If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a Lagos traffic jam at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday, watching a guy hawk glowing reindeer ears while someone in the next car blasts Asake, you know. You just know.
- Flytime Fest (The Heavyweights)
- Palmwine Fest (The Soul of the City)
- Detty Dec Fest & The Ilubirin Takeover
- Vin Diesel Teases Cristiano Ronaldo for “Fast and Furious 11
- The “Owambe” Factor: Detty Faaji
- Eat Drink Festival
- A Little Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
- Ademola Lookman Striking Left-Foot Winner Secures Nigeria’s
“Detty December” isn’t a month; it’s a psychological state. It’s that feverish, beautiful, slightly chaotic window where Nigeria—specifically Lagos—becomes the center of the universe. I remember last year, my feet were literally throbbing after a three-day run of concerts, and I swore I was “done” with the outside. Ten minutes later, a friend called about an after-party in Lekki, and I was back in the car. It’s addictive.
Though Nigerian singer Mr. Eazi originally coined and popularized ‘Detty December’ as a hashtag for his 2016 ‘Life is Eazi‘ concert on Wednesday December 21, at the iconic Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. The term was officially trademarked three years later by industry leaders Darey and Deola Art Alade. By securing the trademark in 2019, the Alades recognized the commercial value of a festive phenomenon that had been a cultural heartbeat in Nigeria long before it had a formal name.
But 2025? It feels different. The energy is heavier in a good way. If you’re planning your calendar, you are probably already feeling that familiar mix of excitement and “God, my bank account is going to hate me.”
Flytime Fest (The Heavyweights)
If Detty December has a headquarters, it’s the Eko Convention Centre. Flytime is the “Big Brother” of the festival circuit. This year, they’re celebrating 21 years, and the lineup is basically a “who’s who” of people currently ruling the global charts.
I’m personally looking at the Asake night on Christmas Eve. There’s something spiritual about the way he performs, it’s less of a concert and more of a high-energy revival. And then Davido is closing things out on Christmas Day. I have seen Davido live more times than I can count, and the man just doesn’t know how to give 50%. It is always 200%. Expect to lose your voice. Actually, expect to lose your mind a little bit.
Palmwine Fest (The Soul of the City)
Now, if the big stadium-style concerts feel like too much, Palmwine Fest (hosted by Show Dem Camp) is where the “cool kids” go to breathe. It is happening on December 21st, and honestly, it is my favorite.
It is less about the pyrotechnics and more about the vibe. You’ve got the sea breeze, a cup of actual palm wine (or something stronger, no judgment), and that “Alté” crowd that actually knows how to dress. It feels like a massive family reunion for people who love good lyrics and smooth transitions. If you see me there, I will likely be the one swaying near the back, trying to look cooler than I actually am.
Detty Dec Fest & The Ilubirin Takeover
This year, Livespot360 is doing something ambitious at Ilubirin in Ikoyi. They have turned it into a month-long residency. They have got Gunna coming in on the 29th, which is huge, but even the smaller nights with people like Bella Shmurda feel essential.
The venue itself is a flex. Ikoyi waterfront, city lights, and that specific Lagos humidity that makes everyone’s skin look expensive. It is one of those spots where the “People Watching” is just as entertaining as the person on stage.
Vin Diesel Teases Cristiano Ronaldo for “Fast and Furious 11
The “Owambe” Factor: Detty Faaji
Look, Afrobeats is great, but sometimes you just want to spray money and listen to a live band that understands the assignment. Detty Faaji at the MUSON Centre (Dec 27th) is for the people who want the traditional “Owambe” experience without necessarily going to a wedding.
Segun Johnson is performing, and if you’ve never seen him live, be warned: he will find a way to make you dance. It’s pure, unadulterated Nigerian joy. No pretense, just lace, heavy percussion, and a lot of “shayo.”
Eat Drink Festival
Because man cannot live on bass drops alone. Usually falling right after Christmas, this is the palate cleanser. It is where you realize that Lagos has some of the most creative chefs on the continent. I usually go there intending to “try a few things” and end up leaving four hours later, unable to move, with three different types of tacos in my system. It is the perfect “low-stakes” day before you gear up for the New Year’s Eve madness.
A Little Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
Don’t try to do everything. You can’t. Lagos will win, and your body will fail. Pick your “Must-Sees,” leave room for the spontaneous “come through” calls, and for the love of everything, book your Ubers, Bolt, Indrive, LagRide or drivers early.
Ademola Lookman Striking Left-Foot Winner Secures Nigeria’s
The magic of December in Nigeria is not just in the artists on the posters. It is in the way the air smells like diesel and suya. It is in the “IJGBs” (I Just Got Backs) wandering around in puffer jackets in 30°C weather. It is in that collective feeling that, despite everything, we are here, we are alive, and we are going to enjoy ourselves.
