Weekly Trend Report 9: The Entertainment Sphere

by Andrew Simire

Last week was filled with major drama from musicians honouring their dead co-stars to Major movie vibes rocking the global movie scene. Join Trickle Media to check out the latest entertainment trends that made the rounds in the last week.

Game of Thrones Movie In Development

Warner Bros. Pictures is in the initial stages of developing a Game of Thrones movie, aiming to bring George R.R. Martin’s Westeros back to audiences. As the cinematic adaptation gains traction, no cast, writers, or directors have been confirmed. According to insiders, discussions remain in the exploratory phase, leaving fans curious about how a film might revisit or expand upon the popular TV series universe. Warner Bros. has not yet commented on the project.

Interestingly, a feature film was initially considered for concluding the original HBO series. In 2014, Martin suggested that Game of Thrones’ finale could benefit from a “feature budget” to portray the scale of the dragons and epic battles, highlighting the unique demands of a fantasy saga on a cinematic platform. However, HBO opted for a televised conclusion, airing eight seasons before wrapping up in 2019.

Since then, the Game of Thrones universe has expanded with spin offs like “House of the Dragon” and the upcoming “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, set for late 2025. Notably, a Jon Snow spinoff featuring Kit Harington was once in the works but was cancelled. With HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery leadership shifts influencing creative decisions, Martin acknowledged that while some projects have been shelved, the possibility of future adaptations remains open.

Stonebwoy Addresses Misconceptions About His Jamaican Roots

In a recent interview, Ghanaian dancehall artist Stonebwoy addressed a common misconception among his fans, revealing that many believe he hails from Jamaica due to his music style and cultural influences. Known for his reggae and dancehall beats, Stonebwoy’s connection with Jamaican artists like Morgan Heritage and Sean Paul has fostered this perception. His collaborations have also helped him gain recognition within the Jamaican music scene, although he remains deeply rooted in Ghana.

During the interview, Stonebwoy rated his outfit a perfect score, showcasing his flair for high-end fashion. Wearing brands like Balenciaga and Gucci, he emphasised his love for luxury, noting that artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Patoranking also shop at Just Frost London, a favoured jewellery outlet. This mix of global fashion influences reflects Stonebwoy’s style, which merges local pride with international appeal.

Beyond fashion, Stonebwoy shared that his essential accessories include chains, shades, hats, grills, and sneakers, showcasing his love for bold accessories. Despite his global influences, Stonebwoy’s favorite dish remains a Ghanaian classic: banku with Okro stew, underscoring his strong connection to his cultural roots even amid international fame.

Shallipopi and Olamide Unite for New Hit “Order”

Nigerian artists Shallipopi and Olamide have released a high-energy track titled “Order,” blending Amapiano and Afrobeats in a style reminiscent of the Mara genre popularized by DJ YK Mule. Known for its pulsating rhythms, Mara has influenced artists like Rema, who incorporated the style into his album “HEIS”. Shallipopi’s unique touch includes his signature Benin Pidgin slang, while Olamide’s verse adds a confident swagger that perfectly complements the song’s fast-paced beat.

“Order” follows Shallipopi’s previous release, “Free Service”, which reached the top 10 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100 chart. Both Shallipopi and Olamide have kept busy in 2024, with Shallipopi’s sophomore album “Shakespopi” and Olamide’s project “Ikigai”, featuring collaborations with top Nigerian artists like Asake and Fireboy. Their latest work marks a continuation of a strong year for both artists, with plans to maintain momentum as the year closes.

The collaboration highlights each artist’s unique style, with Shallipopi’s street-inspired flair meeting Olamide’s established flow. Together, they aim to capitalize on their successful year and keep fans engaged with what promises to be one of the season’s standout songs.

K.O Honors Late Rapper AKA in “King Size” Music Video

South African rapper K.O recently released the music video for his new song “King Size,” featuring a poignant tribute to late rapper AKA. Launched on October 31, the video received over 74,000 views within 24 hours, with fans resonating deeply with the visual homage to AKA, who passed away in early 2023. The video opens with a nod to their 2014 collaboration “Run Jozi,” featuring iconic shots of Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Bridge.

K.O’s tribute extends throughout the video, incorporating AKA’s signature microphone wrapped in the South African flag, as well as footage of AKA playing soccer and snapshots from their time together. These heartfelt moments underscore the close bond between the two artists and showcase AKA’s lasting impact on South African hip-hop.

Fans expressed appreciation for K.O’s tribute, with many commenting that AKA’s influence endures, even posthumously. The tribute video allows fans to celebrate AKA’s legacy, sparking emotional reactions and gratitude toward K.O. for honouring a legend in a touching and authentic manner.

Marvel’s “Venom: The Last Dance” Sees Solid Second-Weekend Hold Amid Mixed Box Office

Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance” retained steady interest in its second weekend, securing $22.2 million—a 56% drop that mirrors the original “Venom’s” performance in 2018. Despite positive holds, the studio faced disappointment with Miramax’s “Here”, directed by Robert Zemeckis, which only grossed $5.15 million on its $50 million budget. The project, featuring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, struggled to meet expectations, garnering a lukewarm B- CinemaScore.

Although “Here”’s debut underperformed, it’s not the lowest for either Zemeckis or Hanks. Zemeckis’ “Welcome to Marwen” flopped with a $2.35 million opening, while Hanks has also seen weaker releases, including “Bonfire of the Vanities” in 1990 and “News of the World” during the 2020 pandemic. With this latest opening, Zemeckis’ creative approach remains divisive among audiences.

The mixed box office performance underlines the challenge of recapturing audience excitement, even with high-profile names. While “Venom: The Last Dance” shows resilience, “Here”’s weak debut suggests that even star-studded teams face hurdles in today’s cinematic landscape.

The last week’s trends keep us in awe, many of us cannot wait to see what the Game of Thrones movie will look like and what other happenings will go down in the realm of Nigerian Afrobeats or South African Hip hop music. Stick with Trickle Media to find out.

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