ETP Weekly 014
[Letters from Lagos 008]
For the first time in two months, I am writing to you from London - specifically the Northern Line. Flying is bizarre. Every time I get on a plane I still struggle to comprehend how entering a metal tube for a few hours can drastically change what the world looks like for you. I imagine if one tried to explain the concept of an airplane to someone in the Middle Ages, they’d question your sanity, which compels me to wonder what advances are to come in my lifetime and beyond. Strangely enough, being in London for a few days has made Nigeria feel like a distant memory and I’ve found myself scrolling through my camera roll to prove that the past two months really happened. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to recalibrate and reconnect and I truly feel like I grew immensely. As I prepare to step into a new chapter of my life, I feel well equipped with perspective and wisdom needed to navigate this season. I have some pieces I want to write reflecting on my experience and as I’ve mentioned before, I’m contemplating tinkering with the cadence of these newsletters to facilitate that but in the meantime, here is a brief reflection on the past week.
Ẹ ku alẹjò
When I visited Senegal, one of the concepts that was emphasised was the idea of ‘Teranga’ which essentially translates to hospitality. I experienced this firsthand notably being treated to coffee and bissap by a record store owner or when I was being helped by a stranger when I was lost on the street. While my time in Senegal compelled me to question similarities and differences between the West Africa nations, my experience in Nigeria affirmed that this proclivity towards hospitality is a similarity between the nations. For a large chunk of my time in Lagos, my friend Victor welcomed me like a family member into his space and I felt like I was truly at home. I also observed how friends were welcomed seamlessly by my family. I recall my grandma being annoyed that I didn’t give her notice to prepare food for arrival - this desire to welcome and accommodate touched my heart. Most surprisingly though, a stranger who wanted to save me spending uber money directed me to transport, explained the rate I should expect to pay and offered to cover the fare. This warmth that I experienced was in stark contrast to the sense of suspicion I had been conditioned to approach people with and while I am not naive enough to say suspicion is unfounded, I am grateful to have developed a more nuanced understanding of how I move about the country thanks to the welcome I received.
Inspiring Me:-
Reading about the late Ebo Taylor’s legacy
Read of the Week:-
Song of the Week:-
Learned about the story behind this performance in church and was very moved. An improvisation on a faulty piano that has been etched in the history books.
Looking forward to:-
Starting a course
Creative journaling session
Going back to my old school
With Love,
ETP
Thank you very much for the shoutout !