British actor Idris Elba has crowned Lagos “the most amazing city in the world,” hailing the Nigerian megacity’s boundless energy and vibrant creative talent.
Elba made the declaration during an interview with ETalk TV on the red carpet at the TIFF Tribute Awards held on September 7. A video of his remarks has since gone viral on social media.
“Lagos, if you have never been there, is the most amazing city in the world. I had a great time. The talent there is incredible,” Elba said, reflecting on his time in the city while filming Dust to Dreams.
The award-winning actor revealed that he left Nigeria with “a wealth of incredible memories.” Among the highlights, he recalled a performance by British-Nigerian singer Seal (Henry Olusegun Samuel), who amused the crowd by adopting a Nigerian accent.
Elba, who has earned a Golden Globe for Luther, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Beasts of No Nation, and an OBE for his services to drama, was also named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2016.
His glowing endorsement adds to the growing international spotlight on Nigeria’s booming film and creative industries, which continue to attract global directors and stars to Lagos.
