Social Media Week Lagos season has officially started. And for the travelers who are ready to descend upon Lasgidi, you’ll want to arm yourself with prime reading to get yourself in the right mind frame for your trip. Electrifying, energetic and entertaining are some of the few words to describe Lagos. And we’ve crafted a little list to get you started on getting a snapshot of the city from a literary lens. Here are three examples to jumpstart your trip – only for the literary squad.
One Night in Lasgidi by Teju Cole
If you haven’t read Teju Cole, you simply should. This summer he published One Night in Lasgidi in the Paris Review about the inimitable vibe of clubbing in Lagos.
If Cole’s words weren’t enough, he also curated a soundtrack to go with his piece. Check out his curated list below including tracks from Nneka, Wizkid, D’Banj and Wale.
Tour of Duty: Journeys Around Nigeria by Pelu Awofeso
Not exclusive to Lagos, travel journalist Pelu Awofeso grabbed a backpack and camera and roamed 18 states in Nigeria for Tour of Duty. Bothered by the media’s portrayal Nigeria as a country full of scammers, Awofeso wanted to present a different narrative, namely about Nigeria’s warmth and hospitality. With chapters such as Palm Wine Country, City of God and Night and Day in Calabar, Awofeso will inspire your inner-explorer. Also check out his essay at the end of the book Making Nigeria Attractive Again.
Looking for Transwonderland by Noo Saro-Wiwa
Also not specific to Lagos, Saro-Wiwa starts Transwonderland in Lagos and then roves into intriguing places, people and history. The book shows the complicated relationship Saro-Wiwa has with the country, who’s the daughter of murdered activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa.
We’re curious to know what you recommend a traveler to read before coming to Lagos. Share your suggestions.
The theme for Social Media Week Lagos 2016 is The Networked African. If you have any questions about traveling to the conference, please contact yours truly at [email protected] I hope to see you in Lagos.