There are people who watch culture happen, and there are those who move the needle. Efe Tommy Adabamu has always belonged to the latter. A familiar force in Nigerian lifestyle and entertainment, he built his reputation long before the era of influencers and curated online personas. The industry knows him as a tastemaker, an architect of Lagos’ most memorable social experiences, and the man who turned a simple idea — Funky Brunch — into one of the most anticipated lifestyle events in the city.
Then, at the peak of success, life held up a mirror. A life-threatening kidney condition crashed into his carefully built world and forced him into a hiatus — from events, from the scene, and even from the city’s intoxicating rhythm. What many didn’t see was the transformation happening behind the silence. The pause wasn’t just medical; it was spiritual, purposeful, and defining.
Today, Efe Tommy steps back into the spotlight with the same confidence that first made him a name, but with a new clarity and intention. Funky Brunch is returning, not as a nostalgia act, but as an evolved experience with a deeper story — of reinvention, of healing, and of what happens when a man refuses to be defined by struggle.
In this conversation, we talk about legacy and nightlife, about Lagos as a character in its own story, about Detty December and what it means to curate spaces where people feel seen. We talk about the comeback, the kidney transplant that changed everything, the foundation that was born from pain, and the Efe Tommy that exists beyond the energy of the crowd.
You have often been described as a lifestyle curator, tastemaker, and culture shifter. When you think about your journey so far, what moments define the Efe Tommy story?
When I look back at my journey, the moments that define the Efe Tommy story are the ones where I chose to trust my instincts long before the applause came. These are the moments where I bet on my vision before anyone else understood the assignment. I’ve always had a natural instinct for culture and lifestyle — not just following it, but sensing where it’s headed and getting there first. There were experiences I curated, like The Funky Brunch, that quietly shifted the city; partnerships that confirmed I was operating on a different frequency; and reinventions that reminded me I’m allowed to evolve as boldly as I dream.
But the real turning point was realising I wasn’t just putting events together — I was shaping a cultural blueprint. That understanding changed how I moved, how I created, and how I saw my responsibility in the lifestyle space. Now, the journey is global, the vision is sharper, and the mission is simple: elevate the culture, set the tone, and make Africa’s lifestyle narrative impossible to ignore.
What sparked the idea for Funky Brunch initially, and what gap did you want it to fill in the Lagos lifestyle ecosystem?
Honestly, Funky Brunch was born out of frustration and ambition. At the time, Lagos had parties — but they all felt the same. Poorly executed, no real sense of style, no curation, no identity. And I’ve always believed Lagos deserves better. We’re a fashionable, expressive, global city, but the lifestyle experiences weren’t matching the energy.
So I took a bold step. I wanted to create something fresh, something elevated — something that felt like a moment, not just a night out. That’s why Funky Brunch started as a day party. I wanted people to experience Lagos in a new light, literally and figuratively.
Those first few editions showed me people were craving this — the fashion was giving everything it was meant to give, and we built a strong community of Lagos’ finest crowd from society, lifestyle, film, fashion, art, and corporate circles. When we eventually moved into a hall, it evolved into the ultimate daytime-to-nighttime party — a full experience, not just an event.
You took a break from hosting the event. What really informed that hiatus, and what did you learn about the industry and yourself during that pause?
The hiatus was one of the most difficult yet defining chapters of my life. From the beginning, Funky Brunch was a self-funded passion project built with heart, sacrifice, and a belief that Lagos deserved a world-class lifestyle experience — with support from friends and family who shared that belief. We kept pushing and expanding, doing more than my body could handle, until I discovered both of my kidneys were failing.
In that moment, everything stopped — not just the events, but my entire world. The next two years became a journey of survival, faith, humility, and rediscovery. After a successful kidney transplant, I had to rebuild myself physically, mentally, and creatively.
And in that stillness, I learned what I could never have learned while moving at full speed: clarity, patience, purpose, and a deeper understanding of the industry.
The break taught me that longevity in this space isn’t just about throwing great events. It’s about sustainability — protecting your health, nurturing strong partnerships, and constantly innovating. It gave me space to rethink everything — the storytelling, the energy, the emotion people feel the moment they walk into Funky Brunch.
I’ve always believed people never forget how you make them feel, and that’s why it’s hard to explain Funky Brunch unless you experience it.
Now the return is here — and everyone is talking. What made this the right moment to bring Funky Brunch back?
Timing is everything, and this moment just felt right — not only for me but for the city. The response to the Funky Brunch 2025 comeback campaign was incredible. Seeing everyone’s excitement reminded me of why we started. After the hiatus, I didn’t want to come back just to “host another event.” I wanted to return when the vision, the energy, and the ecosystem were aligned for something truly impactful. And right now, Lagos is ready.
Over the last three years, the creative community has evolved. The audience is more discerning, the scene is more sophisticated, and people now demand experiences that reflect their global mindset. That shift created the perfect runway for our comeback.
For me personally, this is also a moment of strength and clarity. I’m returning healthier, more intentional, and more inspired. Funky Brunch isn’t just returning — it’s ascending.
