At the end of FESTAC, there was a never-ending outburst of self-expression through different creative forms, e.g., dancing, singing, chanting, writing, painting, etc. Lagos, being the creative hub of Nigeria and the largest city in Africa, with a population of 15.9 million, as reported by EBSCO, became Nigeria’s creative hub.
Across Lagos streets, one would find graffiti and mural paintings with different meanings. Murals generally reflect a community’s culture, challenges, and survival. They attract tourism, encourage the free exercise of creative expression and reflection, and promote tourism, which boosts a state’s economic growth.
The first Lagos Street Art Festival was held in 2024 and was organized by Inscribe Art and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. This year’s theme is Legendary Lagos, City of Culture, and it will not just entertain but also educate creative enthusiasts and the general public on the stories that Lagos holds in its streets. The importance of an art festival like this in Lagos is palpable right from the murals on the streets.
Murals increase the visual appeal of public spaces and buildings. They add color where dullness thrives, and research in estate management has shown that spaces and places with murals have higher quotes. They do not just entertain; they call for introspection, and when pedestrians and drivers slow down, the chances of an accident reduce.
The presence of murals on streets increases foot traffic, which creates opportunities for local businesses to survive and thrive. This proves how art is an eternal and chain-reactive means of expression. In Lagos, artists are emerging with outstanding talents like never before.
Osa Seven Okunkpolor is currently transforming Lagos streets with his graffiti. Osa is an urban GFX and graffiti artist passionate about telling stories with contemporary art. His most recent work that caused an uproar on social media is the Eko Tag Project, which was first commissioned in 2017 by the Lagos State Government. It is a 120 ft monument telling a story of Lagos, its becoming, culture, and community. Osa is painting his legacy into the streets of Lagos, for Lagos.
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Photo credits:
Lagosstreetartfestival.com