Lagos, a megacity home to an estimated 21 million people, is Nigeria’s cultural and political powerhouse.
It’s home to Nollywood, the world’s third-largest film industry, it’s the centre of the country’s music industry and it’s also where some of the world’s happiest citizens live.
The city is expanding rapidly and the residents are increasingly connected, with social media allowing them to hold their government to account.
But who are the individuals driving these changes? Is it possible to identify 21 people to watch as Lagos continues to grow – both in population and as a global powerhouse?
We’ve collaborated with Guardian Africa network partners YNaija, an internet newspaper for “an evolving generation”, and SaharaReporters.com, an online network of citizen journalists covering government corruption, in attempt to do just that.
Recognising that a list of the most influential personalities in politics and entertainment can never be definitive we’ve started with just 11 – listed below. We want you, our readers, to nominate the extra 10 to take us up to 21 (in 21 million).
Politics
As nominated by Sahara Reporters
Japheth Omojuwa
Japheth Omojuwa, 31, is one of Nigeria’s most prolific online commentators with his Twitter page, @omojuwa, home to some of the sharpest observations about the country’s political decay.
Again, this goes to those currently in office, be they APC or PDP. Be they in Tanzania or Kenya!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) November 22, 2015
A fearless campaigner, he was one of the leading voices in the #BringBackOurGirlsmovement, demanding the rescue of the 276 school girls abducted by Boko Haram from Chibok in 2013.
Ikhide Ikheloa
Ikhide Ikheloa, better known as Pa Ikhide, is a maverick in a social media environment that usually takes one side or the other in Nigerian politics. Few manage to escape his damning critiques – includingthe country’s often-overlooked intellectual elite.
The #2016Budget fiasco has now become a roaring scandal. Do you believe Buhari should resign? Please vote and RT!
— Pa Ikhide (@ikhide) February 10, 2016
Tunde ‘Egghead’ Odewale
“Egghead” Odewale, 37, is credited as one of the first people to actively push Nigerian government officials to engage with the public on social media.
Despite previously working in government, Odewale’s critique of Nigeria’s institutions has earned him a dedicated following on Twitter, where he goes by@eggheader.
From pressuring the government to rescue the abducted Chibok girls; shining a spotlight on violence against women and fighting for democratic reform, her ability to mobilise and inform her social media followers and to connect local injustices to national movements, make her a leader in the new media environment.
#BringBackOurGirls DAY662 @obyezeks @naijama @camanpour @RealSeunKuti @DrJoeOdumakin @Malala New year without them pic.twitter.com/M3QsvB7UTl
— Dolapo Aina (@DolapoAina) February 5, 2016
Rudolf Okonkwo (Dr Damages)
Rudolf Okonkwo, otherwise know as Dr Damages, is a satirist and reporter on SaharaTV – an unapologetic jester goading the court of Nigerian leaders.
Dr. Damages’ Motto: “Humor is a rubber sword- it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.” Mary Hirsch.
— Dr. Njakiri Damages (@DrDamages) February 11, 2016
The 46-year-old’s Twitter account, @DrDamages, is an endless stream of political satire, encouraging Nigerians to laugh at the antics of the political class. But his humour cuts deeper than criticism, and encourages the growing activist community to demand change.
Entertainment
As nominated by YNaija
Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu, “the African Oprah”, abandoned a highflying career in the corporate world to run a television studio.
Abudu, 51, set up EbonyLife Television (ELTV) in 2013 to try to change the way the way the world sees Africa– and has since commissioned young film-makers to produce original content.
Thank you to all those that have gone to watch FIFTY. We are still in the cinema 2 months later. Please take your loved ones to go see FIFTY
— Mo Abudu (@MoAbudu) February 4, 2016
The CEO of Filmhouse Cinemas, a franchise popular across the country, his staff sit in screenings with infrared glasses to identify anyone who might be trying to record a film, a practice he has previously said “breaks his heart”.
Mkparu is currently working on a project that will take film distribution directly to the grassroots through a network of community cinemas.
Olamide Adedeji
In the past five years the 26-year-old rapper and label boss has seized the imagination of an entire nation with his catchy, locally-flavoured anthems.
Raised in Bariga, a ghetto suburb of Lagos, Adedeji’s music represents his experiences and the yearnings and aspirations of the country’s considerable underprivileged population.
In November 2015, Olamide became the first Nigerian rapper to put out five consecutive solo albums in as many years. His label, Yahoo Boy No Laptop, is home to Lil Kesh and Viktoh, two of Nigeria’s fastest rising young talents.
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Bolanle Austen-Peters, 42, is the founder of arts and culture hub Terra Kulture, which has established itself an important venue for arts and cultural diversity in Lagos. Since 2003, Terra Kulture has hosted hundreds of plays, exhibitions and readings.
Austen-Peters produced the Broadway-esque musical Saro, “a story of love and Lagos”, in 2013 and followed up with the sold out Wakaa: The Musical in 2015. She is also the producer of the upcoming film 93 Days, an account of when the Ebola virus hit Nigeria in 2014, staring American actor Danny Glover.
Wizkid
Wizkid, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is only 25 but he has amassed a cult following usually reserved for veteran stars. He hangs out with Rihanna and Chris Brown, and records with R Kelly. Alicia Keys even confessed on Instagram to enjoying his music.
https://instagram.com/p/_Zirgjm68F/
Wizkid’s album, Ayo, received tepid reviews at home but was a hit abroad, making Rolling Stone’s list of 15 great albums you didn’t hear in 2014. The following year his Afropop track Ojuelegba became a big hit and was remixed by Canadian rap king Drake and UK grime star Skepta.
Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy, real name Michael Collins Ajereh, is an award-winning music producer, singer-songwriter and record label owner who wields massive influence over the Lagos music scene. He formed Mo’hits Records in 2004 with the then little-known D’banj – who went on to become one of the biggest groups to come out of the continent.
Reminiscing… Working with greats like Jay & KanyeWest. NoBbeans. GOD has been good. #RareAsMyLove #TheGoodLife. pic.twitter.com/IK1NA7kmUm
— DON JAZZY (@DONJAZZY) February 6, 2016
Who are the next 10?
Who would be on your list and why?
, or Whatsapp us on +44 (0) 7867 825056 and we’ll add alternative list at the end of the week.
