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Your Remote Guide to Lagos' Creative Powerhouse

During a recent trip to London, I found myself captivated by the words of Ibrahim Kamara, one of the masterminds behind GUAP Magazine. As he spoke about the advantages of networking sideways and nurturing diverse creative communities, I was struck by his words: 'A lot of the peers I have now, who are doing really well with culture, we met years ago when we were all starting out and trying to work things out...' This got me thinking about the creative communities in two of my favorite cities - each a powerhouse of creativity, yet worlds apart in their approach. What if we could bridge this gap? What if we could unlock the synergies between these two creative hubs?

I am a bit of a cultural cocktail myself - Lagos-born with a bit of London life. This means I have both a front-row seat to Nigeria’s chaotic yet exhilarating creative scene, still in its infancy, and the fine tempo of Western business practices, defined by its established rules and regulations. This unique blend of experiences has equipped me with a deep appreciation for both cultures and a keen ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions.

With roots deep in Lagos and an intimate understanding of London's dynamic landscape, I've cultivated a unique blend of insights and picked up some unwritten rules of navigating their thriving creative ecosystems along the way. In this post, my goal is to share some pointers on how to successfully partner with Lagos' creative dynamos, all while keeping your feet firmly planted wherever you are.

Now, let's get into some key areas where Lagos and London dance to different rhythms. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone looking to collaborate across these shores.

The "We" and the "I”

Collectivism vs. Individualism

When you think about Lagos, imagine a massive vibrant music festival where everyone contributes to the party, and London as an independent artist's intimate gig. That's the essence of collectivism versus individualism.

In Lagos, it's all about the "we." Decisions often involve the whole crew, and communication can be as layered and nuanced with indirect dialogue. Don't be surprised if your Nigerian partners take their time to build relationships before diving into business. It's not small talk – it's literally the bedrock of your partnership. London, on the other hand, is more about the "I." Direct communication is best and standard practice, and individual achievements often take center stage. Your London colleagues might want to cut to the point faster than you may be used to. What does this mean for your cross-continental creative project? Be prepared to adapt your approach. In Lagos, invest time in building relationships and consensus. In London, don't be afraid to highlight individual contributions and be more direct in your communication.

The Art of Time

Nigerian Timing

Next, a concept that's achieved legendary status: "Nigerian Timing."

In Lagos, time is a fluid concept. Meetings might start when everyone arrives, not when the clock strikes the hour. This relaxed attitude can be a shock if you're used to London's "time is money" mentality.

But don't mistake this for a lack of commitment! It's simply a different approach to time management. Lagosians often juggle multiple commitments and prioritize flexibility over rigid schedules.

To navigate this time zone, here are a few tips:

1. Build in buffer time for Lagos-based projects. **

2. Use tools like Calendly to simplify scheduling across time zones.

3. Clearly communicate deadlines and their importance.

4. Be patient and flexible – it's all part of the Lagos experience!

Understanding and adapting to these cultural nuances isn't just about avoiding misunderstandings. It's about unlocking the full potential of cross-cultural collaboration. When you blend Lagos' creative energy with London's structured approach, you're setting the stage for truly innovative projects.

Navigating Authority and Hierarchy

Before I wrap up, another fascinating aspect of Lagos-London collaborations to touch on: the dance of authority and hierarchy.

Here's a million-naira question for you: Have you ever wondered why that deal in Lagos fell through, despite all your London-polished pitches? Or why your Nigerian partner insists on that one extra meeting with "Oga"?

In Lagos, respect for elders and authority figures often plays a crucial role in business dealings. Meanwhile, London typically leans towards flatter structures and merit-based systems. This topic is so rich and nuanced that it deserves its own spotlight.

I'm working on a deep dive into "Oga Madame & the Gatekeepers" - your guide to navigating the intricacy of navigating business with your partners in Lagos. What puzzles you? What challenges have you faced? Your insights will help shape my upcoming post, drop a comment for me!

If you are ready to turn your Lagos dreams into reality, let's connect and start building those bridges!

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