A photo diary

shoutout to jet lag for resulting in this

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So it was time to return to the West African coast, soak up all the sun and good energy laid in it. Lagos, Nigeria; a state so big, you constantly discover new spaces within it, no matter how many times you’ve been to it or how long you’ve lived in it.

I could pretty much dedicate a whole section on Food - each time I visit I feel that the one thing no one can underestimate in our culture is our affinity for food. I mean I guess you can say the same about most, if not every culture. However, what I think I feel most comfortable underscoring is the undeniable freshness of our food. In other parts of the world, buying organic is oftentimes more expensive than junk food; but it’s actually the reverse in Naij. It’s pretty interesting actually.

set of ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’

-won’t say much about this as I’m dedicating a blog post on a highly significant issue underscored in this (Tradition vs. Modernity). Wole Soyinka is one of those people you see and just know that they’re irrefutably wise. Because of this, I felt the play was going to be thought-provoking prior to seeing it. Long story short, I wasn’t wrong. It was extremely entertaining and laudably written. I hadn’t seen a live play in Nigeria in years - when I used to, they were productions for school. I think that entertainment is one of the best ways to illustrate ideologies and notions, especially when pertaining to culture. The production was based on the Wole Soyinka play ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’ and watching it actually made me want to read the piece. It’s so ironic because it’s usually you read the book, then you watch the movie, or watch the movie and drop the book.

First two pics -taken in the compound of The National Museum (fabric shop outside the museum), third one taken at a tailor’s studio.

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Thank You!