Nigeria

Lagos

Restaurant

Black-Owned

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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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

Exploring Lagos with Wavy the Creator

Orange Culture

Founder of Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke-Lawal is Lagos born and bread. Born out of his frustrations with hyper-masculinity and the prescribed identities surrounding him, Bayo speaks of Orange Culture as more than a clothing line, but “a movement for a creative class of men."

The first Nigerian brand to showcase at London Collection Men's and be a finalist of the LVMH prize in ’14, Bayo continues to push the boundaries forward for his hometown. From karaoke joints to the best places to escape the chaos, check out his guide to Lagos.

For great breakfast, pop by craft gourmet.

If you want to enjoy an amazing time bouncing - stop by the indoor trampoline park and connect with your inner child.

Fun arcade games, bowling and the option of three different restaurants including one with a rooftop view.

Stop by or order in for great shawarma and fries.

Discover Nigerian contemporary art at its best at Rele in the heart of Lagos.

Catch a beautiful history, beautiful Adire and beautiful conversations with Mama Nike at the Nike Art Gallery. It is truly an experience.

If you want to try delicious suya for the first time, stop by Bukka Hut in the evening.

For super facials, mani peds and relaxing massages, pop by Bnatural in Victoria island, Lagos.

For great spoken word, live bands and delicious food, stop by Bogobiri to enjoy a rich artistic and Afrocentric experience.

If you want to enjoy Nigerian food in a beautiful, architectural space with great vibes stop by NOK. Weekends are great with DJs and bands sometimes hosted while you enjoy great food.

Try the longest bridge walk/canopy walk and also enjoy a nice picnic outside during dry season. Stay hydrated and carry your camera to capture the beautiful experience.

Amazing Japanese food and the option of a beautiful beach view while you sip on a delicious cocktail. Shiro is definitely the spot. At night the music gets really good and you have Hard Rock Cafe in the same compound for a great night out.

Fine dining - this is the place to visit. Steak is amazing.

Lagos with Orange Culture

Stephen Tayo

Stylist and photographer Stephen Tayo has caught worldwide attention for his spontaneous shots of everyday fashion in the streets of Lagos. They stand as a record of daily life in the West African country’s capital and an authentic documentation of Nigerias’ effortlessly stylish people. Stephen has since collaborated with some of the biggest brands, from Nike to Patta and has been instrumental in bringing attention to a banging Nigerian creative scene. Read on for his top spots in his hometown, Lagos.

Interesting food. Climb Snake Island there's a nice view from the top. It's quiet, people are amazing, beautiful, and welcoming. You can surf here too

2-in-1 situation, Alara concept store with a restaurant, Knock by Alara, inside. It's all about promoting African luxury. Carefully created. Great atmosphere, great smells, great people. If you eat at Knock, try the Amala, it is so so good here

Two spaces in one building again. Great Thai food and an exhibition space promoting African artists. Amazing views and relaxed ambience

Very beautiful, with tons of roadside brands. One thing that’s really cool here is the amazing and beautiful fabric. It’s really big so eat before and go early!

Very cool and beautiful gallery in Lagos. It's inside Eko Hotel on the seafront

I go here to watch basketball and walk around, observe people and learn

Lagos with Stephen Tayo

Teezee

Rapper and founder of Lagos-based African culture magazine, Native Mag, Teezee is a well known face within the Lagos scene. Also responsible for Lagos’ popular semi-pro Thursday Night Football league, you may have seen the Native Mag football tee’s in collaboration with Nike. Aside from his community work, he’s part of the trio, DRB, which has been credited as one of the pioneers for the Alte music scene in Lagos.

NOK Restaurant

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