The Nigerian megacity of Lagos has a population of around 15 million. The city stretches far into the mainland over a number of islands and peninsulas, including Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island. As early as the 15th century, some of the land bordering the lagoon around today's Lagos was settled by Yoruba-speaking groups who developed their own urban identity. Two hundred years later, the first court for the Oba, the traditional Yoruba king, was established on Eko Island. Today, Lagos is ranked among the world's fastest growing cities. In terms of urban space, it is spreading like a rhizome, with new areas of the swamps constantly being drained.

The examples of rapidly growing cities such as Lagos or Kinshasa – a city which cannot even guarantee the most basic provision of electricity or clean water – have played a special role in triggering debates among urban researchers.

In the documentary module, these debates are addressed and explored. The module also presents information on Yoruba pre-colonial urbanity, the culture and urban significance of FESTAC 77 (Second World Black and African Festival of Arts), and contemporary curatorial practices in Lagos. The section entitled 'People of the City' examines urbanity in literature, photonovels and film.