Nigerian Architect, Papa Omotayo Whets Appetite for Q-Dance Centre

Yinka Olatunbosun

A state-of-the-art facility for dance is coming to Lagos. This much was revealed when the Nigerian architect and cultural visionary, Papa Omotayo, was recently featured in CNN’s Next Gen Cities segment on Inside Africa. In this episode, Omotayo shares his insights on how design and culture are intertwined to create better, more inclusive built environments across Africa, with a particular focus on his home city of Lagos.

During the interview, Papa, who founded ‘A Whitespace Creative Agency,’ highlights the rapid growth of Lagos and the complex ecosystem it presents, requiring thoughtful urban planning and design.

“Lagos will be the biggest city population-wise in the next 10 to 20 years,” he says. “For us, it’s important to create equitable spaces that are sustainable.” His practice has dedicated itself to addressing these challenges by reimagining civic, cultural, and creative spaces for the new generation of makers in Nigeria.

Q-Dance Centre, one of the projects discussed on the show, is set to be the first contemporary dance centre in Lagos. Papa explains: “It’s more than a dance center; it’s a community that shows how dance can empower us and give us new voices.”

Papa and his team are also driving several projects with the MOWAA Institute in Benin City; redefining what it means to be a West African museum, transforming colonial-era buildings into creative spaces.

Other projects include the Ngambi Nature Retreat in Uganda and the Ijebu Workshop, which reflects Papa’s commitment to sustainable, community-focused design.

Papa Omotayo’s practice, founded in 2014, operates across the African continent, though its roots remain firmly in Lagos. His work is socially impactful, collaborative and community-centred working with architects, artists, ecologists, and cultural programmers to create environments that enhance the human experience.