Every so often, Nigeria’s social media space takes a break from being a festering cesspit, churning out a never-ending deluge of tired comedians in poorly executed drag. Or media platforms with recycled content and commenters racing to out-stupid the other.

Yes, sometimes, you stumble on accounts that make you pleasantly surprised and incredibly grateful to find the Nigerian flag hoisted up in their bios, or the slightest mention that they believe Nigerian Jollof to be the way, the truth and the culinary life.

Take these guys for example:

TheSmilingHat

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhfHZPcBrGv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kanso, the brain behind TheSmilingHat has ‘motion designer, illustrator, filmmaker and creator’ in his bio and our boy does not disappoint in any of those fields.You may have seen some of his motion designing works without realising the badass behind them, like say the new Big Brother ad out

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvtVn22HiE1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Or the visual for the TVC Peak Paralympics

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkagEcHBlwx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Besides these, our guy also does little horror shorts, through his sister account @thefacelessfx. A quadruple threat, I stan!

@Ditweni

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_x9YIn5jW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This name you may have heard, but his account is so cool,it’s worth another mention. Putting a ton of thought into his craft, Ditweni has a rhyme and a reason for everything this side of the world. I mean! Did you watch this cockroach skit?

@Muslimahanie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvogUVsg1Sd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The brains behind the cool food art you see around Instagram, was recently given a pretty cool shout out on their page. Haneefah Adam has one of the coolest visual art pages this side of the world.

@Moxielagos

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmx1oCVBJW9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This brand makes quirky phone cases using the zeitgeist of Lagos living as inspiration. Looking for a new case to hide the new crack you swore you weren’t going to allow on that iPhone, check them out. Looking for a little Lagos themed inspiration, they have you covered as well.

@Painterabe

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsm_5W1AJV3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Abraham Ogundele is a truly gifted artist, using Instagram as his personal, ever ready exhibition. His page offers mood board, colour vibes if you’re looking to add a little drama to your flat-tummy tea infested feed.

@Titilope

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brs7GT1lN6v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Titilope is a poet, writer and performer. Now, she doesn’t always post her performances, but she more than makes up for it by dropping more than enough travel and lifestyle goals on her feed. If you’re looking to be one of the firsts to get a peek at her posted performances, be sure to give her a follow.

@Francissule

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDk2TLnR0Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Don’t tell anyone, but this page might be the reason the office wi-fi is constantly being re-loaded while I contain giggles in between breaks. Most likely, you;’ve come across this page on your social media sojourn, but by the miracle that you haven’t, make sure to give him a follow.

@Amarachienekekwe

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqCxjUEHc1D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

While I legitimately consider shuttling between the mainland and island to be a journey in its own right, Amarachi is putting me and a number of Nigerians to shame, getting stamps on her visa and racking up frequent flier miles. Visiting everywhere from Egypt to Obudu Cattle ranch and posting pictures that whisper ‘empty your bank account’ with every scroll, Amarachi’s page is definitely one of our favourite Instagram pages to visit.

@Zikokomag

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvjr9GHnqtn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ideally, this should be at the very top of the list, but we don’t want people to say we’re carrying shoulders too high. If you have been sleeping on the best thing since sliced bread and Chicken Republic’s Refuel combo, then so xri bou dah. Be sure to make amends and follow this page STAT. Here’s a little of the hijinks we get up to to get you titillated.