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Lost in Lagos: A Drummer's Dizzying Dive

@Topiclo Admin3/24/2026blog

okay, so. lagos. wow. just…wow. i’m still trying to process it all, honestly. i’m finn, by the way, touring drummer - mostly for some indie bands you’ve probably never heard of, but hey, it pays the bills (sometimes). i got booked for a gig here, a weird little festival celebrating…something. i’m not entirely sure what. the details were vague. but the pay was good, and i needed a change of scenery.


I just checked and the air feels like a warm hug that’s slightly too enthusiastic. thirty-five degrees, give or take. humidity’s creeping up there too. it’s the kind of heat that just…sits on you. i’m pretty sure my hair has achieved sentience. if you get bored, Ibadan and Abeokuta aren't too far for a quick escape.

This place is loud. Like, a constant, vibrant hum of activity. Cars honking, hawkers shouting, music blasting from every corner. It’s overwhelming at first, but then you kind of…sink into it. It becomes the background noise. I spent the first day just wandering, trying to get my bearings. Got hopelessly lost, naturally. Ended up in this incredible market - Balogun Market, apparently. Sensory overload doesn’t even begin to cover it. Mountains of fabric, spices, electronics…you name it, they’ve got it. I bought a ridiculously patterned shirt. Don’t judge.


I’m staying in a little guesthouse in Yaba. It’s…rustic. Let’s go with rustic. The electricity cuts out randomly, and the water pressure is a suggestion, not a guarantee. But the people are amazing. So welcoming, so friendly. I’ve been getting fed constantly. Seriously, I think my waistline is permanently expanding.

Someone told me that the traffic is legendary. They weren’t kidding. It’s a chaotic ballet of cars, motorcycles, buses, and pedestrians, all vying for space. I tried taking a taxi once. Big mistake. I ended up crawling along at a snail’s pace for an hour, paying a fortune for the privilege. I’m sticking to walking (when I can) and the occasional danfo (local bus). It’s an experience, let me tell you.


I overheard some gossip at a suya stand (grilled meat - seriously, try it). Apparently, Lekki is the place to be if you’re looking for fancy restaurants and nightlife. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s on the list. Also, something a local warned me about: be careful with your belongings. Pickpockets are apparently a thing. Noted.

My gear survived the journey, thankfully. Here’s a quick rundown:

Drumsticks: Vic Firth 5A - gotta have ‘em.
 *Earplugs: Essential. Seriously. Save your hearing.
 *Portable Charger: Power outages are a real thing.
 *Mosquito Repellent: The bugs are relentless.
 *Small Backpack: For carrying essentials (and suya).
 *Phrasebook:* My Yoruba is…non-existent.


I’m heading to Freedom Park tomorrow. Apparently, it’s a converted colonial prison that’s now a cultural center. Sounds…interesting. I’ll let you know how it goes. Check out TripAdvisor for reviews - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g313438-d1632883-Reviews-Freedom_Park_Lagos-Lagos.html. Also, Yelp has some decent recommendations for local food - https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&find_loc=Lagos%2C+Nigeria. And if you're looking for a place to stay, check out some local boards like Nairaland - https://www.nairaland.com/.

Honestly, Lagos is…a lot. It’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming, it’s exhausting. But it’s also vibrant, it’s exciting, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I’m glad I came. Even if my hair is staging a rebellion.

Wish me luck.

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About the author: Topiclo Admin

Writing code, prose, and occasionally poetry.

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