For nearly two decades, Tannaz Bahnam has been on a mission to show the world that Lagos is more than its traffic and chaos. To her, it’s a city of colour, rhythm, and endless discovery. As the founder of Lost in Lagos, the lifestyle platform that redefined how residents and visitors experience Nigeria’s commercial capital, and the creator of Awari, a cutting-edge discovery app, Bahnam is shaping the way people connect with cities, culture, and businesses.
When Tannaz first moved to Nigeria 18 years ago, she faced a familiar challenge. There was no easy way to explore the city or find new experiences. “I love to really get to know any city I live in,” she recalls. “As I started discovering Lagos, I realised there were so many incredible places and businesses that weren’t being documented or promoted.” That curiosity led to the creation of Lost in Lagos, a simple website that evolved into one of the city’s most trusted lifestyle platforms, showcasing restaurants, art galleries, shops, hotels, and experiences.
Over the years, Lost in Lagos has become much more than a guide. It has helped build a sense of community among local entrepreneurs and connected thousands of people to the best of Lagos living. Through her work, Tannaz has inspired residents to see their city differently, not as a place to escape, but as one to explore.
Building on that success, she launched Awari, an ambitious digital platform designed to take discovery to the next level. The name Awari, derived from the Yoruba word meaning “to discover,” reflects her mission to make exploration seamless, data-driven, and deeply personal.
Awari is a discovery platform giving small and medium lifestyle businesses tools to acquire and retain customers, while collecting data about their customers, building loyalty, and processing transactions for products and services. The company uses technology to help cultivate business growth across Africa and soon, the Middle East.
“We want to change the way people experience their cities,” Tannaz explains. “Awari allows businesses to communicate directly with customers, while giving users a seamless, exciting way to discover new places.”
Through both Lost in Lagos and Awari, Tannaz has become a passionate advocate for small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria’s lifestyle and hospitality sector. She understands their struggles, especially in a competitive digital environment where visibility can make or break success. “Many SMEs struggle to reach their audience,” she says. “With Awari, we’re giving them tools to grow, from event tickets to loyalty programs, while helping users enjoy meaningful, memorable experiences.”
As Lagos prepares for the festive “Detty December” season, Tannaz and her team are gearing up for one of their busiest periods. With Awari’s integrated ticketing system, users can now access listings for concerts, festivals, tours, and nightlife events in one place. The app also offers guided tours and curated experience packages, from culinary adventures to cultural excursions, helping both locals and visitors explore the city with ease.
“Lagos has changed so much,” she reflects. “It’s not just about December anymore. From Fashion Week and Art X to tech and music events, there’s always something happening. Lagos is a true cultural hub, a place where history, art, and innovation meet.”
Though originally from Iran, Tannaz now proudly calls Lagos home. Her affection for Nigerian food, music, and people is unmistakable. “I love suya and masa,” she laughs. “The flavours are incredible, just a little too spicy for me sometimes!”
When asked where she would take a first-time visitor to truly experience Lagos, she doesn’t hesitate. “Balogun Market, definitely. That’s where you see the real energy of the city. Then we’d explore art galleries like Nike Art Gallery, enjoy local food, and visit places like Lekki Conservation Centre and the J.Randle Centre. Lagos can’t be understood from one spot, you have to feel it from every angle.”
Looking to the future, Tannaz has her sights set on expansion. With Lost in Lagos and Awari, she hopes to replicate her success in other emerging markets across Africa and the Middle East, building ecosystems that connect local businesses with global audiences.
“We want people everywhere to rediscover the beauty of their cities,” she says. “There’s so much to explore, and Lagos has shown me that discovery never stops.”
From her creative drive to her love for community, Tannaz Bahnam continues to embody the spirit of Lagos — bold, dynamic, and full of life. Through Lost in Lagos and Awari, she is redefining urban exploration and proving that discovery is not just about places, but about people, passion, and purpose.
