Wet Dreams is a self-initiated documentary project exploring joy and togetherness within marginalised groups. This series focuses on young men who spend their days navigating the waterways in a single canoe. They travel to and fro, seeking menial jobs such as transporting people, goods, fish, or even fishing themselves. These water nomads of metropolitan Lagos are an integral part of the city’s vibrant island character, yet they face significant stigmatisation. Predominantly living in impoverished conditions and lacking formal education, they resort to alternative means to make ends meet.
Beyond the hardships of their daily lives, I was keen to highlight the nostalgic moments of joy and happiness that resonate universally: being together and the passage of time as they navigate the demanding heat of the Lagos sun. During this particular moment they shared with me, they appeared so free. They wanted to take photos, and they swam and flipped in the water like children. For a brief period, it seemed as though they had no worries, until I realized that even this freedom of expression came with a request for remuneration. Prepared for this, I gave them approximately 16,000 naira (about 8 pounds) and my contact details. I believe, for them, this was a good day.
