Apple Unveils the Vision Pro
Apple has unveiled its much-anticipated augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, which seamlessly blends the real and virtual worlds. It is the first major hardware launch the company has unveiled since 2014. The headset, which is visibly different from similar headsets on the market, has a two-hour battery life and costs a whopping $3,499 (approximately 2.7 million naira), which is higher than any other virtual reality headset currently on the market. The specific release date isn’t known, but it is set to be released to the market early next year, first in the United States, then the rest of the world.
Burna Boy Makes History
Nigerian music superstar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, popularly known as Burna Boy, has made history in the United Kingdom by becoming the first African artist to headline a sold-out stadium show. The management of the London Stadium acknowledged Burna Boy’s achievement on its Twitter handle. “Now sold out!! @burnaboy’s RECORD-BREAKING concert has now officially SOLD OUT! What an incredible achievement for the first ever African artist to solo headline a UK stadium!”
Lagos Leather Fair Returns
Lagos Leather Fair, a platform created to showcase leather designers and the potential value of the leather industry in Nigeria and Africa, has announced the launch of its 2023 edition. Themed Staying Ahead: Creativity, Collaboration, and Commitment, this year’s edition will take place from the 17th to the 18th of June at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Leather Fair will bring indigenous brands, emerging and established designers, and international brands together to showcase their products and services to a defined audience.
The brand will also launch the LLF Accelerator Programme, a mentoring design and development programme where six selected leather brands—three in footwear and three in handbags—will grow and strengthen their skills and acquire critical knowledge with the help of entrepreneurs who possess relevant industry experience.
Helium Health Secures $30m Funding
Helium Health, a Nigerian health tech company, has secured $30 million in investment from a Series B funding round. According to Helium Health, the funding will be used to expand the reach of its fintech product, HeliumCredit. With its latest funding round, Helium Health has raised a total of $42.12 million. In 2020, the startup raised a notable $10 million during its Series A funding round.
Founded in 2014 by Adegoke Olubusi, Tito Ovia, and Dimeji Sofowora, Helium Health is focused on exploring the role of technology in efficiently managing healthcare records in Africa.
Subsidy Removal: Kwara & Edo Civil Servants to Work 3 Days per Week
As part of measures to cushion the effect of the hardship being experienced over the removal of fuel subsidy, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State and Godwin Obaseki Of Edo State have directed that the workdays of public workers in their states be reduced from five days to three days per week with Obaseki going a step further to increase the minimum wage in Edo State from 30,000 to 40,000 Naira.
House of Reps Declares Nigeria Air Launch Fraudulent
The House of Representative Committee on Aviation, led by Nnolim Nnaji, has declared the launch of Nigeria Air a fraud after the major stakeholders in the deal between the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines denied knowledge of the launch. The Committee has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently constitute a high-level Presidential Committee to undertake a holistic review of the entire Nigeria Air project processes and advise the government on the way forward.
Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake Nominated for the 2023 BET Awards
Nigerian Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake have made it to the 2023 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards nominations list. Burna Boy was nominated for Male Artist R&B/Pop Artist, Video Director of the Year, and Best International Act. Tems was nominated for Best Female Artist and Best Collaboration for her part in Future’s ‘Wait For U’. Ayra Starr and Asake earned their first nominations for Best International Act and Best New International Acts, respectively.
FIFA Honours Victor Osimhen
The Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, has honoured Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen by gifting him a special jersey and ball following the striker’s outstanding performance for Napoli in the 2022/23 season.
Osimhen played a pivotal role for Napoli and also helped win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years. The 24-year-old scored 26 goals and registered four assists in 32 league appearances for the Partenopei.
He also netted five times in six appearances for his club in the UEFA Champions League. The former Wolfsburg player was also named best forward and included in the Team of the Season.
“Victor Osimhen, you represent at the moment what football can do,” FIFA wrote in a message to the player. From Lagos to Napoli, where people love you, you have suffered, but your love for football and determination have guided you. Keep going, keep pushing. Africa needs examples, and millions are watching and dreaming.”
Zaron Introduces Her New Collection; Eyez Mattaz
Zaron Cosmetics, Africa’s fastest-growing beauty brand, has launched its new collection called Eyez Mattaz. This collection includes the Axe Liquid Eyeliner, Smoke Gel Eyeliner, and Fleek Sculpting Brow Pencil.
With its sleek grey packaging and felt tip, the Axe Liquid Eyeliner offers precise application, while the Smoke Gel Eyeliner is a retractable pencil with a matte black gel formula for easy and long-lasting application. The Fleek Sculpting Brow Pencil allows for precise shaping and comes in a perfect brown shade for all complexions.
Afro Nation Is Coming to Lagos
Organisers of the Afrobeats festival (Afro Nation) say plans are underway to hold the maiden edition of the event in Nigeria this year.
The event was announced via the festival’s official social media channels.
Co-founder of Afro Nation, Adesegun Adeosun, popularly known as SMADE, says the festival aims to unite the diaspora in the home of Afrobeats. “Nigeria is the home to so many international superstars who have made Afrobeats a globally loved genre. As someone who grew up in Lagos and then spent years promoting African music in London and beyond, this will truly be a full circle moment, bringing the Afro Nation show back home to Lagos. We can’t wait for the biggest celebration of African music the world has ever seen”.
