By Cyril Ehis
Lagos, Nigeria’s culture capital, got it right in September when one of the world’s most resoected actors and cultural icons, Idris Elba, declared the city-state of 20 million people the world most amazing city.
The popular British actor praised the city’s vibrant energy and creative talent when he attended the Toronto International Film Festival last month.
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The Hollywood star could not hide his admiration for Lagos while speaking on the red carpet at the TIFF Tribute Awards in an interview with eTalk TV.
He spoke against the background of ‘Dust to Dreams’ a shirt film he directed for Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life Films, which premiered at TIFF.
“There are so many memories. Lagos, if you have never been there, is the most amazing place, city in the world. I had a great time. The talent there is incredible,” he said.
Elba recalled that one of the highlights of his experience was watching British singer Seal, whose birth name is Henry Olusegun Samuel, step into an acting role using his native Nigerian accent.
“I got to have Seal acting. He has acted before but this is one he is acting in his accent. You know, his Nigerian heritage,” he said.
“That was a real blessing. One of the big standout moments is there is this really amazing song that we wrote for the film and they performed it at the end of the song.
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Seal and a lovely artiste called Konstance.”
