Welcome to the Weekly Trend Report from Trickle Media, your essential digest on the movements, makers, and moments shaping the entertainment sphere. This week, the spotlight shines on a country music legend shutting down alarmist rumors, an ongoing family drama following the death of a Highlife icon, a major new player in the Afrobeats production scene, the final curtain call on a celebrity divorce battle, and the serious legal troubles engulfing a UK radio titan. The news cycle proves that whether in Nashville, Lagos, or Johannesburg, the line between private lives and public spectacle is thinner than ever.
Dolly Parton Shuts Down Health Scares and Rumors
Country music icon and global philanthropist Dolly Parton took to social media this week to directly address and dismiss widespread rumors that her health was in serious decline, emphatically stating she is “not dying.” The 79-year-old star posted a video from a commercial set, looking vibrant and asserting, “Do I look sick to you? I’m workin’ hard here.” She acknowledged the genuine concern and appreciated the prayers from her fans but wanted to put their minds at ease, making it clear that while she has had some health issues, she is okay and continuing her work.
Parton clarified that her recent health challenges, which led to the cancellation of her December Las Vegas concerts, were largely a result of not prioritizing her own care while supporting her late husband, Carl Dean, through his prolonged illness. Dean, her husband of nearly 60 years, passed away in March. After his death, doctors encouraged her to take care of “a few procedures,” which were non-major but necessitated a pause in her schedule to be closer to home. She postponed her first Las Vegas residency in over 30 years to September 2026, assuring fans that she needed time to prepare the quality show they “deserve to see.”
The panic escalated when Parton’s sister, Freida, posted a public call for prayers for the singer, which led to mass worry before she had to clarify that her intention was only to express a sister’s concern. Addressing her admirers directly, Parton said she hoped to quash the worry by hearing the update from her personally. She ended her video with a classic Dolly declaration: “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done workin’.” The universally beloved musician, known for her chart-topping career and charitable efforts like her book-gifting program and support for the COVID-19 vaccine, remains determined to continue her extraordinary legacy.
The Family Feud Over Highlife Legend Daddy Lumba’s Estate
The Fosu Royal Family of Parkoso and Nsuta, representing the late Highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, has issued a formal statement to clarify the status of his relationships following his passing. Through their solicitors, the family formally recognized Priscilla Ofori (a.k.a. Odo Broni) as a legitimate wife. The statement confirms that Odo Broni lived with the music legend for over fifteen years. It also proved that she remained by his side until his death. Their union was blessed with six children, with the marriage fully recognized by the Fosu Royal Family.
The family’s legal representatives also used the statement to counter claims made by Akosua Serwah Fosuh, a German-based woman who identified herself as the musician’s legitimate wife. The family argued that Akosua Serwah effectively forfeited her marital rights after allegedly abandoning Daddy Lumba during his illness approximately fifteen years ago. Furthermore, they noted that she had formally initiated divorce proceedings in 2018. She also later dissolved the marriage under Akan custom by presenting traditional drinks to the family. This act which, upon acceptance by the husband’s family, signifies the end of a marital union.
Addressing the issue of the late musician’s estate and final rites, the family firmly asserted that by custom, all rights concerning the burial and funeral arrangements belong solely to the family. They clarified that Daddy Lumba’s extensive properties form his estate, which will be collectively managed by the family, his children, and the children’s mothers to ensure fair distribution. The statement concluded by calling for unity and cooperation among all parties. This move is to ensure a peaceful and dignified funeral for one of Ghana’s most cherished music icons. It also confirms that confidential instructions from the late musician will guide the funeral, burial, and property distribution processes.
Shizzi Launches OBG Records to Find Afrobeats’ Next Entertainment Generation
Grammy-nominated Nigerian producer Shizzi (Oluwaseyi Akerele), a pivotal figure in the global rise of Afrobeats, has officially announced the launch of his new record label, OBG Records (Ordained By God). With a career that boasts over a billion streams and has shaped modern Afrobeats—including hits like Davido’s “Dami Duro” and Wizkid’s “Love My Baby,” alongside collaborations with global stars like Beyoncé and Chris Brown—Shizzi is now transitioning from a defining hitmaker to a kingmaker. OBG Records is positioned as a creative sanctuary to discover and develop artists who embody originality. It also stands to represent artists with depth, and global potential. This mantra is a strategic response to what Shizzi perceives as an industry shift. A shift where the focus on virality is overshadowing true artistry.
