Iké Udé doesn’t see himself as a photographer, but rather as a portraitist. “I don’t take pictures,” he told AIR MAIL, “I make pictures.” Udé grew up in Lagos, where taking family photographs was a long-standing tradition. Though he left Nigeria in the 1980s, weary of political turmoil and corruption, he visits frequently from New York. In 2016, Udé began a series of Nollywood portraits, capturing major players—including actors, directors, and producers—of the three-billion-dollar Nigerian film industry. These works were later presented at the Smithsonian, in Washington, D.C. On the eve of the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the artist shares his favorite spots in his native city.
Alliance Française de lagos/Mike adenuga center
In infrastructure, atmosphere, professionalism, sense of purpose, and aesthetics, the Alliance Française/Mike Adenuga Center is the cultural center par excellence in Lagos, if not all of Nigeria. Like an Italian palazzo, this all-encompassing cultural behemoth is the finest place for cinema, visual art, concerts, festivals, French food, pastries (Maison Eric Kayser sells daily fresh baked goods), and language lessons (French, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, and Yoruba). The building was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron and then overseen by Bella Disu, the daughter of Mike Adenuga. Brilliant, beautiful, and chic, Disu was the 2019 recipient of the Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). (alliancefrançaisenigeria.org)
Sol Oniru by Boxmall
This is Nigeria’s premium beach promenade as well as a lifestyle mall and an outdoor entertainment and event space. It offers a wide variety of leisure activities, shops, restaurants, and an exquisite beachfront on the Atlantic. (boxmall.co)
breeze beach club
An all-encompassing seafront experience with day-to-night dining, beach, and music—all in one place. (instagram)
Bloom art gallery
Bloom Art offers intimate exhibitions supported by ancillary programming tailored to each show. Owned and created by Ugoma Ebilah, Bloom deals in art sales and hosts private exhibitions and artist talks attended by Nigeria’s most important collectors, patrons, diplomats, and scholars. (bloomartlagos)
new afrika shrine
A must-see, the New Afrika Shrine is an open-air entertainment center located in Ikeja, Lagos State. It serves as the host location of the annual Felabration, a week-long celebration of the Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Performers like Seun Kuti also light up the stage. (instagram)
african artists’ foundation
This is the premier cultural and artistic hub for truly worldwide intellectuals, creatives, and writers, and a safe space for the alternative Lagos Crowd. They host exhibitions and the annual LagosPhoto Festival, too.
terra kulture
Founded in 2003, Terra Kulture Arts and Studios Limited is an educational and recreational organization that promotes the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts, and culture. (terrakulture)
alára
This concept store and design temple was the handiwork of the great architect David Adjaye. It has a towering ceiling with broken-up platforms that the eye immediately savors upon entering. Alára is an uninterrupted, ultra-posh open space stocked with myriad luxury designs. It carries international fashion designers such as McQueen and Valentino, and boasts the finest examples of Nigerian designers such as Maki Oh, Lisa Folawiyo, Tiffany Amber, and Kenneth Ize. The store also sells African furniture designs, handbags, jewelry, sundry trinkets, books, and more. Its stock is reminiscent of New York’s Charivari and Barney’s. (alaralagos)
jazzhole
The opposite of posh or ultra-posh, this is a mecca for book lovers, bookworms, book collectors, or lazy book browsers in general. This wonderful, sprawling bohemian enclave is crammed with shelf after shelf of superb records and books—wall to wall, without let. The proprietor, Uncle Kunle, is a walking encyclopedia and conversant in just about any subject. Jazzhole is one of my favorite places in all of Nigeria, if not all of Africa. Think New York’s Strand Bookstore with vinyl records galore, and then some! A rich mix of text, music, conversation, and cultural hothouse. (instagram)
bature brewery
Inspired by the Naija hustle and a passion for creating unique beers using local ingredients, Bature is West Africa’s first independent craft brewery. Their brewery and taproom are seen as shrines in Lagos’s craft beer community. It also serves as a provisional open-air entertainment platform especially used for live music. (baturebrewery)
la vella lagos
La Vella is an exclusive late-night lounge where you can see dinner shows and spot celebrities. (instagram)
Kaly restaurant & bar lounge
A culinary oasis in the vibrant heart of Victoria Island, Kaly beckons both residents and travelers to indulge in a dining experience like no other. (instagram)
gräs restaurant
An upscale restaurant located in the heart of Lagos. (instagram)
rococo restaurant
A great restaurant that is also known for its exotic cocktails. (rococo)
bolívar
Bolívar is an intimate waterside lounge with a Caribbean twist and rustic vibe celebrating art, culture, and good times. (bolivarbar)
cloud 9
Cloud 9 is a premium cigar lounge with a laid-back and comfortable ambiance. (instagram)
