Boasting a wealthy tapestry of cultures, and beautiful landscapes, Nigeria or also known as the “Big of Africa”, is way more than meets the eyes. On this information, with the assistance of Ify Ubby, the founder and designer behind OliveAnkara vogue label, we discover the bustling streets of Lagos, probably the most populous metropolis in Africa. From its thriving arts scene, daring vogue, and delectable delicacies, be part of Ify on a transformative African voyage that guarantees a charming mix of custom and modernity as she rediscovers her Nigerian heritage
A mosaic of cultures
Nigeria’s wealthy and numerous tradition is intricately woven from the tapestry of its quite a few ethnic teams. Its cultural panorama is majorly outlined by its three largest ethnic teams: The northern Hausas, the southwestern-dominant Yorubas, and the southeastern Igbos. On this international socio-cultural melting pot, it is not unusual for households to proudly embrace a number of ethnicities.
Moreover, Lagos has additionally undergone a transformative evolution, accommodating folks from all of Nigeria’s 200-plus ethnic teams who coexist harmoniously. Over the previous 16 years, town has stepped away from the organised chaos that after outlined it, to grow to be a extra orderly city panorama. The banning of motorbike taxis in sure neighbourhoods and the variation of iconic yellow taxis to compete with Uber have contributed to a extra civil and managed transportation expertise.
Festivities and rituals in nigeria
In Nigeria, celebrations of aged people’ birthdays maintain immense cultural significance, fostering sturdy household and group bonds. Equally, Ify’s grandmother’s ninetieth birthday drew members of the family from world wide, uniting them in a memorable celebration.
Throughout such festivities in Lagos, customs and rituals round meals and vogue play pivotal roles. One such ritual revolves across the revered act of breaking Kola nuts, a apply originating from the Igbo tradition. This ritual, transcending boundaries of social standing, gender, and faith, symbolises peace and acceptance, typically carried out by the eldest member of the gathering.
Discovering Lagos vogue
Lagos is the style capital of Nigeria, the place fashionable and conventional types seamlessly mix. Greater than something, Lagos’ road type is unbridled and fearless. It is a reassuring reminder that considering larger and bolder along with your vogue decisions pays off.
Lagos type, I might say, could be very unapologetic,” says Ify. “There is a mix of all the pieces!” And but, as she additionally factors out, there may be one factor that unifies all the pieces below the solar right here: pleasure. “Everybody reveals up and kills it,” says Ify. “There’s enthusiasm throughout.
At celebrations, conventional African apparel takes centre stage, with members of the family donning matching Aso Ebi (household material) outfits. Ladies additionally elegantly wore Gele (headwraps) to enhance their conventional apparel. The apply which originates from Yoruba tradition, symbolises unity and fosters togetherness.
It is lovely if you’re in uniform as a household… even mates… we’ll distinguish ourselves from the remainder.” – Ify’s Aunt Funke
An genuine Nigerian buying expertise
A visit to Lagos is incomplete with out visiting the Lekki Marketplace for a style of genuine Nigerian buying expertise. From a variety of conventional textiles, clothes, arts, jewelry, and souvenirs, you will absolutely discover some type of distinctive memento to convey house from right here.
African textile at Lekki Market
Lekki Market is a treasure trove of conventional African materials, together with Ankara, Aso Ebi, and Adire, amongst others. One expert tailor that we extremely suggest is Chukwukafo, who adeptly crafts customized clothes utilizing numerous vibrant textiles by harmoniously combining numerous prints and patterns.
Artisans and artistry at Lekki Market
The market can be typically acclaimed because the go-to vacation spot for a few of Nigeria’s most imaginative and genuine handmade crafts, honed by many years of expertise and generational teachings. Amongst its treasures, one can uncover distinctive picket sculptures and carvings, conventional and folks artwork items in addition to raffia-made crafts. These items come within the shapes of intricate mats, baskets, hats, and extra, woven from fibres rigorously extracted from the leaves of the raffia palm.
Avenue meals at Lekki Market
To not be missed right here is the colourful road meals scene at Lekki Market that gives a style of the nation’s wealthy culinary heritage. Some standouts that showcase the nation’s love for daring flavours are “Bole,” roasted plantains, cooked to perfection on roadside charcoal grills, and “Agbado Yinyan,” which pairs roasted corn with a purple African pear, often called “ube”. The African pears are roasted over scorching coals or soaked in boiling water, resembling the style of avocado when cooked.
To proceed your gastronomic journey, benefit from Lagos’ numerous cultural influences, mixing Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa culinary traditions. Key elements like palm oil, identified for its earthy richness and pink hue, characteristic prominently in dishes like Egusi soup and Banga soup. While pounded yam, often known as Amala, performs an important function in home-cooked meals and communal gatherings, with every ethnic group having fun with it of their distinctive manner.
Uncover the most effective of Nigerian artwork and artists
For arts and tradition fans, The Nike Artwork Gallery stands as a must-visit vacation spot. Certainly one of Nigeria’s largest artwork galleries, it showcases a shocking array of conventional and modern African artwork, together with vibrant work, sculptures, textiles, and crafts.
Guests can discover and buy artworks created by native artists, gaining insights into Nigeria’s numerous creative traditions. Founder, Nike Davies-Okundaye, a distinguished Nigerian artist and textile designer often called “Mama Nike,” is a noteworthy determine. She is understood for empowering girls by offering coaching and employment alternatives, which is especially vital in a rustic like Nigeria the place financial alternatives for girls will be restricted.
Whether or not you are a traveller looking for an journey or a tradition fanatic, Lagos, Nigeria affords a profound mix of custom and modernity. It’s a place the place historical past meets innovation, the place customs and rituals thrive, and the place each nook holds a narrative ready to be found. As you immerse in your journey by means of town guided by the insightful perspective of Ify Ubby, we hope you stroll away with not simply one other vacation spot in your journey bucket checklist, however an expertise of a lifetime.
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This text was first printed in Metropolis Nomads.
