Nigerian Rock Sensation Invites Lagos to Pause and Embrace Love Amidst Urban Hustle

LAGOS – In the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Valentine’s Day often takes a backseat amid the city’s relentless pace.

The Nigerian city, home to over 20 million residents, is famed for its vibrant energy and commercial zeal, where the constant blare of yellow passenger buses fills the air.

However, Bianca Okorocha, a rock musician known by her stage name “Clayrocksu,” is determined to bring a moment of love and reflection to the streets as Valentine’s Day nears.

Taking her performance beyond the stage, she serenades unsuspecting commuters with heartfelt love songs and offers them single-stem roses.

Initially surprised by the unexpected encounter, passersby soon break into wide smiles as she strums her guitar, performing James Blunt’s “You are Beautiful.”

“I am a musician, and we just thought it was a special and nice thing to do for people,” Clayrocksu told The Associated Press. “Especially in this time and climate where everything is kind of difficult and all you hear on the news is bad news.”

Since Nigerian President Bola Tinubu came to power in 2023, he has undertaken major economic reforms, including the removal of a decades-old fuel subsidy program. The government said the changes would save costs and boost investment, but they have resulted in one of the West African nation’s worst cost of living crises in a generation.

The country’s deadly security crisis has also worsened the fate of millions, limiting access to farmland in the conflict-battered north, which in turn resulted in a surge in the prices of goods elsewhere, including in the economic hub of Lagos.

But amid the tough times, people like Clayrocksu are bringing joy and color to many across the vibrant city in this season of love.

Barbara Lulu, a Lagos resident, who got serenaded by Clayrocksu and her partner, was going about her day stressed until the rock team showed up.

“First off, this was a very shocking moment for me, because I never expected it. It just kind of happened, and all I can say is yay!” she said.

In a city where Valentine’s Day is usually focused on lovers, Clayrocksu said that she wants to change that perception and bring roses to many others.

“People think that Valentine’s Day is only about romantic gestures, only boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife,” she said. “But Valentine is really just about sharing love.”