On a recent trip to the UK, Lagos born and based photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo was interviewed by The Guardian, UK, and he gave an insider’s look at Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous and dynamic city.
In The insider’s cultural guide to Lagos: Parties, church and Afrobeat he takes us on a personal tour of the city, describing the sights and sounds, the street style and what makes the City Of Excellence unique. According to Ogunbanwo –
Lagos culture in five words
Owambe Saturdays and church Sundays
Sound of the city
The sound of generators is one that just about every Lagosian can relate to. Because it’s such a busy city, but the power is so unstable, you either own a generator or live beside someone who does.
The look on the street
The look on the street is very chilled and practical. The weather is usually hot, so it’s all about easy breezy comfortable wears, but Lagosians are very stylish so they throw in the occasional brand or pair of colourful sandals or sunglasses.
What Lagos does better than anywhere else
Owambe: the art of shutting down the streets of Lagos in the name of parties. We do it so well, it really should be an art-form.
screenings.
Best cultural Instagram account
This account sources pictures from other everyday Lagos Instagram users and puts them together so you get to see the full scope of the city and its inhabitants.
Comedy gold
Everyone first met Chigul on their phones. A few years back people were sending each other voice notes of this hilarious skit, but nobody knew who was responsible for it. Eventually the world found out that this comedy act worked at the UN and spoke several languages. She’s beyond brilliant; she does impressions, to hilarious songs.
From me
Born in Lagos in 1987, Lakin Ogunbanwo is a fashion photographer whose work has been featured in The New York Times, ID online, British GQ, Riposte Magazine and NYMag.
Five to follow
- Gidi Traffic
- Instalagos
- Whitespace Lagos
- Nigeria Nostalgia
- Nothing to do in Lagos
Read more here.
