Nigeria

Lagos

Venue

Music 

Garden

Wavy the Creator

Wavy the Creator is a Nigerian-born, American-raised multidisciplinary artist. She’s worked as a photographer and videographer and since launching her career in 2017 has transitioned into a full-fledged musician and has recently dropped her debut ep!

Lagos, Nigeria’s capital city and Africa’s 2nd biggest city, is a destination that is teeming with musical and artistic potential. Some of the biggest names of recent years have been born-and-bred Lagosians including but not limited to Wizkid and Olamide. Host to a growing number of musical festivals, Nigeria’s international profile has boomed, defining global soundscapes along the way. In this guide, self-proclaimed ‘citizen of the world’ Wavy will be enlightening us as she shares with us her favourite spots in Lagos, Nigeria. Taking us from the best natural spaces to the best restaurants, this guide is definitely unmissable!

This is probably one of my favorite places to eat, coupled with the fact that it basically gives the vibe of you being in a house based on the variety of “rooms” you can go to.
Their jollof rice, peppered turkey and plantain? Never a miss

This is a new fashion store that appeals to the younger crowd in Nigeria. I first came across them on social media and was very pleased when i went to their online store and saw how well they cater to what the young people like. They have variety of options from shoes, to accessory They recently just opened a store at the Palms mall in Lekki, which is very convenient.

When I heard about Rufus and Bee, a fun house in Lagos, I was excited. The sense of freedom and nostalgia from the experience could make your inner child come alive. It is located in a building with 3 restaurants, a movie theater and an amazing rooftop view.

I feel this is a recreational haven for music and art lovers. It is a strategic site for the country, it was created around a decommissioned prison. From getting an insight into prison life in the 80’s to seeing a sample size of a cell as well as the gallows kind of motivates my process.
You sense immediately the love that transformed this former prison and place of hate and misery of colonial times into a venue where everyone is welcome. The park is beautiful

This bay is the ideal spot for ocean lovers, tourists and unarguably one of the best places to go to and have fun and relax. It’s my go to for the perfect “daycation”.

The main attraction for me was the 400m long canopy walkway (longest in Africa) as it gives a full view of the unique wildlife inhabiting the centre.

My first time at Bogobiri, I felt like I was at a spa in a treehouse. The art and decor are placed together to help you relax. The restaurant, the hotel and the art center make it a hub for everyone. You definitely know I do not miss Thursday’s open mic night.

A fine dining restaurant placed in an eye-catching environment with bamboo structures, use of shapes, contemporary art pieces and lest I forget, a contemporary fashion design store. My friends know it's the luxury Amala for me, to me it’s Amala that went to Yale.

This gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa with over 8,000 diverse works of art. Getting to see a wealth of artworks and be inspired by the thoughts behind the art. My favorite part of the first experience was how receptive and accommodating it feels once you’re in.

One of the largest markets in the city located in the heart of Lagos island. I enjoy thrifting a lot so this is like thrifting heaven

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Exploring Lagos with Wavy the Creator

LADIPOE

With 70% of Nigeria's population being under 35, the country's cultural scene is burgeoning with young talent right now. Rapper LADIPOE is a key part of that scene, along with creatives like Stephen Tayo, fashion collective Vivendii and musicians like Burna Boy and Wizkid. Lagos, which is spread over four islands, has a rich selection of spots and events where you can experience local music, art, and culture -- and get involved in it too. From open mic nights that showcase unknown artists to collaborative party spaces like hFACTOR, Lagos has been carving out a name for itself for a while as Nigeria's cultural capital. Locations like Bogobiri and Jazzhole give off an innate coolness and proudly display Nigeria's history -- something that LADIPOE loves.

Read LADIPOE's guide to see all of his top art and culture spots to hit up if you want to discover Lagos' cultural hubs and local hang-out spots.

A quirky afrocentric boutique hotel with a small gallery and a serious vinyl collection of vintage Nigerian music. They host an open mic night every Thursday and this is where I first began to hone my skill as a performer. The food is great too.

This was once a prison during colonial times, but it’s now a centre that celebrates art and culture. It’s home to quite a few festivals and live events, but Afropolitan Vibes is the one that offered me and many others a platform to perform to a big crowd of regulars.

It’s hard to describe hFACTOR. It’s this really cool space in the heart of Lagos Island. They often collaborate with different people to throw some amazing parties and you get to meet the most unique characters. It’s a completely different vibe each time.

It’s the tea for me. However, it is first and foremost a library of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and books. The proprietors are also a great source of knowledge about Lagos, and Nigeria in general. Also, as mentioned earlier, the tea is excellent. I performed there once, as a member of a group called the Collectiv3.

So many of us have been excluded from places because of our fashion sense, musical leanings and unique way we present ourselves to the world, but at Island Block Party (and its progenitor - mainland block party), everyone is welcome. My favourite thing about it is the exchange of culture between dissimilar yet like-minds. It’s what makes this monthly party a must to attend. It’s also a great place for upcoming and established acts to perform.

Freedom Park

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