Lagos has always been a city that knows how to command the world’s attention. From Afrobeats concerts to fashion shows and film premieres, the city has carved its place on the global map of culture. But this October, something entirely new roared into town: the E1 Lagos GP, the first-ever all-electric powerboat race on African waters. For two days, Lagos Lagoon became the playground of the future, with RaceBird boats skimming over waves at neck-breaking speed, and Lagosians cheering them on from every possible vantage point.
A Festival on the Water
The course stretched across the Lagos Lagoon, off Marina and Victoria Island, with thousands lining up at TBS, Marina waterfront, Oriental Hotel and Civic Centre Bridge to catch the action. From balconies, rooftops, and waterfront restaurants, people gathered with meals and drinks in hand, vibing to Afrobeats while keeping their eyes glued to the lagoon. State hired food vendors and caterers worked overtime serving suya, small chops, seafood, jollof rice, deserts and cold drinks, giving the event the feel of a true Lagos party on water.
Commentary carried across the loudspeakers, narrating every sharp turn and every close shave. Lagosians screamed, laughed, and gasped together—especially during one unforgettable moment.
The Near Flip That Shook Day One
Day one, October 4, was for qualifying heats, and it nearly ended in disaster for Team Brady. Their RaceBird almost flipped during a tight corner, sending gasps through the audience watching. But with a flash of skill and composure, the pilots recovered, keeping the boat upright and racing on. As we would say in Lagos, “e be like action film” The incident became one of the talking points of the weekend.
Stars on the Lagoon
The crowd wasn’t just made up of excited Lagosians. Global stars and dignitaries came out in force. Football legend Didier Drogba was there, cheering on his own Team Drogba Global Africa, which went on to finish in third place. Music icon Wyclef Jean brought his usual charisma, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other state officials made appearances that reminded everyone just how seriously the state is taking tourism and global events.
The races themselves were breathtaking. Team Brazil (Claure Group) dominated and claimed first place, piloted by Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin. Team Blue Rising followed in second, while Drogba’s team proudly took third, putting Africa on the podium.
Lagosians Steal the Show
But it wasn’t just the racing that set this event apart. It was the people of Lagos. Competitors couldn’t stop talking about how warm and welcoming Lagosians were—from the cheers echoing through the races to their interactions with the locals. One pilot described Lagos as “the loudest, happiest crowd we’ve raced in front of,”.
Everywhere you turned, there were people smiling, laughing, and snapping photos, with the lagoon shimmering behind them. We don’t say “Eko For Show” for nothing as Lagos turned the E1 GP into a festival of people, culture, and energy.
Lagos State’s Big Play
The timing couldn’t have been more strategic. The E1 Lagos GP landed just weeks before Detty December, the global tourism season when Lagos transforms into Africa’s capital of entertainment. The government had recently unveiled its “101 Days in Lagos” list, packed with concerts, festivals, and cultural experiences, and the E1 GP slotted right in as the perfect opener.
Hosting the first African E1 race was beyond sports. It was Lagos staking its claim as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and tourism. By putting the spotlight on clean-energy racing and pairing it with Lagos’ trademark vibrancy, the city created something unforgettable.
The Excitement Was Contagious
Whether you were at the Oriental hotel screaming at the top as Team Drogba zoomed past, at Civic Centre boat club or Cactus clinking glasses to the backdrop of the lagoon, or at any of the viewing locations waving flags and singing along to the music, the excitement was everywhere. It felt like history was unfolding in real time, and Lagosians knew it.
One moment summed it all up. As the final race wrapped and Team Brazil celebrated their win. The crowd danced, cheered, while the winners celebrated and received their trophy. It wasn’t just sport. It was Lagos energy—loud, proud, unstoppable.
More Than a Race, A Legacy
The E1 GP leaves Lagos with more than just memories. It is a full display of the fact that Africa belongs at the center of global conversations about sustainability and innovation. It shows Lagos can host world-class events that attract stars, tourists, and investment. And it gave Lagosians one more reason to hold their heads up very high.
As the championship moves on to Miami for the season finale, Lagos can look back knowing it delivered something no one will forget. The city gave the world a race, but also a celebration. A showcase of resilience, warmth, and joy.
This wasn’t just about boats or points. This was Lagos Lagoon electrified. This was the heartbeat of a city showing it can do it all.
I case you are wondering which Lagos,it is not that other Lagos, IT IS LAGOS, NIGERIA! The Centre Of Excellence!
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