By Ayanleye Rodiat
A recent social media trend, inspired by South African singer Tyla, has sparked conversations among Nigerian internet users after many young people reportedly purchased the iPhone 5 in a bid to recreate the singer’s vintage-style aesthetic.
The trend began after Tyla shared photos believed to have been taken with an iPhone 5, with fans praising the nostalgic, low-quality camera effect that gave the images a unique and artistic look.
Soon after, videos surfaced on TikTok showing users—many of them Nigerians—buying or dusting off old iPhone 5 devices in hopes of achieving the same result.
However, excitement quickly turned into disappointment for some users, who discovered that simply owning the phone did not automatically produce the same quality or aesthetic seen in Tyla’s photos.
Several content creators took to social media to express regret, saying the device’s outdated features, battery life and camera performance failed to meet their expectations.
The trend has since sparked wider conversations about social media influence, with many users arguing that people often rush to imitate celebrities without considering whether a trend suits their needs.
Others described the craze as another example of online peer pressure, where the fear of missing out drives unnecessary spending.
While some participants insist the experience was all in good fun, others say the incident serves as a reminder that the appeal of a viral post often lies in creativity and presentation—not necessarily in the device being used.
