Grammy winner Ciara hails Lagos growth, dons Adire on city tour

Grammy Award-winning international superstar, Ciara Princess Wilson, has returned to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of a cultural visit celebrating Lagos’ growing global influence in tourism, art, and fashion.

The trip, described as a “homecoming” for the star, coincides with the state’s celebration of the 15th anniversary of Lagos Fashion Week.

The visit was officially announced on X on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State, Jubril Gawat.

He wrote, “International Superstar, Grammy Award Winner, CIARA Princess Wilson is in Lagos, accompanied by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

“She will be joining us in Lagos to celebrate our Tourism, our Art, and our culture.

“It’s a homecoming for her and other creatives who see Lagos as home. She would visit different cultural sites in Lagos and also celebrate the successful hosting of the 15th anniversary of the Lagos Fashion Week in collaboration with Lagos State Government.”

The American singer has enthusiastically engaged with local culture, with videos of her activities quickly going viral.

In a video clip shared by Gawat, Ciara was seen dancing vigorously while being entertained by local performers at an art gallery.

Adorned in a beautiful blue adire gown and headgear at the gallery, she affirmed her connection to the city by declaring, “Eko oni baje,” the popular Lagos slogan that literally translates to “Lagos will not be ruined.”

Gawat also confirmed in a separate post that the superstar was taken to the iconic Balogun Market, one of Lagos’ busiest commercial hubs, as part of her cultural experience.

In another trending video, Ciara remarked on the city’s infrastructure improvements since her last visit.

“I’m happy to be here. I’m really excited,” she said. “I know about Lagos. Lagos, from what I see, I’ve seen an evolution of Lagos. When I used to land, I used to see all the dirt roads; now what I see is pavement.”

This visit is not Ciara’s first trip to Lagos.

In February 2016, she headlined the popular “Love Like A Movie 3” concert at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island.

Ciara’s latest trip comes amid Lagos’ growing recognition as a major hub for African fashion, creativity, and entertainment on the global stage.