As an honoured guest for the TikTok Sub-Saharan Awards, I expected spectacular planning. The true surprise was Johannesburg. Its magic took hold the moment my plane landed at dawn, proving the city itself was the main event.
When TikTok Africa extends an honoured invitation to the Sub-Saharan Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, you anticipate an extraordinary event. I was already deeply fascinated by the city’s complex, gold-laced history — the narratives of struggle and triumph — but what I didn’t expect was the sheer speed of the enchantment. Johannesburg didn’t just meet my curiosity; it ignited an immediate, potent magic that took hold the very second our plane touched down on the tarmac at dawn.
A golden arrival
The day began with a glorious sunrise painting the sky over Johannesburg as we taxied into O.R. Tambo International Airport. There’s something utterly magnificent about watching a city wake up from 30,000 feet above the ground. The usual airport choreography followed: immigration, baggage claim, and the essential currency exchange. This is where I discovered that my beloved Providus Mastercard has stringent daily ATM limits — strong ones.
Fortunately, my darling friend Chidirim, Editor of Guardian Life, came through, making it possible for me to get my signature currency picture. Yes, I photograph every new currency I encounter. It’s a tradition from my grandparents that I have borrowed and evolved.
We were welcomed by a very friendly man, our appointed driver, who quickly gathered me, Chidirm, and three other journalists. As we began the drive, the journey immediately offered a contrasting perspective to the expected urban bustle. I was struck by how green and lush the landscape was. The city felt less like a concrete jungle and more like a sprawling forest interspersed with buildings.
By the time we reached the Southern Sun in Hyde Park, I was running on nothing but the residual blur of airplane sleep. Eager to maximise my precious rest, I knew I needed to anchor myself with a meal before finally surrendering to sleep. I chose to prioritise the first meal, and it was a stunning introduction to the day.
Breakfast at Luce Restaurant was an impeccable experience, starting with its breathtaking, sweeping view. Then came the food: a glorious feast of warm bread, perfectly cooked sausages, cheese, mushrooms, and crispy bacon, all complemented by a customised yoghurt bowl crowned with sunflower seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and a vibrant berry compote. It was nourishing beyond measure. With my stomach fully satisfied, the heavy, welcome weight of exhaustion finally settled, and I happily surrendered to sleep.
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Settling in
The entire afternoon was dedicated to recalibrating. First, I transformed my hotel room from a temporary waystation into a functional living space, unpacking and settling in. Since content waits for no one — and certainly not for the residual fatigue of intra-continental travel — I quickly filmed a reel. It focused on unpacking my favourite products, and transforming my hotel room into a cosy, homely space.
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I also tackled a necessary triage of work emails that couldn’t be deferred to another time zone. Then, the true official welcome arrived: a carefully curated package of TikTok merch came to my doorstep. It contained a sleek bag, a stylish bucket hat that instantly inspired outfit planning, a useful water bottle, and — the most meaningful element — a note that cut through the immense scale of the trip, making the experience feel wonderfully personal. It’s precisely these thoughtful, small touches that affirm why you enthusiastically accepted the invitation.
Dressed for discovery
For my first proper outing in Johannesburg, I wanted an outfit that was both glamorous and effortless. It’s peak summer in Johannesburg, where the diverse weather demands versatility. To honour both my Nigerian heritage and my host city, I chose the Omolewa dress by Ara Lagos — a gorgeous purple adire print cut from fabric so light and flowing it feels like pure movement. The garment drapes beautifully, allowing for unrestricted motion.
I completed the look with accessories that held significant weight. My Goldie Bag by Gbemisoke was non-negotiable: a beautiful brown crocodile-design bag featuring a strong gold handle, which perfectly complemented the removable strap I love. I added my Ikore necklace and earrings, from Lois Regalia. These delicate pieces feature small, grape-like motifs, and hold a special place in my collection, a quiet, personal nod to the Greek god I am named after, Dionysus.
Goldie Bag in “Brown”
₦45,000
Gbemisoke
Omolewa Dress
₦180,000
Ara Lagos
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Visiting the Museum of Illusions
Our Uber ride to the Museum of Illusions began with a curious, small mystery. Chidirm and I asked the driver to turn on the AC, but he simply refused to respond. We tried several times, growing increasingly puzzled. His profile hadn’t indicated he was deaf. He simply ignored the question. Some things, I suppose, vanish in translation — or they become lost in the peculiar social negotiations of ride-sharing in a new city.
The museum itself, however, was pure, immediate joy. I found something wonderfully humbling about illusions that trick your brain, even when you know exactly what’s happening. Chidirm and I laughed, contorted ourselves for photos, and spent far longer than expected trying to understand how a room made you look like a giant in one corner and a miniature in another. It provided exactly the kind of lighthearted adventure I needed after a day of intense travel and settling in.
Dinner at Fugazi
By evening, we found ourselves wandering through Rosebank Mall with no particular agenda beyond finding dinner. The mall itself felt magical; the holiday season ambience was in full effect, illuminating the space with lights everywhere and beautifully decorated trees that gave the air a festive shimmer. We even encountered a man selling roses and bought a few, adding a touch of spontaneous charm to our walk. That’s when we stumbled upon Fugazzi, and I do mean stumbled — the kind of happy accident that made me believe in the universe’s sense of timing. The restaurant immediately captivated us; its decor leaned heavily into the NY-Italian bistro aesthetic, a dream of retro architecture, full of vintage charm and carefully curated nostalgia. I’m not typically a big drinker, but ever since I tried limoncello in Milan back in July, I maintained a quiet obsession with it; Fugazzi didn’t disappoint.
The food, though, deserved its own immediate focus. We ordered with delightful abandon: Calamari Fritti — crispy fried squid served with basil and citrus aioli — and Meatballs Pomodoro, oven-baked beef meatballs in napoli sauce, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil. Chidirm had the refreshing Cosmopolitan while we joked about how much the meal, including the cocktails, would cost back in Lagos. We also indulged in the rich decadence of Wagyu Lasagna, followed by the delicate Oxtail Ravioli and tender Veal Marsala, pan-fried and served in a rich mushroom sauce. I finished the meal with the delicious Berry Bomb dessert cocktail (mixed berries, mint, lime syrup, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream). Every dish, from the perfect pomodoro to the Veal Marsala, melted on the tongue.
Beyond the exquisite food, the atmosphere truly captivated me — the lovely, attentive service, the buzz of conversation around us, and the feeling of having discovered something special. It was the kind of dinner where you look up from your plate and realise you’re grinning for no reason except that everything, in this moment, feels exactly right.
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Day One, complete
As first days go, Johannesburg delivered a perfect opening act. From the gold-laced sunrise to that last bite of Wagyu Lasagna, the city had welcomed me with open arms, full plates, and just enough gentle surprises to keep things interesting. With the immediate magic of Joburg already experienced, the excitement for the days ahead surged.
Tomorrow, the official itinerary kicks into high gear. We meet the TikTok South Africa team and other journalists joining us from Kenya. After the introductions, we dive deep into the city’s heart with a comprehensive tour covering Soweto and greater Joburg. The sheer breadth of history and creativity waiting to be explored is thrilling. TikTok Africa, you’ve set the bar exceptionally high. I am truly looking forward to what comes next!
