It’s time for another recap of the entertainment trends that have made the rounds in the world. And Trickle Media is leaving no stone unturned in bringing them to you! This week, we follow Kid Kudi’s testimony against P. Diddy; check out Ed Sheeran’s secret musical performance; examine the crisis encompassing Nigeria’s music community and more!
Ruggedman, Sunny Nneji, Other Nigerian Musicians Detained Amid PMAN Leadership Crisis
Veteran Nigerian rapper, Ruggedman and several other prominent musicians, including Sunny Neji and Zakky Azzay, have been detained by the Nigerian Police Force at the State SCID Panti. The arrests are on the instructions of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, stemming from long-standing disputes within the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). The musicians face serious allegations of burglary, criminal trespass, and theft, involving over $130,000 from PMAN’s national secretariat in Lagos.
Human Rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has raised concerns about the alleged mistreatment of Ruggedman and the others by the police. He emphasized the lack of a proper investigation. The arrests are due to a petition that legal counsel representing Pretty Okafor, the embattled National President of PMAN, submitted to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. This development marks the latest escalation in the persistent crisis that has plagued PMAN. It had undermined its core function of representing Nigerian musicians’ interests due to prolonged leadership battles.
The ongoing internal conflict within PMAN saw its National Working Committee (NWC) suspend Pretty Okafor in 2024. They took this action over alleged constitutional violations and financial misappropriation. Subsequently, they swore in Sunny Neji as his acting replacement. However, the PMAN National Executive Council (NEC) swiftly contradicted this move, announcing that it had suspended key members. The members included Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, and Zakky Azzay, citing misconduct and efforts to destabilize the association.
Ghanaian Actor, Entertainment Icon Akrobeto Unscathed After “Fatal” Accident
Veteran Ghanaian actor and “Real News” host, Akwasi Boadi, widely known as Akrobeto, has confirmed he is safe after a significant car accident on Friday morning. The incident occurred at Konongo, a town along the Accra–Kumasi highway, as the beloved comedian was traveling to Kumasi. Despite initial reports suggesting a minor accident, images and video circulating on social media show substantial damage to the front section of Akrobeto’s vehicle, indicating a severe impact.
Akrobeto himself described the accident as “fatal.” He recounted how a heavy-duty truck collided with his Toyota SUV and dragged his vehicle for approximately 30 meters. This dramatic event quickly drew a large crowd, leading to the blockage of the main road. Miraculously, Akrobeto and a passenger he was transporting emerged from the wreckage completely unharmed. He was promptly taken to Kumasi Hospital for evaluation, where doctors expressed astonishment at his uninjured state. They attributed his escape to divine intervention.
While expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from Ghanaians, Akrobeto shared his willingness to proceed with the week’s edition of his show. However, the management of Despite Media has advised him to take a break for the week. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident was caused by a tricycle, locally known as an “Aboboyaa,” suddenly crossing the road. The act forced the heavy-duty truck to crash into Akrobeto’s car to avoid a direct collision. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans at Radio 1’s Big Weekend
Global superstar Ed Sheeran delighted festival-goers with a surprise performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. Opting for the more intimate New Music Stage, Sheeran explained his choice by stating he had “never played it before.” He also felt the tent possessed “the best energy.” The unexpected appearance quickly drew a massive crowd, leading to temporary access pauses as the area reached maximum capacity. This eventuality was much to the disappointment of some fans who were shut out.
Rumours of a “big name” guest had circulated prior to the announcement, with Radio 1 officially confirming “the one and only” Ed Sheeran via Instagram. This marks Sheeran’s fifth performance at the festival, with his last appearance being in Coventry in 2022. Ed Sheeran will embark on a European and UK tour, supported by Myles Smith, following his festival appearance. Fans inside the packed tent, including Ellie, David, and George, lauded Sheeran as “the biggest artist in the world,” expressing amazement at his secret set and musical talent.
