British actor Idris Elba has described Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, as “the most amazing city in the world.” The Hollywood star praised the city’s vibrant spirit, powerful energy, and the outstanding creativity of its people.
Elba made these remarks while speaking to ETalk TV on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Tribute Awards on September 7. A short video of the interview has since gone viral on social media, drawing excitement from many Nigerians and fans worldwide.
The actor reflected on his recent visit to Lagos, where he filmed part of his upcoming project, Dust to Dreams. Sharing his experience, Elba said: 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.
He explained that his stay in the city left him with A wealth of incredible memories. Among those memories, one of the most unforgettable was a performance by British singer Seal (Henry Olusegun Samuel). Seal, who has Nigerian roots, delighted the audience by performing while playfully using a Nigerian accent, which Elba said was a standout highlight of his trip.
Idris Elba is no stranger to global recognition. Over the years, he has earned several major awards and honors. He won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the TV series Luther, received a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in Beasts of No Nation, and was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama. In 2016, he was also named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.
By praising Lagos so highly, Elba has joined the growing list of international stars who have shone a spotlight on Nigeria’s creative scene. In recent years, the city has become the beating heart of Africa’s film and entertainment industry, attracting directors, musicians, and actors from across the globe.
With Nollywood’s rapid rise, a booming music industry, and a wave of young creatives pushing boundaries, Lagos is steadily gaining recognition as a global hub for culture, art, and innovation. Elba’s warm words about the city highlight just how far its influence has reached,and how its creative energy continues to inspire the world.
