The entertainment industry worldwide, especially in Africa, is always alive with one trend or happening making the rounds. In this round up we shall be checking on some of the juiciest trends in the last few weeks. From the death of popular Mufasa voice actor, James Earl Jones to Grammy Award winner, Tyla causing a stir among Nigerians at the VMAs. Lets get down to business!
James Earl Jones, Voice Of Mufasa, Darth Vader Dies At 93
With an over 60 years career in film, stage, TV and voice acting, James Earl Jones dies at age 93. The veteran actor died in New York. He was the voice of Star Wars supervillain, Darth Vader.
Consequently with more than 80 film credits, James Earl Jones is famous for his voicing Mufasa in Disney’s Lion King. He fondly remembered for his role as King Jaffer Jaffer in Coming to America and its 2021 sequel.
He is one of a handful of actors to receive an EGOT. This stands for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
Rema Opens Up, Says New Album, HEIS Was A Walk On The Wild Side
World acclaimed Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Rema; revealed that his new album is against the norm. The “HEIS” album has broken records for being the first song with 1 billion Spotify streams. Firstly, Rema says it was an effort to make something different from what was obtainable in Nigerian mainstream pop music.
According to Rema, he likes “the way I moved on to my new project. I don’t like to move the way people expect. I don’t like to move with the rules.”
Futhermore, Rema shared that he made the album hard for foreigners to replicate unlike the work of other artists.
Nigerian Comedian, Brain Jotter Joins Ghana’s Viral Market Women
Popular Nigerian skit creator, Brain Jotter teamed up with Ghana’s viral market women in Makola. The market women are viral for their funny dance videos on social media. Brain Jotter, recently went viral for his “Gwo Gwo Ngwo” dance. And this is his own unique collaboration to the Happy Town Project.
Nigeria superstars want to work with the Happy Town Project ladies. One among them is Burna Boy. The Makola Market women had performed of his song “City Boys.” As a thank you for their participation in the challenge, Burna Boy placed up a billboard at Makola in Accra. Brian Jotter’s contribution to the project will be a welcomed comic relief.
These women are an epitome of finding happiness in the most unusual of places, a beacon of hope in trying times.
Diamond Platnumz Sets Goal to Be World’s Richest Man
Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz announced his ambitious goal of becoming the world’s richest man. He did this during the Wasafi Festival 2024 launch. Reflecting on past achievements, including his promise to buy a Rolls Royce, Diamond expressed confidence in reaching his dream.
“My biggest dream in life is to become the number one richest man in the world. That is my dream. I assure you, I will become the world’s richest man,” he said. “I believe anything is possible.” Diamond Platnumz added. “I will be the Tanzanian representing the nation as the world’s richest man.”
Popular South African Musician DJ Fresh Apologizes to Late Ex-Wife at Memorial
Popular South African DJ, DJ Fresh has tearfully apologized for the pain he caused his late ex-wife, Thabiso Sikwane. Significantly DJ Fresh made his apology during her memorial service. He openly shared his regrets and heartfelt memories with her. He further revealed he publicly apologised to her through his last podcast episode with her.
The couple split amicably in 2022 after 20 years together. The reasons for the split bordered on allegations of infidelity. Reports had claimed that DJ Fresh had fathered a child out of wedlock, which the DJ has denied. Reports from the hospital says that Sikwane died from heart complications.
“The only thing that I owe her that was meant to be delivered last week when we recorded the podcast, was an apology in public for any heartache that I’d caused her,’’ he said.
Tyla’s Speech At VMAs Causes Stir Among Nigerians
South African singer Tyla caused a stir at her VMAs acceptance speech. She won the Best Afrobeats Award for her song “Water”. Additionally, Tyla used the platform to distinguish between Afrobeats and Amapiano, arguing that they are distinct genres.
“I know there’s a tendency to group all African artists as Afrobeats. Even though Afrobeats has run things and opened doors for us, African music is so diverse,” Tyla said.
“I come from South Africa and I represent Amapiano and my culture,” Tyla added. She also gave a shout out to Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Wikzid, Davido, and other nominated acts.
Her comments sparked criticism from Nigerian observers. They questioned why she accepted the award if she didn’t believe her song was Afrobeats. Some interpreted her statement as a disassociation from the Afrobeats genre and a troubling trend in Nigerian music.
Want more gist and information on the arts and entertainment in Africa and beyond? Stick with Trickle media and enjoy these and many more.
