In our Nigerians + Social Media infographic, we gave you a peek into just how connected the country is. Now that you know the basics, we want to take you for a spin around the Internet to see what Nigerians, and more specifically, Lagosians are talking about online. Whether it’s music, fashion, technology, or government, here’s what’s trending in #Lagos:
#SUPEREAGLES
Go Eagles!: Nigeria’s football (that’s soccer to you Americans) team beat Venezuela 3-1. Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi made his proper international debut with a clean pass to Ogenyi Onazi for the final goal. #SuperEagles (source: Washington Post)
#Beffta
Nollywood Star Receives BEFFTA Award: Nollywood. You know…Nigeria’s Hollywood? If you don’t know, you’d best get acquainted. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde received a BEFFTA Film Icon Award. She’s one of the most successful and recognized Nollywood actresses and the title is much deserved! The BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television & Arts) Awards honor the best entertainment personalities in the black and ethnic communities on the continent and in the Diaspora. #Omotola (source: Bella Naija)
#SunMoMi
Banky’s Back (with a new video): One of Nigeria’s top record labels, Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), released the much awaited video for Sun Mo Mi. Feels like E.M.E. founder and star Banky W put the whole team on, and gave new artist ShayDee time to shine. The visuals for the club banger are packed with girls girls girls and feature cameos by your favorite Naija entertainers Wizkid, Slim T, DJ Xclusive, Iyanya, Niyola, Iceberg Slim, and Flowssick. Video shot in Lagos! Watch it here. #SunMoMi (source: Not Just Ok)
#Veda
Nigerian Computer Brand Empowers Students: Lagos-based computer manufacturer Veda knows computer and Internet access is the key to being successful in a global economy. 100,000 students and corpers (those in their required year of service in the National Youth Service Corps) can take advantage of Veda’s SLIC program and receive a VEDA laptop, Windows 8 OS, Internet modem with Internet access and many more perks for a low rate. The program will include several pilot schools, so if interested, email hello@getveda.com. If all goes well, maybe Dude, it’s a Veda will be a thing. No? I’ll leave the advertising to them. #Veda (source: Veda)
#LightUpNigeria
Vote for First Annual Light-Up Nigeria Award: Project Light-Up Nigeria aims to recognize public officers, corporations, and governments for improving the electrical infrastructure. Light-Up Nigeria believes “encouragement leads to more achievement,” and nominees will be judged based on plans and photos of existing power projects. You can read the entry materials and vote by email or text. More info here. (source: Project Light-Up Nigeria)
#Yoruba
That’s a First – Reality Singing Competition in Yoruba Language: Okiki Ilori aka Candy Fabulous will begin shooting her new reality show Opolo Orin. Daughter of renowned singer Salawa Abeni, Okiki is no stranger to the music industry. Although Nigerian spin-offs like Nigerian Idol are popular, Okiki noticed singing in one’s indigenous language was often frowned upon, and English-speakers were highly favored. There are about 28 million native Yoruba-speakers, and the show will give performers their time to shine. We hear that King Sunny Ade will be a judge? The show is set to premiere before the year is up, so we’ll be on the look out. (source: LindaIkeji)
#LagosEconomy
Lagos is 65% of the country’s GDP (minus oil): Yup. You read that right. Just one city contributes over half of Nigeria’s non-oil GDP. Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State stated this piece of info at the 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair. Lagos State is the smallest Nigerian state by area, but as you know, has the country’s most populous city (also called Lagos). (source: Nigeria News)
#BlackBerry
Nigeria is still #TeamBlackBerry: According to The Guardian, the BlackBerry outsold all other smartphones this quarter in Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt. As the continent’s 3 largest economies, that’s big news and big business, given the brand’s declining allure in the North American market. Half of Nigerian mobile phone users use a BlackBerry, and that rate, especially among the wealthy, is showing no signs of slowing down. (source: The Guardian)
#AfricanFashion
New York Times Talks Nigerian Fashion: Always great to see the creations of Nigerian designers come alive on the runway, and the Times thinks so too. Lagos Fasion & Design Week ended October 27th, and the NYT’s write up included all the highlights from the catwalk. Summer 2013 lines abounded with vibrant color and bold jewelry. Yes. Summer. Abeg, we’re in the southern hemisphere, remember? From Kola Kuddus to Emmy Collins, “the swagger of the Lagos man” was well represented. It’s an exciting time for fashion in Nigeria, and kudos to LFDW’s organizer Omoyemi Akerele for making this happen! #LFDW (source: New York Times)
#FELAKUTI
Naija TV Personality Gets Makeover Fit For a Queen: For award-winning photographer Obi Somto’s latest photoshoot, on-air personality and entertainer Yvonne “Vixen” Ekwere was transformed into one of Fela Kuti‘s fire dancers. The iconic musician’s dancers are just as recognized in Nigerian pop culture, and with the dynamic makeup and intricate beaded pieces from Zebra Living, Yvonne looks the part! See the photos here. (source: YNaija)
What did we miss? Got a product, event, song, film, etc that’s got Lagos buzzing? Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @SMWLagos and visit us on Facebook: Social Media Week Lagos and let us know what’s trending in Lagos. Use the hashtag #WTLagos so we can spot you, and you could see your suggestion on next week’s #WTLagos!