emeka the hawker
2024
bring 50-naira change.
the story
Lagos traffic is known for stretching for miles with no sign of movement. But where most see frustration, traffic hawkers see opportunity. From bottled water to plantain chips, phone chargers to chewing gum, these street entrepreneurs navigate between honking danfos and impatient keke drivers, turning gridlock into a mobile marketplace.
Armed with speed, agility, and a hustle mindset, hawkers sprint through the maze of vehicles, balancing trays and baskets filled with goods. Under different weathjer condition, they maneuver skillfully through the chaos, dodging side mirrors and reckless okadas. The real challenge? Making a sale before the light turns green.
A customer spots a cold drink, calls the hawker over, and just as money exchanges hands—BAM! The traffic starts moving. Now it’s a race against time and space. Will they grab the change before the driver speeds off? Or will they be forced to chase the car, waving their hands, shouting, “Oga, my change!”
emeka
Emeka is a young boy who has taken on numerous menial jobs to support his family after his father’s absence, as his mother struggles financially.
At 19, Emeka has mastered the art of speed not just for running through Lagos traffic but because he’s absolutely terrified of dogs. different encounters have made his legs his greatest asset, and his secret weapon? A pair of tight slippers that grip his feet like second skin, perfect for a quick escape.
the road
From sunrise to nightfall, the streets are alive with energy. Buses screech to a stop as conductors hang from the doors, shouting for passengers. Motorcycles weave through impossible gaps, and pedestrians move with the urgency of people chasing time.
Traffic is a daily struggle long lines of cars stretching endlessly, drivers honking in frustration, and hawkers rushing between moving vehicles to make a sale. The air is thick with heat, dust, and the endless noise of the city.
For many, the streets are more than just roads they are a stage for the daily grind. No matter how slow the traffic moves, the hustle never stops.