Lagos: Supernatural City : Tales of Survival, Spirituality and the Struggle for Power in Africa’s Biggest Metropolis

by Tim Cocks

An intimate portrait of life in one of the most vibrant cities on Earth.


This is a frantic, mystical journey through Africa’s biggest metropolis: Lagos. Going beyond the popular images of mad traffic or crowded slums, it tells of the incredible feats Lagosians must pull off to survive their broken-down city. It also reveals the secret enabling them to cope with the chaos and precarity of Nigeria’s most populous centre: spirituality.

A female street fighter in a male-dominated mafia extortion business. Two powerful chiefs locked in a deadly feud over billion-dollar real estate. An oil tycoon who gambles her fortune on televangelists’ prophecies. A rubbish scavenger dreaming of a reggae career. A fisherman’s son trying to save Makoko, the ‘floating slum’, from demolition and transformation into luxury waterside flats. A priestess to a river goddess selling sand to feed Lagos’s voracious construction boom.

If anything unites these disparate figures, it is their belief in unseen forces, and their commitment to worshipping them–whether at secret shrines to West African gods and ancestors, or in the iron-roofed churches and domed mosques dotting the Lagos skyline. In this extraordinary city, Tim Cocks uncovers something universal about human nature in the face of danger and high uncertainty: our tendency to place faith in a realm beyond.

344 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2022

Reviews

[Jordan Wolken · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times slow, this book was a creative take on true stories of Lagosians using spirituality to tolerate the classically intolerable megacity. The stories took me to far flung places across Lagos, some of which I had the pleasure of visiting during my trip there in February, and others which I would be intimated to step foot in. Recounting these stories to piece this book together is no easy feat, and the author deserves a great deal of respect for his creativity, journalistic integrity, and prose.

I’d recommend this book to those seeking a better understanding of daily realities facing people living and working within Africa’s largest city. By 2100 Lagos will quadruple to 100 million people, becoming far and away the world’s largest city - this projection alone makes it paramount we understand how it functions. Reading this book is one attempt at doing that.

[Evy Kras · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 ster, sommige verhalen van de mensen in Lagos waren super, anderen medium. het was dat ik al veel wist van Nigeria anders ben je wel een beetje verdwaald en Tim gaat je niet helpen …

[Ed Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simply superb journey through Lagos, revealing the humanity and tenacity required to carve out a living in this monstrosity of a city. This often gripping narrative is shot through with the "supernatural", magic and faith, giving lie to the Western perception that such beliefs are mostly found among rural folk. Indeed, such beliefs find fertile ground in urban Africa, notably its mega-cites. Full disclosure, the author is a former Reuters' colleague and friend of mine ... Here is my full review in the Daily Maverick:

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/artic...

[Emmanuel Oset · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a Nigerian born outside Lagos, but moved to Lagos about a decade ago to work, this book captures the spirit of Lagos. Progress through a combination of personal grit and spiritual tenacity. Cocks does an incredible job of giving life and personality to his characters while also deftly critiquing some aspects of Lagosian life. As a person of faith, I was appreciative of his critiques of Lagosian “supernaturality” while being sympathetic and respectful of it. This was an enjoyable read. Super educative too.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling and colourful reading, intertwining the stories of multiple Lagosians as they deal with faith and corruption in the city. The storytelling is beautiful, and the author gives a real sense of his love for the place. It slowed down a little in places, hence 4 stars, but was intelligently and thoughtfully crafted and I appreciated that.

[Zak Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and provides amazing insight into many lesser seen aspects of Lagos life. Having lived there for 2 years, it gave me a greater understanding of the challenges and dreams of Nigerians, as well as a story of Lagos' recent development.
Slightly too much on the supernatural at times for me and occasionally some long winded explanations.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really excellent and original writing. Very enjoyable but just too long.. becomes a chore by the end. Some strange departures from the core concept that wasted pages. Overall brilliant read.

[Noro Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on “Lagos: Supernatural city”  by Tim Cocks

Jan 21, 2025

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by

norojoseph412

       The plot is a very interesting and informative one, it is saturated with the complexities of Lagos life, the story creates a clear vision to its readers of the typical nature of Africa’s greatest city-“Lagos”.

  Tales are told in a very engaging manner, portraying the resilience and spirituality of Lagosians, how certain persons juggled life’s situations with faith and resilience. The story places side by side, the bitter realities of Lagos and by extension, life in general. It portrays the darker sides of the city and human vices visible among residents of Lagos, such as corruption, poverty, deceit, theft, thuggery, sexual immorality amongst others alongside the vibrant, sweet and energetic nature of the city.

“Unveiling the mysteries of Lagos, a very trailing and informative read through Tim’s Tales of Lagos”.

   Tim Cock’s Lagos: Supernatural city is embedded with an overwhelming historical tale and the cultural landscape of the city of Lagos, highlighting how culture shapes and is shaped by its surroundings, reflecting the values, beliefs and practices of Lagosians.

     The author did a fantastic Job revealing the contradictions of the big city. However it was hard to track the narrative’s progression due to a lack of clear transitions and connections.

let’s experience the big city of Lagos together.