If there’s one thing Lagosians know how to do, it’s party! Whether it’s a Friday night turn-up, a birthday celebration, or owambe, it doesn’t matter where. With the right music and people, you already have yourself an oblee outbreak— translation, we get lit!
Apart from the regular Parties and nightlife activities- Pool parties, clubbing, etc., another staple in the city is House Parties, which most people prefer due to their exclusivity and intimacy. However, hosting a house party in Lagos isn’t just about sending out invites and setting up a speaker; there’s an art to it. If you want to throw a house party in Lagos that people will be talking about long after the last song fades out, follow these key steps:
Set the Vibe
There are a lot of things to consider when trying to curate a mood, or set the tone for a party, but don’t get thrown off by the endless ideas, let’s break it down into major boxes to check, which include but are not limited to: Location, Music, and Why?
- Location: Mainland or Island? Answering this question first is honestly the best way to quickly decide on whether you want to throw a party or not, it helps to quickly focus on challenges that are custom to either side of Lagos— we’ll get to that later, moving on… Another important moving part in this is also what kind of house you want to host your guests in.
- Music: This one is determined by how big of a party you’re throwing, is it a good JBL type of party, or a we need a DJ! —type of party, settle on that and get going on securing whatever you’ll need.
- Why?: If you’re going to a party, you’d wanna know what kinda vibe you should expect, right? It’s themed, are there games? Is it risque? You have to finalize these three things, as they’ll narrow down your side attractions, music policy, and hospitality.
If you have all these covered, you’re already off to a great start!
The Guest List
There is art to curating parties that a lot of people think they have but don’t, and it’s down to knowing who to not invite. House parties thrive on organic connections, be strategic with your guest list. Balance is key—mix familiar faces with new energy to keep things interesting. The best publicity for a party is when people acknowledge they had a good time, and that’s “people”.
A Well-Stocked Bar
This is a no-brainer; it’s simply making sure there’s always enough booze at any time of the party. A smart idea is to start with welcome shots and continue with cocktails. Your guests can even make their drinks. Pro tip: make the drinks sweeter and less alcoholic as the party goes on, that way you can ensure you don’t run out of booze too soon. Also, have lots of water, it’s all fun and games until dehydration kicks in.
Item 7
If you don’t know what “Item 7” is, then you’re in the right place. Item 7 is a popular Nigerian slang for “party refreshments”. What makes a party even better is food; you don’t have to go overboard, but having something to soak up the drinks is going to help keep the party alive. Small chops (puff-puff, spring rolls, samosas, and chicken wings) are always a hit, but if you want to go extra, jollof rice is the next best option.
Security
The worst thing to happen to any house party is to be shut down by security officials, building management, or law enforcement. Be sure to have an agreement with the building manager, neighbours, and whoever you need to settle with. On the flip side, parties have a way of getting rowdy quickly, so hire security or have some friends volunteer.
Plan for the Aftermath
A legendary party is fun, but the next morning’s cleanup? Not so much. If possible, have disposable cups and plates to minimize stress. Assign a few trusted friends to help with post-party duties, or hire a cleaner, that’ll be the best decision you make.
Final Thoughts
House parties in Lagos are all about good energy, great music, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s intimate or a full-blown rager, planning is the best way to ensure you and your guests have fun.
