In Lagos, Nigeria, an unconventional form of therapy has emerged as an outlet for pent-up frustration. The “rage room” at Shadow Rage Room allows patrons to unleash their anger by breaking glass, smashing furniture, and demolishing electronic devices in a controlled environment, free from consequences.
Offering 20-minute sessions for N7,500, co-founder Banjoko Babajide James revealed that the concept stemmed from Nigeria’s escalating mental health crisis, a topic often considered taboo in the country.
“We aim to build a community, allowing people to acknowledge the reality of mental health and address it openly,” James explained.
Equipped with protective gear and an arsenal of items for destruction—glassware, electronics, and furniture—customers engage in cathartic sessions within the room’s confines.
Amid Lagosians grappling with stress from elevated living costs, contentious elections, and widespread insecurity, the rage room has become a popular choice for individuals seeking release.
Nancy Igwe, expressing her frustration with Lagos’ challenging living conditions, shared, “The surge in prices has been terrible and infuriating.”
Another patron, Anita Christian, turned to the rage room to cope with the loss of a friend. “When closure is elusive, it’s profoundly saddening,” she remarked.
Despite the positive reception, James acknowledged that some misconstrued the room’s purpose. “There’s a misconception that we’re promoting anger,” he clarified. “Our aim is far from that; it’s about providing a safe space for emotional release.”
The Shadow Rage Room offers a unique avenue for Nigerians to confront their emotions, seeking solace and relief in a country dealing with myriad stressors. (adapted from a REUTERS report)
