Welcome to Trickle Media’s weekly trend report. Here we bring you the best of gists, gossips and happenings in the world’s entertainment sphere. This week, we delve into the dynamic world of music, exploring the ongoing discourse surrounding Afrobeats’ global ascent. We also check out the personal and public lives of its biggest stars and significant industry awards. Capping it up is the evolving landscape of music streaming.
From heated debates on genre origins to celebrity clapbacks and the passing of a music icon’s parent, the entertainment industry continues to offer a rich tapestry of stories.
We also examine Spotify’s latest report, shedding light on artist earnings and emerging musical trends, including the surprisingly popular “sexy drill.” Let’s get right to it!
The Afrobeats Origin Debate: Sarkodie Ignites Discussion on Akon’s Influence
Ghanaian rap icon Sarkodie has sparked a lively online debate by publicly acknowledging Senegalese-American artist Akon’s significant role in propelling Afrobeats onto the global stage. In a post on X, Sarkodie lauded Akon for using his peak career influence to champion African musicians,. He stated: “Big shouts to the legend @Akon for what you did for Afrobeats! We can’t skip that in history… Few artists at their prime will look back and put their people on from the motherland! He did that in a big way.” This commendation has led to a flurry of reactions, with some agreeing with Sarkodie’s assessment. Others argue that Akon’s impact is overstated. They assert that the consistent efforts of African artists were the primary drivers of the genre’s international success.
The online discourse follows Akon’s recent interview with Sherri Shepherd, where he reflected on his early involvement in Afrobeats. He recalled his time in Africa around 2008, specifically mentioning his work in Nigeria after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He revealed, “What we created in Nigeria was what you see and hear now as Afrobeats.” Akon further detailed signing Wizkid in 2008 and collaborating with him and Banky W, subsequently developing other Nigerian stars like P-Square and D’banj, during the genre’s foundational years.
Afrobeats, a vibrant genre rooted in West African musical traditions. The genre has since blossomed into one of the continent’s most impactful cultural exports. By 2023, the genre had achieved unprecedented global reach. It has leading artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido consistently headlining international stages and dominating music charts worldwide. This solidifies its position as a global musical force.
Davido’s Fiery Clapback: Singer Defends Chioma Against Actress’s Comments
Afrobeats superstar Davido recently took to social media to publicly admonish Nollywood actress Sarah Martins. This comes following her comments regarding a “newly announced restaurant.” On May 26, 2025, Martins posted on Instagram suggesting that the online restaurant, a collaboration with a food brand, should have been named in honor of Davido’s wife, Chioma. She opines that this should be done, rather than his new album. She wrote, “I honestly feel Davido’s restaurant should have been opened for Chioma or probably in her name because we’ve always known her to be a passionate, fantastic chef… So I was really anticipating a day will come when Davido will happily announce Chioma’s (in her name) restaurant, not Davido’s restaurant.”
Davido swiftly and emphatically shut down Martins’s suggestion. He clarified that the “restaurant” was not a literal establishment but rather a promotional campaign for his fifth album. In a direct and viral response in her comment section, he stated, “U no get sense… no restaurant was opened that was a promotional campaign with @foodcourt_app for my album 5️⃣.. now take my wife’s picture off page.”
The superstar’s direct and sharp retort quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans largely rallied behind Davido. They commended his fierce defense of his wife and criticizing the actress’s comments as unsolicited and unnecessary. They further highlighted the protective stance many celebrities take when their families are brought into public discourse.
Tyla Triumphs at AMAs, Clinching Best Afrobeats Award
South African music sensation Tyla made headlines by winning the Best Afrobeats category at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs). She triumphed over formidable Nigerian nominees Asake, Tems, Wizkid, and Rema. Asake received his nomination for his third album, ‘Lungu Boy’. Tems was recognized for her debut album, ‘Born In The Wild’. Rema’s nomination stemmed from the release of his sophomore LP, ‘HEIS’. The prestigious award ceremony took place on May 27, 2025, at the opulent Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
The 2025 AMAs were hosted by the iconic Jennifer Lopez. This marks her second time helming the event after her initial hosting gig in 2015. Lopez also performed for the night, which included music legends Janet Jackson, Benson Boone, Gwen Stefani, and Rod Stewart. It was a night filled with captivating musical showcases.
While Tyla’s win was a significant moment for African music, the biggest winner of the evening was Billie Eilish, who swept an impressive six awards. Eilish’s wins included the coveted Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, solidifying her dominant presence in the global music landscape and capping off a memorable night of recognition and celebration.
Rihanna’s Father, Ronald Fenty, Passes Away at 70
Ronald Fenty, the father of global superstar Rihanna, has passed away at the age of 70 after a brief illness. The sad news comes after it was confirmed that Rihanna is expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky. Reports indicate that Rihanna’s family, including her brother Rajad Fenty, were by his side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles during his final moments, offering support and comfort in his last hours.
Rihanna’s relationship with her father was notably complex and often strained throughout his life, marked by periods of estrangement and public disagreements. In 2019, she took legal action against him, accusing him of unauthorized use of her name and likeness and misrepresenting their connection to third parties through his company, Fenty Entertainment. The lawsuit was eventually dropped in 2021, just weeks before it was scheduled for trial. Unfortunately, it highlighted the challenges in their bond. Another public rift occurred in 2009 when Fenty gave interviews without his daughter’s consent after her assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, an act Rihanna later described to Vogue as “really strange.”
Despite their tumultuous past, the two had reportedly reconciled in recent years, with Fenty expressing pride in Rihanna’s journey into motherhood. Ronald Fenty is survived by several children, including Rihanna, Rajad, Rorrey, Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie. Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in February 1988, is the most famous of her siblings and was born to Ronald and Monica Braithwaite, who separated during Rihanna’s childhood and officially divorced in 2002 when she was 14.
Spotify’s “Loud & Clear” Reveals UK Artist Earnings and Emerging Genres
Spotify’s annual “Loud & Clear” report, designed to demystify artist earnings and track the evolving global music landscape, has released new UK-specific insights for 2024. The report reveals that royalties generated by UK artists have surged to over £810 million, more than doubling since 2018, underscoring significant growth in the British music industry. A striking finding from the report is that over 75% of all royalties earned by UK artists on Spotify in 2024 originated from listeners outside the UK, with a 28% year-on-year increase in overseas streams, reaffirming the enduring global popularity of British music.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the report is the identification of ten international genres that are rapidly gaining traction with UK listeners, showcasing the increasingly diverse tastes of British audiences. Topping this list is “sexy drill,” an amorous subgenre that has seen an astonishing 1460% increase in UK streams. Pioneered by rapper Cash Cobain, sexy drill offers a sensual twist on the typically hard-edged drill sound, incorporating elements of R&B, pop, and Jersey club. Cobain described it to Mixmag as “drill music, but imagine it being about sex,” focusing on themes of good times and intimate desires.
Although sexy drill originated in New York, spearheaded by artists like Ice Spice, Bay Swag, and Chow Lee, its popularity has been significantly boosted by Texan rapper Don Toliver. The genre has also found a footing in the UK, with Northern Irish artist Jordan Adetunji’s track “KEHLANI” serving as a prime example of a British interpretation of this burgeoning sound, indicating its widespread adaptability and appeal.
Final Words
This week’s weekly trend report highlights the vibrant and often contentious nature of the entertainment sphere. As always, the world of entertainment remains a captivating blend of artistic achievement, personal drama, and transformative industry shifts.
