When author Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ isn’t writing novels – from her award-winning debut Stay With Me to her most recent book, A Spell Of Good Things – she’s still absorbing culture in some form. “Music is the thing that is constant wherever I am,” she says, referencing it as a “very important” part of her writing process, choosing songs that soundtrack the story she’s creating. Theatre and literature also provide inspiration for her work: the powerful plays of Wole Soyinka made her want to be writer, while she cites novels such as Beloved by Toni Morrison and Abide With Me by Elizabeth Strout as key influences on her storytelling.
As for Adébáyọ’s own narratives, both novels are set against the backdrop of Nigeria – a country that remains a central part of who she is today. While she was born in Lagos, Adébáyọ was then raised in other cities in southwest Nigeria, and moved to the UK after university for further studies in Norwich. She has since partly settled in Norwich, splitting her time between there while also returning to Lagos.
For Adébáyọ, reconnecting with her birth city has been invaluable. “I was born in Lagos but did not grow up there,” she explains. “Since I moved back over five years ago, I’ve found inspiration while exploring several artistic oases in the city.”
Here, the author shares the Lagos galleries, museums and stores she returns to time and again...
- Rele Gallery – An art gallery showcasing contemporary Nigerian and African artists. Their young contemporary exhibits highlight emerging talents.
- The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History – A unique hub that celebrates Yoruba culture and aesthetic through its architecture, an extensive art exhibit, an immersive soundscape and more.
- Yemisi Shyllon Musuem of Art – This is home to a diverse collection of over 1,000 artworks that includes traditional, modern and contemporary artforms.
- Nike Art Gallery – A prominent gallery with a mix of well-known and not-so popular artists. The space is named after its benefactor, Chief Nike Okundaye-Davies, whose presence at the gallery and trailblazing work with fabric art continues to inspire a new generation of artists.
- Jazzhole – This bookshop, record store and cafe is a space to wander through, pick up a book or vinyl record and have a tea or coffee.
A Spell Of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ is out now
Discover more about Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ’s inspirations, writing process and work in our interview here
