I recently travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, for work and had a serendipitous great time. I hadn’t visited the neighbouring country in twenty years. Yikes! So when approached to work on a project there, I leapt at the opportunity. No wahala. And wow! As only can be expected, Lagos has changed so much. The new development, modern restaurants and various exciting shops enamoured me. You will find inspiration everywhere in Lagos, from high-end fashion to home goods. The fashion deserves its posts, but WOW, I fell in love with Andrea Iyamah and Tiffany Amber. The clothes, the shops, the vibes. I was like a kid in a candy store. One of my favourite finds was Lekki Arts & Crafts Market, located on the Lekki Peninsula. I was thrilled to know that Lekki is one of the largest markets in Nigeria. Bonus! So I had to check it out.
Sourcing is one of my favourite parts of being an event planner, not only for the activity itself but because I am often inspired by what I see. Sometimes, I have a specific idea of what I am looking for. Other times, items created by others ignite my creativity to make something new.
Meticulously organized and merchandised to perfection, you can browse the products at Lekki. You will appreciate this effort if you enjoy perusing tourist markets when you travel. Chaos in markets worldwide often deter me from visiting them, but I was pleasantly surprised by Lekki. Each stall is identified by a number system, making it easy to recall where you might have previously seen an item of interest.
The refined creativity seen in every item blew me away. The finishes were some of the best quality I have seen at similar markets throughout the African continent. The items showcased at Lekki come from regions all over Nigeria and are made with remarkable craftsmanship by ambitious artisans. One stall after the other boasts different kinds of stoneware decor, from tabletop elements to sculptures. You can also find thousands of one-of-a-kind products in various materials such as wood, metal, glass, and fabrics. Lekki also has an extensive collection of artwork in an array of mediums.
While I wasn’t searching for anything in particular, I scored some beautiful grass-light fixtures and hand-carved and painted coffee tables. I look forward to using them in my upcoming event designs and seeing how they elevate the space. I have said it before, and I’ll repeat it: Africa has some of the most amazing artisans in the world.
The locals refer to the market as Jakande Art Market and Oba Elegushi International Market. Coming from Ghana, the heat doesn’t bother me, but visiting in the morning before the sun is high is suggested. I went on a Sunday, which was great because it wasn’t bustling, and I could breeze through each stall easily. Be prepared to bargain with the vendors. But also remember that the people who make the products are skilled artisans. Cash is king. Most of the vendors at Lekki don’t have card machines, so ensure that you have a locally accepted currency on hand.
If you are in Lagos, grab your sneakers and add Lekki Market to your list of places to see. It won’t disappoint!
With Love,
