Why visit Lekki, Lagos and real estate options? Lagos has a thriving arts scene, and there are numerous galleries in the city showcasing works of art (both contemporary and traditional) from Nigeria and all over Africa. Nike Art Gallery, run by the acclaimed Nigerian artist and designer Nike Davies Okundaye, is a four-story space on Victoria Island filled with art from all over Africa. The gallery also functions as a school and cultural center, offering custom tours to visitors interested in exploring the arts and cultures of Nigeria. Another artistic hot spot in Lagos city is Terra Kulture, a complex comprising a gallery, arts center, craft shop, bookshop and cafe specializing in traditional Nigerian cuisine. Terra Kulture regularly hosts events like book readings, art auctions and theatrical performances.
Representing a country overflowing with diverse cultural heritage, the Nigerian national museum is the perfect expo of Nigerian history. Showcasing works of art dating back to the pre-independence era, the museum tells the story of Nigeria’s journey through years of progressive growth. The museum also houses the bullet-riddled car in which the country’s former Head of State – late General Murtala Mohammed – was assassinated in 1976. The museum is also home to a fine range of intricately decorated calabashes from across Nigeria. The National Museum Lagos has a small crafts village with woodcarvings and other handicrafts for sale at fixed prices; you might also see a demonstration of adire – cloth-making from Abeokuta.
Festac town was built for participants of the festival of arts and culture in 1977. The town has a rich cultural heritage and makes for a good place to visit for people looking to explore Lagos. Having being renovated and transformed by Fela’s famous children, The New Afrika Shrine is an entertainment sanctuary, a place to catch real fun for fun seekers. You can visit the shrine on Thursday night for a free show with Femi Kuti. Similarly, on the last Saturdays of the month, Seun Kuti, the last of the Fela’s boys does his thing (Afrobeats Sessions with Seun Kuti) on stage. At each jam session, you’ll enjoy getting educated about African politics. Plus it’s a god way to dance, socialize, and listen to good music. Find more details on this website.
There’s no understanding West Africa without learning about the tragic history of the slave trade and the havoc colonial slavers wrecked across the region. A trip to the historic town of Badagry is sure to leave you pensive as you explore relics of this unfortunate chapter of Nigerian (and world) history at the Badagry Black Heritage Museum. Badagry is also a charming town in its own right, and is near some decent beaches, so it makes for another worthwhile daytrip from Lagos. Again, to get there it’s likely best to organize a private driver, though there is at least one company offering tours to locals (click here to check them out).