Last year, Lagos Meet kicked off a mission to discover talented 3D designers and animators who could bring African stories to life on Alpha&Jam‘s groundbreaking 3D digital billboard. The campaign, in collaboration with Unreal Engine, Lagos State Council for Arts & Culture, and Meta was an effort to ignite creativity and share meaningful narratives on this new medium.
The initial part of the campaign is now over, and outstanding submissions from motion designers and 3D artists have been received. The winners were revealed at the Lagos Meet Conference last year. Team Wondermen snagged the top spot, earning the ‘Best Overall Submission’ award. Wisdom Amaechi wowed us with ‘Best Technical Execution,’ while Franklin Fache’s entry stood out as the ‘Most Innovative.’
The final chapter is where you get to cast your votes for your favorite entries. Starting January 21st, check out the top 10 entries displayed on the 3D billboard at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Some of the Entries
Entry by Team Wondermen (David Ayokanmi, Matthew Isikhuemen)
This entry effectively combines all of the elements of the campaign; creativity, innovation, and Lagos. The entry is a short and fun way to illustrate unity and cooperation in Lagos; amongst the three major tribes. Speaking to the prevailing social and political mood. This entry also won the $3k prize for ‘Best Overall Submission’.
“Our story is necessitated by the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial elections and the alleged disunity and tension it fermented between certain ethnic groups, especially the Yoruba and Igbo in Lagos. With our experience growing and working around Lagos. Team Wondermen believes that Lagos is not a tribalistic state as it gives room for people of all culture and walks of life to thrive.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Wisdom Amechi Onyeokeh
This entry gives that wicked vibe, the execution was also deemed wicked as it took home the $2k prize for ‘Best Technical Execution’. The story shows a conniving Eyo Masquerade admiring a digital catalogue of toys in the form of critical state infrastructure.
“In creating my entry, I aimed to seamlessly blend the iconic symbols of Lagos, crafting a visually captivating narrative. I carefully integrated key landmarks such as the Eyo, the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, and the national theatre, with a subtle inclusion of a Lagbus in the background. The concept involves a dynamic interplay among these elements, as if the city itself is staging a captivating performance.
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Franklin Fache
If you’ve stayed long enough in Lagos, you’ve probably watched a scene like this play out in real life. This entry tells of a future where we have flying Danfos, and determined LASTMA officials. This entry won the $1k prize for ‘Most Innovative Entry’
“This particular driver decided to follow the wrong lane in an illegal route, “The Ikoyi-Lekki link bridge” as a short cut but a LATSMA officer prevented him from passing so he decided to use his ‘innovative’ Vertical Flight system that he Installed in his Danfo for leaping over the notorious Lagos traffic jam to evade the officer. The Latsma officer, resilient in spirit and tenacious in his disposition to uphold the law decided to leap onto the bus to prevent the driver from making progress.” Lol.
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Seamless Anamorphics (Charles Adekoya, Gbolahan Ismail, Adebayo Ajibade, Okeke Samuel Chimezie)
This entry tells Tunde’s meteoric life story in 15 seconds. The entry also captures all the familiar sights and objects known to Lagosians through the years as the charater’s story develops. We see Tunde’s journey from the days of playing stick and tyre on the streets to Honourable commissioner for youth and development. Talk about grace!
“The story unfolds through the lens of relatable character, Tunde who grew up in the remote areas of Epe, playing in the streets with little or nothing to worry about. Tunde’s family moved to Lagos Mainland where he schooled as a young boy experiencing the busy life of Lagos. After his tertiary education, He served his Fathers’ land as a youth corp member, enjoying the time spent with the beautiful people of Makoko and helping the school children learn better. He did exceptionally well in his time at Makoko that the state governor picked him up as the commissioner for youth and Social development.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Faithful Tennyson Idama
This entry by Faithful Tennyson is definitely one of our favourites, and not just because it references Lagos Meet; it effortlessly blends the past and the future with swag and style.
“In the heart of Lagos, the Eyo masquerade, a symbol of Yoruba culture, sprints across an island, his eyes glowing with ancient mystique. The scene unfolds against the haunting backdrop of a slave trade ship on the horizon, signifying Lagos’s historical struggles. Eyo’s luminescent eyes serve as a bridge between tradition and a painful past, guiding us through a mesmerizing journey of Yoruba heritage. As he races, the animation captures the essence of celebration and sorrow, seamlessly blending the present with echoes of history.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Ezekiel Chalika
This entry takes the iconic wise men of Lagos, and makes them at home on the billboard. You see the most curious of the Wise men poke his head outside the billboard before a piece of cloth flies into his face. Lagos Nawa!
“The Three Wise Men sculpture, originally crafted by Bodun Shodeinde in 1991. This iconic sculpture was was designed to depict the state cultural heritage which distinguishes it from other states and served as a welcoming beacon for visitors and tourists entering the state. Regrettably, the sculpture has been relocated from its initial position at the Lagos-Ibadan toll gate.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Deji Oyewole
This is Lagos where anything that can happen will happen; the land of Opportunities as Deji aptly put it. This entry brings together elements symbolic with Lagos in unlikely ways. Afterall, you don’t know when the roof will fall and you will have to dodge Danfos in the sky.
