By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko.
Gap teeth, vivid colours, boots and radiant sunkissed skin have become the symbol of a Lagos cool kid; a little thanks to Bratz and Mowalola for the Felicia “Lagos Bratz doll”. If there ever were a need to assemble all the cool kids in Lagos, look no further than Homecoming. In their various boots ranging from svelt rain boots to edgy moto boots; they marched under the blazing sun from venue to venue, all had the same goal in mind: Get to the next stop on the Homecoming itinerary. But this introduces questions; how do you get Lagos kids excited about hopping from place to place? What is Homecoming, and why do they [Lagos kids] have an incandescent love for this event?
Dubbed “Our Homecoming” on Instagram, Homecoming was founded in 2018 as an annual three-day music, fashion, sport, and arts festival in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded by Grace Ladoja, its first edition kicked off with a bang, it involved performances by Wizkid, Skepta, Nasty C, Olamide, JHus, Odunsi the Engine, and Lancey Foux; Guest appearances from supermodels Naomi Campbell and Imaan Hammam. The structure of the festival was fresh and ultra-modern; it kicked off with a football match, and then art installations, panel talks, workshop sessions and fashion ephemeral stores take centre stage, and on the last day, they give us rest for a whole day until the clock strikes 11 pm, next we sing and dance until the witching hour. With an exhilarating 30-hour event over the span of three days, the word of Homecoming spread faster than an Ozempic prescription. Everyone wanted to try it, and the best part? It falls on Easter. Now, we have the excuse for partying all weekend to dawn without the worry of life on Monday.
The homecoming has everything so the little 5-7 minute distances between the art installations at Ikoyi, the panels at Musa Yar’ Adua Street (VI), and the workshops and temporary stores at Alara suddenly fade. Over the years, there have been a few changes to the time and additions have been made to give a better experience. Nonetheless, the festival has persevered; if it could survive Lagos hall rates and still host multiple events at different halls, then a pandemic wasn’t going to do much financial damage.
However, the 2020 edition was virtual, it was streamed in various countries within Africa and Europe due to the pandemic without a live audience. In August of that year, the panels unveiled its partners for the Homecoming Digital Festival with Browns, Mowalola, Casablanca, Off-White, Orange Culture, Patta, Vivendii, Post-Imperial, and Motherlan.
‘Tis 2023, it is more or less a 2-day event but Homecoming was here to deliver everything they’re known for and because it’s our lucky year, they added an art tour. The art tour and gallery were curated and organized by Forbes 30 under 30 Nigerian gallerist, Oyinkansola Dada (arguably one of the best dressed at the event, don’t argue with me, it is on Vogue). The art tour began at the Nordic Hotel where registered attendees waited to be picked up. The first stop was the National Museum, next, the thrilled party had a full feel of the Lagos contemporary art scene, from Rele Gallery to Affinity Gallery to Tiwani contemporary to the Sabo art exhibition at MÌLÍKÌ. Oyinkansola gave a spectacular tour and if you missed it, you’re in luck because she curated an exhibition titled “REVERIE” which is accessible to the public until the 21st of April; Location- 17, Maitama Sule Street.
While at Alara, the pop-up stores and workshops were available for most hours of the first and second days. Merchandises from Waf, Stussy, Meji Meji, Free The Youth, CASA BLANCA, Trapstar, Patta, Street Souk, DSNCITY, Motherlan, NOCTA, Dye Lab and several others were at the world-renowned boutique. To top it up on Alara’s rooftop, Dye Lab and NOCTA had a customization workshop where attendees got to join in the garment production process.
Attendees at ALARA, Photos by Olaniyan Oluwapelumi.
A few streets away, at The Hall, Musa Yar’adua Street, the panels were gearing up for an amazing lineup because above fashion, art, music and football is education. Partnered with YouTube and led by Dapo Ayo Adeusi, there was a music workshop discussion which covered topics such as strategy, distribution, royalties, licensing and publishing in the music business. While the creator workshop (also supported by YouTube) was led by Youtube’s Senior Product Marketing Manager, Adetutu Laditan. Other panels included topics on The Power In Building Connections, Infrastructure and Industry and Opportunities and Diversification in Art. Speakers included Korty Eo, Renike, Niyi Okeowo, Ayanfe Olarinde, Bizzle Osikoya, Ireti Zaccheus, Jomi Bello, Seni Saraki, Adeola Barke, David Sonubi, Olamide Olowo, Osa Seven, Anthony Azekwoh, Bele Adeleke and Solider.
The first day concluded with a football match at Upbeat Centre with stars like Odumodu Blvck and Teezee on the field; Homecoming All Stars vs Native Records FC. Then came Sunday night which involved a live show at Harbour Point, VI. Performances by Ayra Starr, Cruel Santino, Bella Shmurda, Blaqbonez, Victony, Psycho YP, Tiwa Savage, Lojay, Young Jonn, Odumodu Blvck and many more.
The Homecoming experience crawled so Netflix’s Kaleidoscope could fly; whatever way you want to navigate it solely depends on your, but I can give you an arranged list according to your personality. So next year, you know where you want to start. If you’re a street-style icon with high hopes of appearing or, even better, getting interviewed by Vogue, then I’d advise you to start at Alara, and hang out there till all the cool kids arrive (especially the nepo babies); Trust me they know when to arrive.
If you’re an art lover, then sign up for the art tour/exhibition; by the time the trip is over, you’ll be just in time for the panels at The Hall. Remember, the Alara experience is open till 8, and the football match begins around the same time. If you’re a creative trying to find a breakthrough in the industry, then head straight to the panels and, during the panel breaks, walk your way to Alara, the networking would be good for you; the people are usually happy to have a conversation with an upcoming talent.
Homecoming withstood the test of time, and luckily, its brilliance isn’t underappreciated. Irrespective of the weather condition (2022 was freezing, but we pulled up and partied with Black Sheriff and Central Cee regardless), Lagosians turn up and turn out for the festival. The best part is every attendee takes something different from it and manages to have a fun time.
