. . . Let’s go now to Africa, to Nigeria, to a community called
Makoko, a slum where 150,000 people live just meters above
the Lagos Lagoon. While it may appear to be a completely
chaotic place, when you see it from above, there seems to
be a whole grid of waterways and canals connecting each
and every home. From the main dock, people board long
wooden canoes which carry them out to their various homes
and shops located in the expansive area. When out on the
water, it’s clear that life has been completely adapted to this
very specific way of living. Even the canoes become variety
stores1 where ladies paddle from house to house, selling
anything from toothpaste to fresh fruits. Behind every window
and door frame, you’ll see a small child peering back at you,
and while Makoko seems to be packed with people, what’s
more shocking is actually the amount of children pouring
out of every building. The population growth in Nigeria, and
especially in these areas like Makoko, are painful reminders2
of how out of control things really are.
In Makoko, very few systems and infrastructures exist.
Electricity is rigged3, and freshest water comes from selfbuilt
wells throughout the area. This entire economic model
is designed to meet a specific way of living on the water, so
fishing and boat making are common professions. . . .
On this particular evening, I came across this live band
dressed to the T4 in their coordinating outfits. They were
floating through the canals in a large canoe with a fitted-out5
generator for all of the community to enjoy. By nightfall, the
area becomes almost pitch black6, save for a small lightbulb
or a fire.