By: Valentine Adegboyegun
‘Two truths can co-exist.’ That’s the pseudo-intellectual way of getting away with saying shit in these parts. But is it actually wrong? I’ll leave you to judge.
So, when I say Lagos is the city of beauty and chaos, these two things are not mutually exclusive. Reread it, this time slowly.
Lagos’ nightlife is unrivaled! Everyone knows this – from your mumsy who had her heydays in the 80s to your uncle who was a bad boy in the 90s to Banky W who recorded an ode to that fact; “Lagos Party” in the 00s to that egbon who ‘spoilt your life’ in the 2010s and more recently Zlatan on “Lagos Anthem.”
For many, the clubs represent the pinnacle of jaiye. While they are still as captivating as before, there’s a new vanguard of Lagos nightlife today, and it’s not inside the club.
These new spots are more customer-centric – with engaging activities – and have themes personalized to fit different moods. The music is still as loud, the drinks still as fire, but the crowd is where it differs.
You don’t have to be a Pablo or Pablet to have a good time here. No one’s tryna buy all the bottles and show off. By all means, do Dorime if you can, but it’s not the norm. Everyone just came to unwind, catch a vibe, and probably steal someone’s babe. MFJPM.
Enough said. This article will highlight the top four modern nightlife spots in Lagos right now.
What are the four leading nightlife spots in Lagos?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, so many things changed. One constant, however, is people’s need for enjoyment and an enabling environment. Here are some of the leading nightlife events in Lagos today:
Insert Nights
Insert Nights is the brainchild of WeTalkSound and the worthy recipient of our Mount Rushmore status. It is an event held on the last Friday of each month at The Vault Social House, Victoria Island.
Since it launched in 2022, Insert Nights has hosted different parties curated with various themes. At an Insert Nights party, you’re at liberty to dress to a theme which could range from Halloween clothes to Y2K steeze, a jersey/sports fit, or a DJ YK Mule-type fit.
Additionally, it is a free event, and different people from all walks of life come out to chill. So don’t be surprised if you see your boss, your ex, your talking stage, or your babe sef.
The ambiance is soothing, the DJs are top-notch, and the experience is always memorable. The drinks are reasonably priced so you don’t exactly have to blow your salary in one night, well except if you want to. With less than 10k you can get a nice cocktail. If you want a bottle, then you don’t need to ask for the price, no?
One free piece of advice though: prepare to blow a whistle and go crazy!
South Socials
Are you a Lagosian if you’ve not heard of South Socials before? Founded by Chibuzor Iwobi of Chibyverse, it is a bi-weekly event held on Fridays at The Hook Lounge, Victoria Island.
It has been a mainstay of the beyond-the-club nightlife scene since 2018 and has become a Lagos favorite. In fact, South Socials has lived many lives – from South Eatery and Social House to Moist Club down to the Hook Lounge – yet its essence hasn’t dipped one bit.
Their event is always full of happy partygoers, the location is secure, the music is excellent, and the vibe is contagious. You can get a ticket online for 5k or 7k at the door or reserve tables whose prices range from 150k to 450k (for 2-12 people).
The Party Company
ThePartyCompany is one of a kind. As the name suggests, it is literally a party company that organises parties at the Wave Beach, Lekki Phase One.
Since 2020, they’ve engaged their community with themed parties. These include “Balloons & Cups,” “Booless Party,” “Fire & Sand,” “Oktoberfest,” and “Detty December.” Each one, with a curated experience that fits the party idea.
As regards entry policy, they typically host different types of tickets which are dependent on the party type. More often than not, these tickets are for early, regular, VIP, and then table reservations.
P.S. If you go to any of the parties, be prepared to meet baddies. I’m not capping, I went for the last one and I’m still reeling from it.
Greencamp
Greencamp is an outlier in this list. It was founded in 2017 by Dr. Olanrewaju Abdul Razak to cater to a community of underground creatives and enthusiasts and provide a platform for expression.
Over the years, it has grown in leaps and bounds to become a top nightlife event in the city and has supported the careers of budding artists and brands. It also partners with creatives and other communities to host shows for them.
Greencamp organises three free shows, which are held on the mainland thrice yearly. Then, at the end of the year, it hosts a festival on the island. The festival is ticketed at different prices and boasts of music, dance, comedy, and art competitions.
Greencamp is the best place for you to go as an underground creative or an art enthusiast. It is for everybody – Gen Z, millennials, workers, students, creatives, and art enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
“Ain’t no party like a Lagos party, cause a Lagos party we don’t bother nobody,” and everything else the Banky W song says. It’s a straight-faced lie, and everybody knows this, but err allow. Right?
From the loud music to the traffic jam to the gyration and everything else in between, a Lagos party actually bothers everybody. But we are young and YOLO, so live a little, will ya?
The Lagos nightlife scene has evolved beyond the usual club atmosphere. Blame it on inflation, standard of living, or just preference, but it is what it is.
Young people now want serene environments where they can party on a budget with like-minded individuals and just have fun. And these four events are your best bet for that.
So, dear reader, when next you pop a bottle at any of these events per my recommendation, feel free to pour one up for me. You’re welcome.
