Lagos’s First Nostalgia-centered Festival Celebrates Nigerian Millennial Culture with a Very Impressive Debut Event
The city of Lagos witnessed a revival of childhood memories as BCKYRDFEST, an event set to be Lagos’ leading nostalgia-centered festival, made an impressive debut at Aimas Garden, Ikoyi. Organised by House of Apollo in collaboration with Comida by Niime, the event attracted more than 200 attendees, marking a remarkable first edition that celebrated Nigerian millennial childhood culture from the 1980s through the early 2000s.
BCKYRDFEST was structured across two immersive sessions: Omo Yard, the daytime experience (12PM–5PM), and Big Steppaz, the evening celebration (5PM–10PM). Both sessions transported guests back into the familiar rhythm of childhood, blending traditional games, nostalgic music, classic cinema, and childhood food favourites into a modern cultural experience.
A Celebration Of Nostalgia, Culture & Play
The Traditional Games Zone became the heartbeat of the day session, with attendees rediscovering beloved Nigerian games such as Ayo Olopon, Snake and Ladder, Jenga, Basketball Hoop, and more.
The atmosphere was enriched by a carefully curated soundscape as DJ Markiss delivered a musical journey through the cassette-era classics of Plantashun Boiz, Styl-Plus, P-Square, 2Baba, Fela Kuti, and other icons of early Nigerian pop culture. Guests also enjoyed karaoke moments hosted by “Everything Marv”, performing songs that defined their youth.
In the evening, attendees gathered in the lounge area overlooking the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge for a special screening of the cult-classic Nollywood film “Billionaire’s Club”, creating a shared communal experience reminiscent of early 2000s home video culture.
Culinary Nostalgia Reimagined
Food was a standout highlight, featuring the “Throwback Feast” curated by Comida by Niime. Guests either stood in line or sat across a table facing one another, like the village gathering stage you’d normally see in movies, to enjoy elevated reinterpretations of childhood staples such as Sunday White Rice & Beef Stew, Native Concoction Rice, Dundu Bites, and other reinvented classics. For many attendees, the food court became one of the most memorable parts of the festival.
Vendor Marketplace & Small Business Participation
In addition to its cultural and culinary experiences, BCKYRDFEST also featured a Vendor Marketplace, spotlighting Lagos-based small businesses that added depth, flavour, and authenticity to the festival atmosphere.
Yewa Party Drinks energized guests throughout the day with their signature retro-inspired drink selections, from the traditional palm wine to soft drinks served in their old bottles, while Pop and Candy delivered a sweet dose of nostalgia through classic confectioneries reminiscent of childhood “after school” treats. NKS, known for its handcrafted beads and accessories, offered attendees beautifully curated pieces that celebrated Nigerian craftsmanship and personal style.
These vendors enriched the festival with interactive, memory-evoking touchpoints, from tastes and textures to keepsakes and cultural artefacts, reinforcing BCKYRDFEST’s mission to support local businesses while amplifying the nostalgia experience.
At the Virtual Reality Zone, guests experienced immersive environments that blended analog childhood with digital innovation, reinforcing BCKYRDFEST’s unique positioning at the intersection of memory and modern technology.
Professional photo booths and retro-styled installations produced over 500 photos, capturing the spirit of the day as guests embraced playful, nostalgic outfits and props.
Strategic Partnerships
BCKYRDFEST was powered by partnerships with key Lagos-based brands:
– House of Apollo provided venue infrastructure and experience design.
– Comida by Niime curated the culinary experience, merging nostalgic flavours with contemporary dining quality.
– Nutrify Farms supplied the fresh produce used in the food preparations.
– Mobil 11 contributed support that elevated the scale and quality of the event.
BCKYRDFEST delivered significant cultural and social impact across multiple fronts. The festival served as a living archive of Nigerian childhood traditions, with the attendees learning or relearning traditional games that are increasingly at risk of disappearing in the digital age. Beyond cultural preservation, the event also proved emotionally restorative for many Lagosians; post-event surveys revealed that 76% of guests experienced a “mental reset,” with numerous attendees describing the experience as “therapeutic,” “healing,” and “emotionally restorative.”
Economically, the strong turnout and ticket demand (₦10,000–₦18,500) reinforced the rising appetite for curated experiential events in Nigeria, validating BCKYRDFEST as a promising model within the country’s expanding experience-driven economy.
Following the overwhelming success of its debut, BCKYRDFEST is confirmed as an annual flagship event, with future editions expanding capacity and introducing new nostalgic experiences.
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