5 ways to explore Lagos creative communities on Google Arts & Culture
Editor’s note: Today we hear from Folorunsho Coker, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). He writes about the 'Eko for Show', in partnership with Google Arts & Culture towards celebrating Lagos and its creative communities.
Lagos is one of Africa’s fastest growing cities and its creative scene is taking the world by storm. With over 25 million people, the city’s creative scene is fueled by a young generation of talented individuals and communities spanning music, art, photography, fashion, theatre, literature and food. The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation is committed to fuel Nigeria’s economy by supporting creativity, youth and entrepreneurs.
Since 2020, we have collaborated with Google Arts & Culture on a program to shine light on Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, spectacular nature, bustling cities and our welcoming spirit. Our partnership plays a crucial part in achieving our mission of accelerating growth of domestic tourism and fostering economic development in Nigeria. It is with great pleasure to announce today Eko for Show, an expansion of our partnership with Google Arts & Culture and commitment to Nigeria’s youth and emerging talent. The project focuses on creativity stemming from the city of Lagos and expands through our people worldwide.
Eko for Show is a collaboration between seven cultural institutions offering everyone a glimpse into what makes Lagos an epicentre for creativity. Join me in celebrating Lagos by exploring more than 8000 photographs, 80 online stories, 3 Street View experiences, 175 videos and virtually meet the city’s music makers, visual artists, trendsetters, foodies and storytellers. Here are five ways to start your online journey:
- Meet the music makers: From Afrobeats to Alte sounds, learn more about Lagos music scene with the annual Homecoming Festival and watch interviews with over 15 trailblazing artists including Odunsi, Teezee, and Phlow. Be inspired by Afrobeats artists Teni, Kizz Daniel and Reekado Banks who share their creative journey with Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Kulture.
- Meet the visual artists: Step inside the must-visit cultural institutions Rele Arts Foundation, the African Artists Foundation and Terra Kulture with Street View. Explore the city through nine roadside sculptures or study the details of Joseph Eze and Adeolu Oluwajoba’s artworks with the Art Camera. Meet five contemporary artists, and get to know more about what makes the art scene so exciting with Nike Davies-Okundaye, Victor Ehikhamenor, Azu Nwagbogu, Nengi Omuku and Adenrele Sonariwo.
- Meet the trendsetters: Meet the trendsetters Celebrate ten years of Lagos Fashion Week with founder Omoyemi Akerele and learn more about the future of African fashion. Get style inspiration from the streets of Lagos, and meet the image makers gaining international recognition including Stephen Tayo, Tom Saater, Yagazie Emezi and Daniel Obasi. Start rolling with the city’s skateboarders and meet the talented female football players who are using sport to drive positive change.
- Meet the storytellers: Telling African stories has never been more important than now, and the city of Lagos offers some extraordinary ones. Learn more about Nigerian culture through five spectacular musicals at Terra Kulture or read ten female writers personal reflections on the city of Lagos, including Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn, Ọpẹ́ Adédèjì and Sarah Ládípọ̀ Manyika.
- Meet the foodies: Get to know Davido’s favourite Nigerian dishes or learn how to make a delicious tiger nut drink with Tundun Tejuoso of the Jazzhole. From fresh fish to 11 tempting snacks, experience the 24 hour hustle and bustle of Lagos's most famous markets.
Check out g.co/ekoforshow, and find out more on the Google Arts & Culture app on Android or iOS.
Posted by Folorunsho Coker, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.
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