British actor and Hollywood superstar, Idris Elba, has showered praise on Lagos, describing Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub as “the most amazing city in the world.”
The award-winning actor made the statement while speaking at the TIFF Tribute Awards, where he reflected on his recent experience filming Dust to Dreams in Lagos.
The film, which stars Elba alongside British-Nigerian singer Seal, gave the actor a rare opportunity to immerse himself in the energy, culture, and creativity of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.
“Lagos, if you’ve never been, it’s the most amazing place, city in the world,” Elba said. “I had a great time. The talent there is incredible.”
Elba also praised Seal for his authenticity during the production, revealing that the multi-award-winning artist performed using his Nigerian accent for the first time. “It was a special moment,” Elba noted, highlighting how the collaboration helped celebrate Nigerian identity on a global platform.
Lagos has long been regarded as Nigeria’s cultural heartbeat, home to a thriving music, film, fashion, and art scene that has attracted international recognition.
Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is headquartered in Lagos and produces thousands of films annually, making the city a magnet for creative talent.
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In recent years, global stars and filmmakers have increasingly chosen Lagos as a filming location, citing its unique energy and authenticity.
Elba’s praise adds to the growing recognition of Lagos as not only an economic hub but also a cultural powerhouse shaping Africa’s global narrative.
Elba, who is of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian descent, has always been vocal about his ties to Africa and his desire to amplify African voices through storytelling.
In addition to his acting career, he has produced several projects that spotlight African culture and narratives, often advocating for increased investment in the continent’s creative industries.
The actor’s deep connection to Africa has informed much of his philanthropic and professional work. He has previously expressed interest in building studios in Africa to create opportunities for local filmmakers and to bring more African stories to global audiences.
With a Golden Globe Award, three BAFTA nominations, and six Emmy nominations, Idris Elba is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and accomplished actors of his generation.
He is known for his iconic roles in The Wire, Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and blockbuster films such as Thor and Beasts of No Nation.
In 2016, Time magazine named Elba one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, cementing his reputation as a cultural figure whose impact goes beyond entertainment.
His work spans acting, directing, music, and activism, with a consistent focus on empowering communities and inspiring young creatives.
Elba’s glowing remarks about Lagos are likely to resonate widely, shining a global spotlight on Nigeria’s largest city and reinforcing its status as a destination for art, music, film, and cultural exchange.
For many Nigerians, his comments are not just praise but validation of the city’s resilience, energy, and capacity to inspire.
In a time when Lagos faces challenges ranging from traffic congestion to rapid urbanisation, the actor’s words serve as a reminder of what makes the city a symbol of ambition and creativity.
As Dust to Dreams prepares for release, anticipation is building among Nigerian audiences eager to see how Lagos will be portrayed through Elba’s artistic lens, and how the film might further elevate the city’s image on the world stage.
