Welcome to the wild city of Lagos
Where every rich Hausa is christened Alhaji
And every poor Hausa is labelled Aboki
Every Yoruba market woman is an Alaroro
And every Igbo man recognises the smell of money.
Welcome to the busy city of hustlers
The ultimate slogan inscribed in our brains:
No matter the matter, the hustle must pay
And if you no wise for Lagos,
You no fit wise for anywhere.
Welcome to the bustling city of booze
Where Afropop music deafens your ears
And the aroma of party jollof threatens your nose
With the smoke of cigarettes choking your lungs
And a hundred people dancing in confined spaces.
I grew up in a one-room wahala
Queuing behind mad people for an early shower
Accepting the harsh reality of this city
Lagos is a wild city of madness
Suitable for untamed idiots and resilient souls.
You just took me on a very brief tour to Lagos. And I must confess, I had fun. Well done, poet 👍