The Lagos Review is a Lagos-based online literary and arts magazine that foregrounds critical engagement with African cultural production. Founded in 2019 by writers Toni Kan and Dami Ajayi, the organisation publishes book, music, film and theatre reviews, long-form essays, interviews, profiles and cultural news aimed at readers, academics, publishers and arts professionals who value analytical, evidence-based criticism. Its editorial mission centres on restoring rigorous review culture—prioritising careful critique and contextual analysis over promotional coverage—and on supporting critical conversations that shape public appreciation and scholarly discussion of contemporary African arts.
Beyond criticism, The Lagos Review runs themed series, calls for submissions and special projects that commission and pay contributors, and organises editorial features that spotlight emerging writers and established practitioners. The publication has received philanthropic support for contributor payments and projects and advertises series and prize initiatives that expand opportunities for writers. Its content mix includes short news items, long-form literary essays, interviews with cultural figures, and commissioned essays that engage migration, practice, and creative process. The Lagos Review positions itself as both a cultural forum and a professional outlet for critics: targeting literate general readers, students and teachers of literature and the arts, cultural institutions, and publishers seeking substantive review and publicity for new works. Over time it has grown into a frequently-cited voice in Nigerian and pan‑African arts coverage, publishing hundreds of reviews and essays and curating themed series and prize-related content that amplify critical discussion across the region.