TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN INTRODUCTION IN LAGOS
This May I’ve visited Lagos again for two reasons: to attend The Now Collectives and to photograph my friends Tola & Segun‘s introduction. For those of you who don’t know, Segun is TNC CEO, the largest event for photographers in Lagos, and one of the top Nigerian wedding photographers shooting weddings all over the world. So, I felt privileged when he asked me to photograph his introduction. Besides that, he had a lot of other great photographers among the guests so I had a huge bearing on me. Olu Akintorin, Chad Pennington, Bayo Omoboriowo and Amy Anaiz Genao just to mention a few of them.
What is a traditional Nigerian introduction? The Introduction ceremony is a formal meeting between both families of the bride and groom-to-be. Basically, it is held with the aim of both families getting to know one another better. The intended groom comes with KEY members of his family (often with a few close friends) to formally make his intention of marrying their daughter known to KEY members of his soon-to-be-wife’s family. Of course, they do not come empty handed: It is customary to come bearing gifts, nothing over the top though. Some of these gift items (fruit, wine, honey) are symbolic.
SHOOTING WEDDINGS IN LAGOS
Photographing weddings in Lagos is not an easy job, especially because you have to deal with one of the worst traffic in the world. Sometimes it takes hours to get from a certain point to another. Fortunately Tola’s driver was sharp enough to follow a Police convoy in order to get in time for their ceremony and party. But this is just a small detail, Nigerian events are awesome… I’ve said it many times. If you want to read more about their wedding industry have a quick read here.
Tolani and Segun, thanks for putting your faith in me!
Thanks to the very talented Femi Awobokun from Caution Pictures for helping me through this day!
