It’s International Women’s Day, and we are thrilled. The hospitality and nightlife industry is generally male-dominated, but some incredible women are changing the narrative with their achievements of women in the industry, and we have made it our mission to celebrate them this International Women’s Month.
This celebratory piece spotlights four amazing women who have proven themselves to be forces to be reckoned with and have had a great impact on Lagos’s nightlife and hospitality industry.
Damilola Mafe
Damilola Mafe, popularly known as Mafe on dis 1, is a veteran promoter who has successfully hacked the game. But her journey was neither easy nor predictable. As a Nigerian born in London, Mafe never thought that she’d become a nightlife aficionado when she just moved to Lagos. When she started showing interest in the industry instead of a more traditional profession, her parents tried to dissuade her from it. However, as a proper Lagosian who studied mass communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the centre of opportunities, you can only expect that it must have been difficult for her to follow the will of her parents.
Mafe has been in the nightlife scene for over 15 years, evolving from being a promoter to working as a General Manager through her passion, determination and doggedness. Mafe currently runs The Assembly, one of the hottest Thursday nights in Lagos at De Chandelier.
Tobi Hamilton
Miss Hamilton wears many hats! She’s the Founder and Managing Director of THE HOUSE, a leading social house in Lagos, THE TERRACE, a quaint and cosy rooftop and renowned marketing agency Hamilton & Hamilton, where she helps other brands execute flawless marketing strategies. She is also an executive director at Balosh Integrated Services, a leading car park management and access control company in Lagos.
Tobi is a Harvard Business School alumni and also holds an MSc. (distinction) in Strategic Marketing and Competitive Intelligence, as well as a Professional Marketing Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) UK. With over 15 years of experience spanning different sectors, she successfully grew THE HOUSE to become a mainstay in Lagos’ hospitality scene.
Tracy Nwapa
Tracy is the ultimate entrepreneurial powerhouse.
From fashion and beauty to interior design and, most importantly, hospitality, Tracy has shown her sophisticated taste and drive for excellence in her pursuits. She is the founder of Interior Culture by Obiageli, an interior design firm that offers unique contemporary design services to clients across the country, boasting clients like MTN and more. Her love for design is evident in the creation of her stunning Tulum-themed restaurant and social house, Slice Social.
Tracy Nwapa exemplifies the essence of sophistication and lifestyle in the hospitality industry. Her businesses, notably the recently established Pavilion Nightlife, a cabaret-style entertainment venue, provide a distinct and memorable dining experience.
Abby Charles
A true Queen of nightlife, Abby Charles has dominated the scene for over 14 years through her dedication and finesse. Despite stereotypes that women cannot excel in the nightlife industry, Abby has focused on her vision to prove that she can do everything better. Her impactful contributions to the industry have earned her numerous prestigious awards.
Abby is the brain behind “I Just Got Back”, an annual showcase of Lagos Nightlife for Nigerians in the diaspora, which has been running for over a decade and founder of Abby’s Barbers Lounge in Lagos. King Abby Charles, as she prefers to be called, is now an industry name, leaving an indelible mark on the industry through her commitment to outstanding service. Her mantra: proving she can do everything better.
These four incredible women have made greatly impacted the hospitality and nightlife industry in Nigerial. However, there are several other talents who are making a mark and challenging stereotypes in the industry. Their passion and dedication towards making an impact in nightlife and hospitality are seen and appreciated. Hence, it is only right that we celebrate their excellence on this special day and every other day!
