeat landscape.

Critics and fans alike are praising Fido’s ability to fuse gospel-like inspiration with party-ready vibes, creating a crossover hit.  Ogun State native Awosika Olayemi Joseph, known professionally as Fido, is steadily building his reputation, competing with established Afrobeat stars like Kizz Daniel and Skiibii.  With a background in performing arts and aspirations for global recognition, Fido appears poised for even greater success in 2025 and beyond.

Shatta Wale Record’s Success On Billboard Chart, Performs In Jamaica

Shatta Wale’s debut performance in Jamaica at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Concert marked a pivotal moment in his career, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.  As a champion of African dancehall, performing in its birthplace alongside his idol was monumental.  The concert itself celebrated Vybz Kartel’s return to the stage after his release from prison, featuring other prominent Jamaican dancehall artists, with Shatta Wale as the sole international guest, introduced as the “African Giant.”

Shatta Wale’s performance included hits like “Mansa Musa,” “On God,” and his collaboration with Beyoncé, “Already,” showcasing his versatility and connection between African and Jamaican musical traditions.  His presence celebrated the shared cultural heritage, emphasizing dancehall’s global reach.  Visually, moments like Shatta Wale kneeling before Vybz Kartel and their brotherly embraces resonated deeply with fans, whose excitement reverberated across social media from Ghana, Nigeria, the UK, and beyond.

This groundbreaking performance is expected to open doors for other African artists on global dancehall stages. It als helps foster cultural exchange and reshaping the genre’s boundaries.  Shatta Wale’s success exemplifies how passion and talent can create opportunities for cross-continental artistic collaboration.  Adding to his triumph, his song “On God,” initially released three years prior, has climbed to number 35 on the Billboard charts. The climb is driven by organic streams following his Jamaican performance. This highlights the power of live performances and the unpredictable trajectory of music popularity.

Jessica Alba Splits From Husband Of 17 Years

Actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba recently announced her separation from husband Cash Warren after 17 years of marriage. The couple, who share three children, revealed the news in a joint statement. They emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a respectful relationship. While the statement remained amicable, sources suggest underlying tensions may have contributed to the split.

Rumors of infidelity and financial strain have surfaced, though neither has been officially confirmed. Alba, known for her successful career and business ventures, has a substantial net worth. Warren’s career as a film producer however has been less prominent. The division of assets and child custody arrangements are likely to be significant factors in the divorce proceedings.

Despite the challenges, both Alba and Warren have expressed their desire to prioritize their children’s well-being during this transition. The public has largely respected their privacy, with many offering support and well wishes as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.

These are some of the major highlights of the last month. Like always, stick with Trickle Media for the best in entertainment, Afrobeats and more. Have a brand new February and make the most of the month of love. Cheers!

You may also like

Leave a Comment