Nigeria

Lagos

Art Gallery

Community

Party

Tushar 

 dual concept creative space and boutique Airbnb that aims to create spaces in Lagos for the exchange of ideas, art and love. It is now a significant platform for Nigerian creatives to interact with each other and the rest of the world - "the space is a reflection of the intense dynamism of the city and represents one of many such spaces that are now popping up all around." Peep Tushar's guide as he lets us in on all the creative spaces popping up around Nigeria's city of culture, Lagos.

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

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Creative Spaces with Tushar

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.

hFACTOR

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