Block party, fashion weekend and a little strange thing

Hello there my lovelies! The time to ‘Jollificate’ is once more upon us and the quality of the ‘jollof-ing’ has got even better! As we are officially in the ‘ember’ months and the year is winding down, the weekends are packed end-to-end with all sorts of events. In the last few weeks, I have been to some really cool and interesting events and I’m so looking forward to more exciting events coming right ahead.

AWCA Block Party: A Whitespace Creative Agency is a pretty cool collective of creatives who put together great exhibitions and events to showcase the talents that exist and thrive in and around the city of Lagos. Therefore, when I heard that they were throwing a “Block Party” in Lagos Island, I was pretty keen to check it out. Now to be honest, the term ‘ Block Party’ is a little American for my somewhat English sensibilities so I struggled to understand what unit of measurement a “City Block” actually was. Google came to my rescue and reliably informed me that it is the smallest city area surrounded by streets, i.e. the space for buildings within the street pattern of a city.

The Block Party which happened at the end of October took place on Broad Street just outside of Freedom Park (the former prison now turned ultimate turn-up-spot every 3rd Friday of the month courtesy of Afropolitan Vibes) and beside Western House. This area is considered one of the most interesting places in Lagos because it is surrounded by beautiful architecture, full of history and colorful characters.

True to its theme of “Afrorealism” the Block party had it all- from fusion of food to B-boy battles; skate boarders to Samba band players; Yoga practitioners to roadside Barbers, there was something for everyone and a sense of community that can be difficult to find in big cities like Lagos. And I for one cannot wait till it rolls around again! And from what I hear, it’s going to be happening once in a year so keep your eyes glued to this spot so you know when it’s on and popping!

Also, during my recent weekend shenanigans, I witnessed the Lagos art scene in full bloom by way of the phenomenal showcase put up last weekend at the civic center by ART X LAGOS. This was West Africa’s 1st International Art fair, which took place over 3 days with 65 artists from 10 countries and 30 different exhibitions including JD Okhai Ojeikere (love), Babajide Olatunji, Victor Ehikhamenor, Gallery 1957 and so many others! The event also managed to pull in just over 5,000 visitors in 3 days, which in itself says a lot about the ability of art to unite people and to speak in places what words cannot explain.

Personally, I loved this event because it was held in Lagos, a place that is home to (myself and) some of the most talented and creative minds, and because it made Art (African and International) accessible to young people. It allowed for engagement of young Nigerians and future art connoisseurs who themselves would be artists or patrons of the Arts and I must say the value of that is incalculable. From what I experienced, i am sincerely hoping that Art X Lagos returns in the near future.

Don’t you fret though, I’m not just going to regale you with tales of what has been, but I bring you great tidings of what is yet to come. GTBankFashnWeekend is here. I am absolutely serious. Like you, at the mention of a financial institution, i find that my eyes (completely involuntarily) automatically seek the back of my head in a rolling motion and my blood pressure and aggression levels spike in anticipation of a quarrel or fight about bank charges. But calm yourselves my good people. This time, they are not taking but giving. The bank is giving us two days of over 70 vendors of all the fashion your eyes and wallets can handle. Think intense shopping festival with a sprinkle of master classes and runways at the side. I find myself already putting aside money just for this because guess who’s getting all her Christmas shopping done this weekend? So, don’t say I didn’t warn you! It’s on Saturday and Sunday so good luck and try to leave something to tide you over into the new year!

Last but certainly not least, this piece would not be complete without talking about my love for films, and this weeks’ blockbuster is JUST. TOO. EXCITING.  That I put those words in caps should explain how ‘geeked’ I am to talk about the latest offering from marvel- Dr. Strange. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and out now in cinemas nationwide in 3D, Dr. Strange is almost a perfect offering from Marvel. I am not necessarily a huge Benedict Cumberbatch fan, although his work as Holmes in the series “Sherlock” is pretty brilliant. I have never felt the need to gush about his skills as an actor, and as he almost always plays his roles to portray a certain level of awkwardness, his looks certainly don’t do it for me either. However, as Dr. Strange, he’s unnervingly hot. Like Superhero hot. Like Superman cool but if he were a geeky bad boy. I am ashamed to say, I was in my feels for this fella through the film. Skipping awkwardly away from the topic of his hotness though, this is one of the best (if not THE best) 3D movies out this year so far and certainly my most enjoyable 3D experience in Nigeria till date (it helped that I watched it on an IMAC screen) and with rottentomatoes.com giving it a 90% and IMDB an 8/10, you can trust that this is one film you don’t want to miss!

The events are rolling in fast and furious, so don’t blink or you might miss it and remember to Carpe that Diem! Until next time!