Crowned by Hustle, Lagos

Fine Art Photography Print

This photograph was made in Lagos in 2021, in the middle of a crowded open market on Lagos Island. In a space defined by noise, movement, and constant negotiation, she stood out immediately. She moved through the market with her jewelry balanced on her head like a crown, both hands focused on her purse as she reached in to complete a transaction without breaking stride.

The scene unfolded quickly. Trade did not pause. And neither did she. What struck me was the composure in motion, the ease with which she carried her wares steadily on her head while managing money and movement at the same time. In a city where attention is divided and space is contested, her balance felt instinctive, practiced, and well earned.

For me, this image has always felt like a portrait of Lagos itself. The hustle here is not performative. It is practical, inventive, and embodied. Everyday Nigerians like her carry entire systems on their heads, adapting in real time, staying upright through pressure, and moving forward without waiting for ideal conditions.

This photograph also mirrors my own path as a freelance journalist and visual storyteller. Working outside fixed structures has required balance, clarity, and persistence. I have had to carry the work steadily while navigating a crowded landscape where many feel pressured to keep up appearances rather than do the actual work itself.

Printed as part of On the Road, Still Learning, this piece reflects the everyday resilience that continues to shape both my work and the cities I return to.

Print Details

• Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Year: 2021
• Print Sizes:
– A4 (Print only, with border)
– A4 (Black frame, with border)
– A3 (Print only, with border)
– A3 (Black frame, with border)
• Paper: Hahnemühle Photo Rag (gallery-quality fine art paper)
• Finish: Unframed & Framed
• Frame: Nielsen Quadrum black frame with high-quality glass window
• Printing: Professional lab with operations in the UK, Germany & the U.S.
• Shipping: Free global shipping
• Fulfilment: Fast production & worldwide delivery
• Sustainability: End-to-end carbon-neutral printing and shipping

This print is intended for collectors drawn to everyday resilience, street-level economy, and images that reveal strength in seemingly ordinary moments rather than in performance or spectacle.