“Thriller” video by Michael Jackson surpasses 1 billion views on YouTube.
Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video has reached one billion views on YouTube, showcasing his lasting influence despite being from a different media era. Nearly 15 years after his passing, Jackson continues to break records with his timeless music. Recently, the classic track re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 21 (on the Nov. 11 chart), marking the sixth consecutive year it has returned during the Halloween season. Originally, “Thriller” peaked at No. 4. On December 2, a new documentary celebrating the 40th anniversary of Jackson’s legendary Thriller album will debut on Showtime and Paramount. The film will feature interviews with stars like Usher, Mary J. Blige, and Mark Ronson, alongside never-before-seen footage from the album’s production. Jackson’s influence continues to reign in music history.
Michael Jackson's “Thriller” has surpassed 1 BILLION views on YouTube. It‘s his fourth music video to reach this milestone. 🧟♂️ pic.twitter.com/brls6q5yim
— MJ Access Fan (@AccessMJ) September 18, 2024
ODUMODUBLVCK and Burna Boy nominated for 2024 BET Hip Hop awards.
Since breaking into the mainstream in 2023, Odumodublvck has risen to prominence as one of Africa’s top hip hop artists. The Nigerian hitmaker earned a nomination at the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, making him the only Nigerian artist recognized this year. He is up for the Best International Flow award, competing against rappers from France, Brazil, the UK, and South Africa. If he wins, Odumodublvck would make history as the first Nigerian rapper to secure a BET Hip Hop Award. Meanwhile, Burna Boy also garnered a nomination for Best Live Performance, competing with heavyweights like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes, Cardi B, GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion, and Missy Elliott in the category. Both nominations highlight the increasing global impact of Nigerian artists.
Congratulations to Odumodublvck and Burna Boy on their BET nominations.
OD: Best International Flow
Burna Boy: Best Live Performer pic.twitter.com/uiBTzOxJrN
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) September 18, 2024
The Passion of the Christ 2 set to commence filming in early 2025.
After years of anticipation, the sequel to The Passion of the Christ is slated to begin filming in 2025. According to Italpresse, director Mel Gibson is scouting locations in Malta for the film, titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. Jim Caviezel will return as Jesus, and Francesco De Vito is expected to reprise his role as Peter. Other potential filming locations include Israel and Morocco. The original 2004 film grossed over $600 million and received three Oscar nominations. Gibson has long expressed interest in expanding the story, with the script for the sequel undergoing multiple revisions. Randall Wallace, who co-wrote the original film, confirmed the script’s completion in April. Gibson has hinted at a non-linear narrative that may explore Jesus’ journey to Hell, a concept from Catholic theology. Both Gibson and Caviezel have recently aligned with far-right political views.
‘THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST 2’ will begin filming in early 2025.
Jim Caviezel will return as Jesus.
(via: https://t.co/D08OYLmKnx) pic.twitter.com/Nrg7DhAHeN
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 18, 2024
Crux Global teams up with Sony Music Africa to promote Ghanaian talent.
Sony Music Entertainment has partnered with Crux Global to enhance Ghana’s music industry. Crux Global, a leading Ghanaian music company offering digital distribution services, will collaborate with Sony on three levels: digital distribution via The Orchard, full-service support including production and marketing, and catalogue management to bring Ghanaian music to a wider audience. Based in Accra, the partnership will report to Sony Music Africa’s managing director Sean Watson, alongside oversight from Christel Kayibi and Jean-Sebastien Permal. Accra will serve as the hub for artist development, distribution, and catalogue management. Crux Global’s co-founders, Ike Otoo Arhin and Kofi Kyei, expressed confidence in the collaboration, citing the potential to expand opportunities for local talent. Crux Global is known for the hit song Sugarcane (Remix) and also runs writing camps and summits to support the growth of Ghana’s music industry.
Congratulations Ghana! You guys are up! 🇬🇭🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/dCVhlglsK5
— Joey Akan (@JoeyAkan) September 19, 2024
Wizkid’s 2018 hit song, “Soco” certified RIAA gold in the United States.
At the pinnacle of his career, Wizkid continues to reach new milestones everyday. After “Ginger” and “Mood” off his acclaimed Made in Lagos album were certified RIAA gold, his 2018 hit, “Soco” with Spotless, Terri and Ceeza Milli has just been certified gold in the region, selling over 500,000 copies. This is Wizkid’s seventh song to reach this milestone, extending his lead as the Nigerian artist with the most certified gold songs in the United States.
NEWS 📀🎉 — STARBOY’s “Soco” feat. @wizkidayo, @ceezamilliana, @spotless36O, & @starboyterri is now certified GOLD in the United States for sales of 500,000+ units!
It is Wizkid’s seventh song to be certified gold or higher in the country. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8GPevfiyO2
— Wizkid Source (@WizkidSource) September 19, 2024
