This past month, I had the privilege of returning to Lagos, Nigeria—a place that isn’t just where I’m from, but where I am. Lagos is my beginning, my being, my becoming. Every time I return, even briefly, I leave with my soul refuelled and my creative spirit reignited. This time was no different.
After a short visit to Marrakesh—always an inspiration with its rich palette of colours, scents and hand-crafted beauty—I headed home to Lagos, a city that breathes rhythm, colour, and boundless energy. Marrakesh may be the darling of design lovers (and rightfully so—I stayed at the tranquil Fawakay Villas, a true retreat), but Lagos is raw, radiant, and very real. And to me, endlessly inspiring.
A Creative Recharge in Lagos
Lagos is full of contrasts: the traditional and the contemporary, the structured and the spontaneous. You feel it in the streets, hear it in the sounds, and see it in the homes, markets, and art. My creative batteries were recharged just by being there—by being.
One of the highlights of this trip was visiting the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, a beautifully conceived space designed by Nigerian architect Seun Oduwole of Studio Imagine. Inspired by Yoruba spiritual heritage, the building rises like a sculpture, layered in warm, earthy hues and encased in a façade of metalwork that references traditional crafts like weaving and looming. Inside, it offers a multisensory deep-dive into Yoruba myths, artistry, and philosophy—a true celebration of our cultural identity and an architectural triumph in its own right.
Markets, Food, and Moments of Magic
No trip to Lagos is complete without a visit to the legendary Lekki Market, the city's arts & crafts village. These vibrant spaces offer more than souvenirs; they hold the heart of Nigerian creativity. From handwoven textiles to bold home decor pieces, artisan-made jewellery and fashion, it’s a true showcase of African design talent. These markets never fail to inspire our work at Eva Sonaike.
The food scene in Lagos is equally full of life. A new generation of creatives is opening restaurants that blend design, community, and culinary brilliance. Stylish interiors, bold use of materials, and local narratives come together in spaces that offer much more than just good food. One of my favourites this time was the charming Abeke Rooftop, a beautifully designed space serving delicious local Nigerian cuisine in a stylish and intimate setting—a true gem worth discovering.
Looking Ahead: Lagos Design Week & Art X Lagos
I’ll be heading back to Lagos later this year for Art X Lagos and Lagos Design Week to immerse myself further in the incredible talent that my country has to offer. From visual art to furniture, fashion to interiors, the spirit of African design is strong, rooted, and rising.
If you’ve never been, I encourage you to go. And if you can’t travel right now, take a moment to explore the Fawakay Villas, Art X Lagos, and Abeke Rooftop online. The richness is there—and it’s only growing.
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