Shizzi stated that the label is “a reflection of faith, purpose, and legacy.” It intends to “raise artists who don’t just chase hits; they make timeless music.” The first signing to OBG Records is the artist Tayor. Taylor is a vocalist with whom Shizzi has been working closely with. They have been together for the past three years to refine Taylor’s sound and artistry. This close collaboration has birthed a sound rooted in emotional melody yet strategically engineered for global entertainment appeal. This marks the beginning of Shizzi’s vision for the next wave of Afrobeats.
Tayor’s highly anticipated debut single, “Famous,” is set to anchor the label’s launch and the #BetOnTayor campaign. The track is a witty and self-aware anthem that explores themes of ambition, love, and the real meaning of fame. With the launch of OBG Records, Shizzi is not just starting a label; he’s planting a stake in the ground. A stake for a more purposeful and legacy-driven future for one of the world’s fastest-growing music genres. This invities fans and industry shapers to witness the evolution.
SA Entertainment Icon, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa Concludes Divorce from Black Coffee
Actress and fashion designer Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa announced on social media this week that her protracted six-year divorce battle with Grammy-award-winning music producer and DJ Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo) has finally come to an end. Mlotshwa publicly celebrated the conclusion of the case by declaring herself “officially Miss Mlotshwa” in an Instagram post. She reflected on the lengthy, often “ugly journey” that ultimately taught her numerous life lessons. She further expressed deep gratitude for her legal team’s support in pushing her to fight. This comes especially for her children and the rights of women in South Africa.
The high-profile divorce case, which began in 2019, featured several legal complexities. It had the entertainment icon having to successfully prove the validity of her traditional marriage. All these before their antenuptial agreement was signed. Her legal representatives confirmed that the court ruled in Mlotshwa’s favor, granting her the reliefs sought. The court declared the customary marriage valid and in community of property. This move is a significant ruling that invalidated the couple’s antenuptial contract.
As a result of the ruling, the court cited that Mlotshwa was misled. It also ruled that she lacked proper legal advice when signing the 2017 antenuptial contract,. This prevents it from overriding the default property regime of their customary marriage. Crucially, Black Coffee was ordered to pay spousal maintenance. While the former couple is now legally separated, they continue to focus on the well-being of their two children. Black Coffee currently is in a public relationship with Venezuelan model Victoria Gonzalez.
UK DJ Tim Westwood Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
In a major development that echoes recent accountability movements in the entertainment industry, veteran UK radio DJ Tim Westwood has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses against women. Westwood, a prominent figure in British music for decades, faces charges of four counts of rape. He also faces nine indecent assaults, and two sexual assaults involving seven different women. In addition, he is alleged to have commited the offenses between 1983 to 2016. Westwood, the 68-year-old son of a bishop, was an influential transatlantic cultural conduit. He initially brought American hip-hop to the UK. He is also credited for being an unexpected but crucial early champion of Afrobeats and Nigerian music.
Westwood’s “Crib Sessions” on platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Capital XTRA were instrumental in providing a global launchpad for artists from Lagos and beyond. It established the UK’s significant role as a tastemaker in world music. The sheer breadth and duration of the alleged crimes now cast a shadow over his entire legacy. A legacy which has been deeply intertwined with the rise of international musical genres. The charges against him sadly mirror the recent public downfall of other major music moguls. It also underscores the serious allegations of exploitation that have emerged across the industry.
The gravity of the situation is heightened by the UK’s outsized influence on the global music landscape. One in ten songs streamed worldwide originating from British artists. Westwood’s fall from grace is particularly poignant for the Afrobeats community. This is shown in his early and influential support for the genre, having once declared, “Afrobeats is the future.” The ongoing legal proceedings against him mark a somber moment. It forces a re-evaluation of the powerful figures who have shaped contemporary music culture.
Conclusion For This Week’s Entertainment Roundup
From the reassuring, defiant voice of Dolly Parton to the final legal gavel in the Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa and Black Coffee divorce, this week’s news confirms that the personal stories of global entertainers are often as compelling—and complicated—as the art they create. The legal and cultural complexities surrounding Daddy Lumba’s legacy is one. The pioneering efforts of Shizzi’s new label in the Afrobeats is another. They both show music is much more than just sound. it’s family, business, and cultural identity. Finally, the sobering charges against Tim Westwood serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing scrutiny. It also shows the necessary reckoning facing powerful figures in the industry. As the Entertainment Sphere continues to spin, Trickle Media will be here to track the trends. We shall also touch on the triumphs, and trials that define it.
What celebrity story from this week do you think will have the biggest long-term impact on the industry?