“Lagos is many things to many people, But as far as Nigeria is concerned, Lagos is city where anything can happen, which goes both ways, to me Lagos depicts a lot of positives in terms of technology and is usually the first in Nigeria to adopt new ways”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Miracle Otugo
This soothing entry by Miracle shows what could be, with a Danfo-themed cable car picking up a passenger at the bus stop cable car stop. The wonders of a modern transportation in the traffic-riddled city of Lagos.
“This animation reimagines the city’s transportation landscape, seamlessly blending the iconic essence of Lagos buses with the sleek charm of cable cars, creating a visual symphony that propels us into the future.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Ransom Urama
This entry takes you on a trip. The story starts with a time-travelling Erelu Kuti, also regarded as The Queen mother (and Regent to the Oba of Lagos) who gets off a ride with the Lagos State Blue Line Rail Transit, and through what can only be regarded as extremely strong metaphysical powers transforms the train she rode into a big fish, which she then transforms into a Canoe to get her to where she needs to go. As you all know, in Lagos, the mode of transportation you choose is critical to get anywhere on time.
“My entry is a blend of the past and the future. It is inspired by the rich history of Lagos as well as her blueprint for the future. It is set in a near-future Lagos but the character is an Eighteenth century Eko royal figure inspired by my little knowledge of Erelu Kuti I and IV.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Opeyemi Adewole
This masquerade is a glass-shattering recording artiste with the voice, moves, and stick to create a smashing performance.
“The Eyo Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a masquerade procession that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Lagos, particularly the Yoruba ethnic group. The festival is considered one of the most significant cultural events in Lagos and attracts both local and international tourists.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Olamide Iluyomade
Olamide takes us on a journey to see Lagos the way he sees it, recreating his past experiences with him in frame. It’s definitely a brilliant way to tell the story!
“The Main Purpose Of The Story Is To Showcase Lagos’s Uncommon Fun Activities (As The Canoe Ride Was Fun For Me The Very First Time I Tried It.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Tolulope Olusesan
This exceptional entry by Tolulope breathes life into Lagos with captivating animation and highly detailed 3d models. The motions also perfectly represents the hustle and bustle of the city of Lagos.
“In creating this, I sought to encapsulate the core of what defines Lagos. The hustle and bustle, the speed of commute and daily existence. I wanted to capture what defines the Lagosian transport system, the elements of Lagos culture with the Eyo masquerade and Lagos’ inclusivity with the final scene showing the 20 Local Government Areas.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Blemin Studios (Adedoyin Buraimoh, Gomenti Joshua, Mohammed Aisha, Oyewole Bola
This entry by Blemin Studios collective parades the major tribes in Nigeria with motion depictions influenced by their cultural practices and mannerisms. The animation is well-executed, featuring consistently styled characters that add to its overall appeal.
“The story is based on the Cultural Diversity in Lagos; a vibrant hub in Nigeria, pulsates with a rhythmic blend of diverse cultures and tribes. From the Yoruba to the Igbo and Hausa, the city weaves a tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. Its dynamic energy reflects the harmonious coexistence of Nigeria’s rich cultural mosaic.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Justine Emeghebo
The digital masquerade of Justine’s creation seems to have mastered his footwork. The drummers on cue elevate the ritual to a new platform with rhythmic grace. We also love to see all of the 3d models and assets that have been understudied and recreated for this project.
“I was a bit confused in the beginning and my major challenge at that stage was choosing something that would fit a 3D billboard, I had no experience with 3D billboards. I decided to settle for the Eyo Festival.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Oghenemine Deniran
Lagos is a city where anything is possible. Oghenemine’s entry brilliantly uses the billboard to narrate the tale of a curious and disobedient masquerade, and a life-sized twist. The character design is also executed with remarkable skill and attention to detail.
“The Story is about Expecting the unexpected in a diverse place like Lagos'”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Temitope Falade
This entry by Temitope brings the Danfo to life, set in a world of anthropomorphic vehicles; in this story, the Danfo not just as a mode of transportation but a dynamic character. We also love the craftsmanship and creativity behind this entry.
“A gloomy looking Danfo character drives slowly into the frame. As the character drives forward, the wall blocks split open to reveal the background which turns out to be a segment of the third mainland bridge in Lagos.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Box Studios (Ikechukwu Elobike)
Just a typical day in Lagos, you’re on your way to Ketu, that babe by the window just bought soft Gala and cold Coke in traffic, but now the traffic is moving, the Gala seller hasn’t been paid, and he’s now sprinting in Gear 4 on the express. You know, just a typical day. This entry by Ikechukwu is both apt and hilarious.
“This story shows a typical day in the life of a Lagos hustler, portraying a Danfo conductor and a Road side hawker. The chaos that occurs on a daily basis in the streets of Lagos.”
Behind the Scenes
Entry by Oluwaseyi Oyesiku
Oluwaseyi’s entry endows the Eyo masquerade with special powers; and as you already know, when the drums start to beat on their own accord, things get spiritual. Jokes asides, this entry gracefully intertwines elements of Yoruba cultural heritage, showcasing the rich history of Lagosians.
“My entry is based on the Lagos Eyo festival also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, one of the most notable indigenous festivals in Lagos. Drawing inspiration from this, I created traditional Yoruba musical instruments such as the Bata drum and the Gangan (talking drum) which is being played in the scene, to give the impression of a traditional 3D space for the billboard. The backdrop walls are inspired by the Adire fabric and traditional mural markings.”
Behind the Scenes
To watch all of the entries for the 3d billboard campaign, check out this Youtube Playlist.