What’s going to be different this time? What’s the upgrade or evolution we should expect?
We’ve reimagined everything from production to experience to entertainment to create something bigger, bolder, and more intentional. Expect higher-quality curation, elevated aesthetics, world-class music, and moments that feel exclusive yet effortless.
We’ve refined the energy — it’s more immersive, dynamic, and unapologetically stylish. Every detail is designed to leave a lasting impression, from the vibe you feel when you walk in to how we celebrate Lagos fashion and culture.
Think of it as the same spirit people loved, but amplified — a fully upgraded experience that matches the city’s global ambition.
Lagos nightlife has changed radically over the years. How would you describe the shift, and what excites you most about it?
Lagos nightlife has evolved from casual gatherings into a sophisticated, culturally rich ecosystem where creativity, production value, and curation matter more than ever. What excites me most is that people now demand more — not just music and drinks, but storytelling, style, and intentionality. As someone helping shape this scene, I find it thrilling to see Lagos maturing into a city that can rival any global destination for nightlife and lifestyle experiences. This evolution pushes all of us to be more inventive, more daring, and more deliberate about what we bring to the table.
Detty December is here, and Lagos instantly switches to a different personality. What is the essence of that season for you — beyond the noise?
Detty December is Lagos at its brightest — full of energy, style, and celebration. But beyond the noise, it’s really about connection, creativity, and culture. It’s when people reconnect with the city, with each other, and with themselves. It’s also when we remind the world that Lagos is not just a city that parties — it’s a city that curates moments, shapes trends, and sets global standards.
People see the glitz, but there’s a business architecture behind it. What’s the biggest misconception about nightlife entrepreneurship?
The biggest misconception is that nightlife is all glamour and fun. People see the lights and the champagne, but not the logistics, partnerships, financials, or strategy behind it. Running Funky Brunch requires discipline, precision, and teamwork — from bartenders to sound engineers, designers, and brand partners. Everything has to align perfectly.
People assume it’s easy because it looks effortless. But that’s the irony — the harder you work behind the scenes, the easier it looks. It’s serious business. And to make it sustainable, you must combine creativity with structure.
Can we talk about your kidney transplant? What did that chapter teach you about life and legacy?
That experience changed me completely. Facing kidney failure forced me to confront what really matters — health, purpose, and legacy.
I learned that life is fragile, but vision is resilient. I also went through depression, but it gave me perspective: that your true legacy isn’t the parties or applause, but the impact you make. I came out of that chapter stronger and more determined to build something that will outlive me — something that will continue to inspire and empower.
Health challenges often change our priorities. What changed for you — spiritually, mentally, and emotionally?
Everything. Spiritually, I became more intentional — more prayerful and closer to God. I learned to appreciate stillness and presence.
Mentally, I gained clarity. I became disciplined about what I give my energy to. Emotionally, I learned strength through vulnerability. I became more empathetic, more grounded.That transformation changed how I live and work. I now create from a place of purpose and gratitude.
You’ve spoken about wanting to support others facing similar health struggles. Tell us about the foundation — how did it start, and what is the mission?
The foundation was born out of my journey as a kidney transplant survivor. Its mission is simple: to spread awareness, empower, and support people facing kidney-related health challenges.
Beyond medical support, it’s about giving people community, hope, and the belief that survival can lead to purpose. It’s my way of turning pain into impact.
When you look in the mirror today, do you see a different version of Efe Tommy from the one who launched Funky Brunch?
Absolutely. I see someone refined by life, grounded by purpose, and strengthened by experience. The old Efe was driven by ambition and vision, which was necessary. But today, I move with intention. I understand that impact means more when it’s sustainable and meaningful. I’m still the same dreamer, but now I’m sharper, wiser, and more focused on legacy than applause.
After everything — the success, the break, the transplant, the comeback — what does joy look like for you now?
Joy now looks like peace. It’s waking up healthy, surrounded by people I love, doing what I was born to do. It’s creating moments that bring people happiness, connection, and inspiration. Joy is seeing others win, watching my team thrive, and knowing that something I built from scratch continues to grow and make people feel alive.
What do you want Funky Brunch 2025 to say about Nigerian lifestyle culture?
I want Funky Brunch 2025 to say that the Nigerian lifestyle is world-class — that we can match, and even surpass, global standards while staying true to our essence. I want it to showcase how far Lagos has come — the creativity, the fashion, the vibe — and how our culture can lead conversations globally.
And finally, what should we expect from Efe Tommy in this next chapter — personally, professionally, and creatively?
Expect evolution. I’m expanding the Funky Brunch brand beyond Lagos — taking it to other cities across Africa and eventually to the world. Expect new collaborations, creative ventures, and a stronger focus on storytelling and production that bridges lifestyle, fashion, and culture.
Personally, I’m focused on balance — maintaining my health, giving back through my foundation, and mentoring the next generation of creatives.
Creatively, I’m in my reinvention era. Expect bold ideas, refined experiences, and projects that shift culture in fresh, unexpected ways.
