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Lost in Lagos: A Drummer's Dizzying Dive

@Tobias King3/9/2026blog

okay, so. lagos. wow. just…wow. i’m still trying to process it all, honestly. i landed a gig here - touring with a local afrobeat band, which is insane, right? - and it’s been a sensory overload in the best, most chaotic way possible. i’m a touring session drummer, you see, so i’m used to jumping into new situations, but this…this is something else.


I just checked and the air feels like a warm hug that’s slightly too enthusiastic. thirty-four point something, they say. feels like thirty-two, though. the humidity is clinging to everything like a lovesick octopus. i’m pretty sure my drumsticks are permanently damp.


My first few days were a blur of trying to navigate the traffic (seriously, it’s an art form), finding decent food (which, thankfully, isn’t hard - jollof rice is a must), and just generally trying not to get completely lost. i’m staying in *Yaba, which is… lively. if you get bored, Ibadan and Abeokuta are just a short drive away. i’ve been relying heavily on Google Maps, and even then, i’ve ended up in some interesting places.

Speaking of interesting places, i stumbled upon this tiny, hole-in-the-wall bar the other night. the music was blasting, the beer was cold, and the conversations were… intense. overheard a guy telling another, completely seriously, that “the best suya in Lagos is from that stall near the airport, but only if you go before 7 am. otherwise, they water it down.” i’m skeptical, but i’m willing to try anything once.

“Don’t trust anyone who says they know Lagos. Everyone’s got a different Lagos.”


My gear situation has been… interesting. i brought my usual kit, of course, but getting it through customs was a whole saga. i’m glad i packed extra drumheads - the local humidity is murder on them.

Drummer's Lagos Survival Kit:

 Extra drumheads (seriously, buy like, a dozen)
A really good portable fan (you’ll thank me)
 Noise-canceling headphones (for when you need a break from the chaos)
A universal adapter (obviously)
 A phrasebook (yoruba is surprisingly useful)
Wet wipes. So. Many. Wet. Wipes.


I’ve been trying to explore beyond the immediate area. checked out Trafalgar Park the other day - it was surprisingly peaceful, a little oasis in the middle of all the hustle. i even managed to find a decent coffee shop near there. (check out Yelp for recommendations - there are a few popping up). someone told me that the Lekki Conservation Centre is amazing, but it’s a bit of a trek. i’ll try to get there this weekend.

“The drivers here… they drive like they’re auditioning for a movie. Just hold on tight and pray.”


I’m also trying to soak up the local culture. i’ve been listening to a lot of afrobeat (obviously), and i’m slowly learning a few phrases in Yoruba. the people here are incredibly friendly and welcoming, even when i’m clearly lost and confused. i even found a great little fabric market near my hotel - TripAdvisor has some good reviews of the ones in Balogun Market if you're looking for something unique.


I heard that the nightlife is insane, but i’m still trying to figure out the best spots. apparently, there’s a really cool jazz club in Ikoyi*, but it’s notoriously difficult to get into. i’ll keep you posted. for now, i’m just enjoying the ride, the music, and the sheer, unadulterated energy of this place. it’s exhausting, exhilarating, and utterly unforgettable. i’m also checking out local music forums like this one to see what other musicians are up to.

Oh, and one more thing: someone warned me about the mosquitoes. apparently, they’re relentless. i’m definitely investing in some serious bug spray.

check out Lagos State Official Tourism Website for more info!

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About the author: Tobias King

Student of life, taking notes for everyone else.

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