However, some festival attendees voiced opinions that Sheeran should have performed on the larger Main Stage to accommodate more people. Friends Scarlett and Kate, who were unable to enter the tent due to capacity restrictions, shared their frustration at missing out on the unexpected performance. With over 100,000 fans expected throughout the weekend and approximately 100 acts across four stages, Radio 1’s Big Weekend continues with headliners Sam Fender on Saturday evening and Mumford & Sons on Sunday, alongside performances from Tate McRae, Lola Young, Jorja Smith, Wet Leg, and HAIM on the Main Stage.
South African Entertainment, Music Industry Mourns Manqoba Ntombela
The tragic death of beloved musical artist Manqoba Ntombela, brutally murdered outside his home in Ratanda, Heidelberg, on the evening of May 16, has sent the South African music industry into deep mourning. Authorities are currently investigating the alleged involvement of a “spaza shop mafia” in the incident. Ntombela was shot shortly after leaving his shop. His shop was located just five houses away from his residence. His daughter, Londiwe, recounted the harrowing details, describing how her younger brother heard gunshots after going out to open the gate for their father, only to find him shot in his car minutes later.
Medical teams rushed Ntombela to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries, as they declared him dead after failed resuscitation efforts. Ntombela is a prominent figure in the South African music scene. He is cherished for his melodic contributions as an entertainment icon, educator, and community leader.
His hit song “Lomshini Uyakhuluma! (iStokvel)” was an anthem in the early 1990s and later gained renewed popularity through a remake by DJs Vetkuk and Mahoota, solidifying his legacy within the industry.
The shockwaves of his sudden passing have resonated throughout the artistic community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. I-Afrika Theatre Education, the Lesedi Show Choir, and The Beauty of Youth Choir are among the many who have issued heartfelt messages, honoring Ntombela’s significant contributions to the arts and his profound impact on their lives. His family hasn’t announced his funeral details. Manqoba Ntombela’s enduring melody and inspiring legacy are certain to continue resonating with generations to come.
Kid Cudi Testifies in Diddy’s Racketeering Trial
The second week of testimony in Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial concluded Thursday with dramatic testimony from musical artist Kid Cudi, alongside a celebrity makeup artist and a hotel employee. Rapper Scott Mescudi, accused Combs of breaking into his home and participating in the destruction of his Porsche, which someone set ablaze with a Molotov cocktail outside his residence in January 2012. This testimony aimed to bolster the core accusations previously laid out by Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
Mescudi testified that he briefly dated Ventura around 2011. He believed she was no longer romantically involved with Combs at that time. He further believed that Ventura had informed him of prior physical assault by Combs. In December 2011, Ventura called him “scared” after Combs discovered their relationship, leading them to a nearby hotel. Upon returning to Mescudi’s home, they found Combs and an associate had been inside, with security cameras moved, gifts opened, and his dog locked in the bathroom. Mescudi confronted Combs by phone. He filed a police report for the break-in. He also arranged a meeting with Combs to iron out the issue.
During the meeting at Soho House, Mescudi described Combs as “standing there, staring out the window with his hands behind his back, like a Marvel supervillain.” When Mescudi questioned him about his car, Combs denied involvement. While Mescudi initially believed Combs was lying, he later testified that Combs apologized in 2015 for “everything and all that bullsh*t,” leading Mescudi to “find peace” with the situation. Prosecutors have called 16 witnesses over two weeks in the trial, which they expect to resume on Tuesday after the Memorial Day weekend with further testimony from Combs’ former director of marketing and members of the LAPD and LAFD.
Final Words
Now that we have checked out the major entertainment headlines in the world, we here at Trickle Media hope that things will progress well in the Diddy case and judgement would be served. We also send our condolences to the family of Manqoba Ntombela, wishing him eternal rest. In addition, we show our support to Ed Sheeran and his musical ambitions; and hope Akroberto will continue to stay safe. Finally, we hope the Nigerian Performing Musicians body will sort things out and focus on bettering the lots of the country’s musical acts. Enjoy a great new week!
