Lagos - a culture broth -
Entire books and exhibitions have been dedicated to Nigerian artists, and a sole blog post does not pretend to depict all the cultural wealth of such a creative nation, but does try to whet your curiosity!
Distinguished authors
Let’s start by the Literature Nobel Prize of 1986, Wole Soyinka, the first black man in history to be awarded the title, who is as brilliant in novels and poetry as he is in a theater. The next in line would be Chimamanda Ngozie, that has been the shining star of African authors for some years now, with her vivid descriptions of Igbo culture and reflections about feminism, racism, and Nigerian history. So many others should be referred to like Chinua Achebe and Ben Okri, while women are on the rise with 3 Nigerian names among the 16 nominees of Women’s Prize for Fiction: Oyinkan Braithwaite, Akwaeke Emezi and Diana Evans.
Hectic Nollywood
As previously seen in Dare Lagos, the Nigerian Cinema industry is the world 2d biggest after Bollywood in terms of production, with no less than 40 movies a week! They are produced with very limited means and spread to the whole Continent … and beyond! Its movies and series stars are true heroes and counts with thousands of Instagram and Twitter followers – since Nigerians are very big about social networks. To have a first look at big productions from Nollywood, you can go on Netflix to discover the likes of The Wedding Party, Chief Daddy or Taxi Driver, for the best contemporary Nigerian experience!
Pop stars of today …
If you still need an introduction for the Nigerian music scene, just know that few radios of the continent can do without Naija-hits and that Lagos ones hardly play anything else! If the world now praises the likes of Wizkid, Davido or Yemi Alade, take a look deeper at Simi, 2Face, Teni or even at the French-Nigerian Asa.
… and living legends!
But of course, Nigerian music was not born yesterday and Afrobeat is leading African vibes with a mix of funk, jazz and Yoruba rhythms since the 60es, with the political icon Fela Kuti. Embodied by the legendary Shrine, where Fela used to proclaim passionate political speeches, Afrobeat has been reclaimed by a new generation, with the two sons of Fela among them: Femi and Seun Kuti.
Galleries for collectors & beginners
Visual Arts flourish in every corner in Lagos and the many galleries of the city will give you food for artistic thoughts! A good start can be Nike Art Gallery, which boasts as many masterpieces and collector’s wooden pieces as innovative first-time artists along with its large 4 floors. If you are lucky enough, you might be greeted by Nike herself, a great artist famous for her work with Tola Wewe and considered as the mother of all Nigerian artists. The Islands then offer many shades between souvenirs-shops, concept stores and art exhibition centers such as Alara, Quintessence, and Signature, as well as Art Café, that organizes monthly exhibitions.
Next to Quintessence is the atelier of Polly Alakija, a creative artist that has transfigured the large columns of Falomo bridge in Ikoyi with a tribute to the Chibok Girls. Also, a word has to be said about the Arthouse Foundation, with its auctions that have helped to spread the works of Nigerian artist all over the world as well as the new art Rendezvous, ART X, a yearly exhibition not to be missed! Much more will then be to discover for amateurs, with exhibitions running weekly is various spots of the city, as well as the very personality and touch of some renowned artists.
This first kaleidoscope of Nigerian culture only stays on the verge of the obvious in term of art, not even mentioning dance with SPAN, poetry or photography (but.. wait for it ! We’ll keep you posted!), and we strongly recommend you don’t! Lagos is bubbling with incredible creativity and if you dare... the city will live up to its reputation.
JL