The vibrant and thrilling nightlife of Lagos has long been a feature of the city’s culture, drawing both residents and tourists. Lagos has been Nigeria’s entertainment hub since the early to mid-20th century, with a variety of dance, music, fashion, and social events that capture the city’s lively spirit.
Highlife music influenced Lagos nightlife in the 1940s and 1950s, when well-known performers like Bobby Benson and Victor Olaiya played at well-known clubs like Kakadu Club and Paradise Club. Music fans flocked to these locations, where live bands performed a fusion of jazz, calypso, and African rhythms that characterized the era.
By the 1970s, the emergence of Afrobeat, spearheaded by the renowned Fela Kuti, had transformed Lagos’ nightlife. His distinctive sound made his Afrika Shrine a well-known hub for activism, politics, and music. People adopted daring dress trends like bell-bottom pants and afros, demonstrating the city’s inventiveness, so it wasn’t only about the music.
