Lagos, globally known as the city that never sleeps, equally has a nightlife that imparts the economy. This is the thematic preoccupation of Ojulari Olasunkanmi’s The Other Side of Midnight, which made its debut in a two-part launch recently.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the book, Ojulari Olasunkanmi, popularly known as Sunky O, emphasised his mission to challenge misconceptions about nightlife and highlight its influence beyond revelry.

“Lagos nightlife is not just about the music and the parties, it is a thriving economy, a hub for power moves, and a subculture that defines our global identity,” he stated.
  
Olasunkanmi is no stranger to documenting the intricacies of nightlife. Prior to The Other Side of Midnight, he created a compelling documentary series, Nightlife in Lasgidi, that examines the evolution of nightlife in Nigeria, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its cultural, social, and financial significance.

This series got an AMVCA nomination for best documentary (unscripted). This earlier work laid the foundation for deeper conversations, sparking curiosity about the nightlife industry’s impact beyond entertainment.
  
On the ideology behind the book’s title, Olasunkanmi said the book, which is an intricate blend of intellect, culture, and the pulse of Lagos nightlife, emerged from a simple yet profound realisation: “When others are sleeping, we are balling.”
  
This sentiment encapsulates the nightlife ecosystem, a world that remains unseen by many but powers the city’s heartbeat. The launch event began at Roving Heights bookstore, Landmark, where an insightful conversation set the tone for what was to come. Hosted by the charismatic Swit Ope, the event attracted a dynamic audience, including Bukky George-Taylor, Beverly Osu, Madhiya, and a gathering of literary minds, cultural enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders. Conversations revolved around the book’s core themes – the economic and cultural power of nightlife, the structures that sustain it, and how it has evolved into a force that places Nigeria on the global entertainment map.
  
Olasunkanmi, known for his keen insight into socio-cultural shifts, said: The Other Side of Midnight came as a result of the need to challenge negative perceptions of nightlife while shedding light on its influence.

He said: “Lagos nightlife has transcended being just an avenue for entertainment; it is an economic powerhouse, a space where power moves happen, and a subculture that has placed Nigeria on the global map.”
  
As the sun set, the celebration transitioned to The Library Club, VI, where a more intimate and immersive experience was set in motion. Under the warm glow of a beautifully curated setting, nightlife architects, industry leaders, and tastemakers gathered for an elegant evening featuring champagne courtesy of Laurent Perrier. It was a night of deep conversations, high-energy exchanges, and an atmosphere that embodied the spirit of the book – a world that thrives in the dark yet fuels an economy that never sleeps.