Tannaz Bahnam Champions Nigerian Culture Through Awari and Lost in Lagos

Tannaz Bahnam, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both Lost in Lagos and Awari, is reshaping how people experience Nigeria, particularly its vibrant city of Lagos. In a recent interview with ARISE News, the Iranian expatriate, who has called Nigeria home for 18 years, emphasized the city’s unique cultural dynamism and strong community spirit as pivotal to her vision for promoting tourism and discovery.

Bahnam highlighted that it is the people of Lagos who breathe life into the city. “What stands out for me in Lagos is the people. It’s what they do that makes the city come alive,” she shared. Her passion for Lagos spurred her to create Lost in Lagos, a platform designed to showcase the city’s hidden gems, from culinary delights to artistic experiences.

As she reflected on her early days in Nigeria, Bahnam noted the challenges she faced in discovering local attractions. “When I first moved to Nigeria, I found it quite difficult to explore and discover new places,” she explained. This realization led her to document the many undocumented businesses and areas, ultimately evolving into a comprehensive lifestyle platform.

Building on the success of Lost in Lagos, Bahnam launched Awari, an app aimed at transforming urban exploration. The name itself, meaning “to seek and discover” in Yoruba, encapsulates its mission. “We’ve created a platform that allows businesses to communicate directly with potential customers, acquire and retain them, and gain visibility,” she said. “At the same time, we make it seamless and exciting for users to discover places and experiences.”

The creative landscape in Lagos has evolved dramatically, according to Bahnam. She noted a surge in innovative restaurants, fashion brands, and entertainment venues, making the city an attractive destination year-round. “There’s now a reason to come to Lagos all year round — not just in December,” she stated, referencing the city’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.

Bahnam pointed to major events like Lagos Fashion Week, Art X Lagos, and the ELOY Awards as proof of the city’s transformation into a global focal point. She underscored the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos’s lifestyle ecosystem, explaining that Awari aims to equip these businesses with tools that enhance customer engagement.

“Over the years, I’ve seen what the pain points are for these businesses,” Bahnam remarked. “As social media gets busier, it’s harder for them to reach the right customers.” Awari provides lifestyle SMEs with resources like event tickets and loyalty programs, making it easier for them to thrive.

As the festive period known as “Detty December” approaches, Bahnam is enthusiastic about Awari’s role in enhancing visitor experiences. “With Awari, we have a full ticketing platform,” she said. The app will feature various December events, guided tours, and experience packages aimed at making discovery in Lagos effortless.

Bahnam expressed her excitement for the concerts and nightlife that define December in Lagos. “There’s so much incredible music — I love Afrobeats,” she said, highlighting her deep connection to the local culture. Despite her Iranian heritage, she has embraced the Lagos lifestyle, even adopting the nickname Olamide, which means “my joy has come.”

For visitors with only one day in Lagos, Bahnam recommended a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. “I would take them to a market to see the real Lagos,” she suggested. “But they also need to visit art galleries like Nike Art Gallery, eat some Nigerian food — definitely suya — and see landmarks like the Lekki Conservation Centre.”

Looking ahead, Bahnam has ambitious plans for Awari, targeting expansion beyond Lagos and Abuja into other African and Middle Eastern cities. “We’re trying to change the way people discover urban destinations in emerging markets,” she stated, emphasizing the untapped potential these locations hold for tourism.

Bahnam is keen on collaborating with local guides and tour operators to enrich the visitor experience. “We want people — both visitors and locals — to experience the city in ways they normally wouldn’t,” she said, stressing that adding value to experiences leaves a positive impression.

In conclusion, Bahnam reaffirmed her commitment to showcasing Lagos to the world. “Lagos is dynamic, complex, and full of heart,” she said. “It’s a city that never stops evolving, and we just want to help people discover it.”