New smartphone range offers Nigerians customisable designs with unique colour options, reflecting shifting trends in technology and lifestyle

Infinix Mobility has introduced the HOT 70 smartphone series across Nigeria, unveiling the device at a launch event in Lagos on Wednesday, 19 June 2026. The new lineup is available in six distinct colours—Thermo Orange, Quiet Violet, Green Texture, Night Pulse, Silver Dancer, and Dive Blue—marking a move towards personal expression through design for Nigerian consumers.

The event showcased how the HOT 70 departs from traditional smartphone marketing focused on technical specifications alone. Instead, emphasis was placed on the phone’s appearance, feel, and how it fits into daily life. Infinix representatives said the aim was to make smartphones an extension of individual identity, blending technology with fashion. The Thermo Orange variant features temperature-sensitive finishes that change tone based on environmental conditions, while Quiet Violet and Green Texture offer subtle shifts in light reflection and tactile surface details.

According to product experts at the launch, “People now want their phones to reflect who they are—not just what they do with it.” This approach responds to a growing trend among Nigerian youths and young professionals who see their devices as integral to personal branding. The HOT 70 also allows for further customisation with initials or symbols engraved on the casing.

Industry analysts note that smartphones increasingly appear in public spaces—from classrooms to social media feeds—making visual identity more important than ever. Experts believe this strategy could appeal to a market seeking individuality without sacrificing affordability or performance. No official price was announced at the event; however, Infinix stated that all colour variants would be distributed nationwide through accredited retailers.

As competition intensifies in Nigeria’s mobile phone sector, Infinix’s new range signals a shift towards lifestyle-oriented technology products. The company said it plans further engagement campaigns across major cities in coming weeks to demonstrate the HOT 70’s features and gather user feedback.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/what-the-infinix-hot-70-says-about-you-2026061911184607520

Alliance calls for continental cocoa bloc as smallholder farmers face unstable prices and limited share of global chocolate revenue

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has demanded a $6,000 per tonne price floor for cocoa exports, calling for a pan-African approach to protect smallholder farmers from global market shocks. This call was made after the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday.

COCEFAAA Global President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, commended Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for championing producer-country interests. Adegoke however stressed that bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire must evolve into a continent-wide structure if African cocoa farmers are to benefit meaningfully from the value chain. He argued that limiting collaboration to two countries leaves millions of smallholders across Africa exposed to volatile international prices.

The alliance highlighted that Africa, which produces over 70 percent of the world’s cocoa beans, receives only about six percent of the $100 billion global chocolate industry’s value. According to COCEFAAA, this persistent imbalance keeps African economies in a ‘value trap,’ exporting raw materials instead of processed goods. The group insisted that setting a $6,000 price floor would secure fairer returns for producers and stabilise incomes in major cocoa-producing countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Adegoke stated: “We urge African leaders to adopt a unified stance on cocoa pricing to end decades of exploitation by international buyers. Only through continental solidarity can we change the narrative for our farmers.” He further called on governments to invest in local processing industries so more value is retained within Africa. However, industry stakeholders warn that raising prices without coordinated action could trigger market backlash or push buyers towards alternative sources.

COCEFAAA concluded by urging policymakers across West and Central Africa to form a continental cocoa bloc aimed at negotiating better terms with multinational companies. The group emphasised that such collective action would not only improve livelihoods but also contribute significantly to economic diversification efforts on the continent.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/agro-care/cocoa-alliance-demands-6000-price-floor-continental-bloc-against-africas-6-value-trap/

Top Nigerian artistes drop fresh singles this week, sparking renewed interest in cross-border collaborations and genre blending

Lagos witnessed a major influx of new music this week as prominent artistes including Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Falz, Zlatan and others released highly anticipated singles on Friday, 19 June 2026. The week’s releases highlighted Afrobeats’ continued influence, with multiple collaborations bridging regions and genres.

Yemi Alade teamed up with Kenyan singer Bien to deliver “Don’t Be Shy,” a track that marries West African rhythms with East African vocal stylings. The single has already gained traction among fans for its blend of signature Alade energy and Bien’s melodic input.

Wizkid made a notable appearance on Chris Brown’s deluxe album ‘BROWN (The Chocolate Edition)’ with “Man on a Mission,” a song that merges R&B harmonies and West African percussion. Industry observers say Wizkid’s contribution demonstrates the increasing global demand for Afrobeats elements in international pop music.

Other notable releases include Skales’ “Joanna” featuring French rapper Elams, which leans into Afro-fusion with European undertones, while L.A.X collaborated with Tml Vibez on “MAGAA,” delivering street-pop infused with fuji influences. Falz returned to his trademark Afro-rap sound on “Ole,” focusing on social commentary through witty lyricism.

Zlatan and Hotkeed’s dance-ready anthem “Baba” stands out for its infectious energy, and Spyro dropped “Unavailable” produced by Krizbeatz, settling into a mellow Afropop groove. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning producer Daramola unveiled “Gidi 2 Caracas (La Música)” as the lead single from his debut album ‘Le Di Sentido,’ featuring Venezuelan group Rawayana.

Music critics note that this week’s releases reflect the growing appetite for collaborations across Africa and beyond. “The fusion of sounds is what keeps Afrobeats fresh globally,” one Lagos-based producer commented. Fans have taken to social media to express excitement over the diversity in tempo and style across the new tracks.

With these fresh offerings dominating playlists in Lagos and other Nigerian cities, industry analysts expect increased streaming numbers and radio airplay in the coming weeks. Artistes are also expected to intensify promotional campaigns as summer music festivals approach.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/new-music-friday-wizkid-solana-daramola-2026061910360485036