People attending the Greater Lagos Fiesta. Image Source: X | Lagostourism
Welcome to Detty December, the time of the year when the nights blur into mornings and every weekend feels like a festival. As the year winds down, Nigerians (both at home and abroad) embrace the holiday spirit with open arms as they let loose, reconnect, and revel in the festivities. From Lagos to Abuja, the nation goes wild with celebration as the spirit of Detty December takes over.
From music festivals to street parties and family gatherings, it is a month-long of pure entertainment that brings together locals, tourists, and Nigerians returning from abroad. In December, there is never a dull moment as there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A concert here, a food festival there, or a blockbuster Nollywood movie at the cinema. There’s no excuse for you to sit at home.
You haven’t truly experienced the fun of the season in Nigeria until you’ve witnessed Detty December. This year promises lots of concerts and festivals spread across the country, ensuring the final month of the year is packed with exciting events from start to finish.
Countless events are happening during Detty December, and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones to attend. To help you celebrate Detty December in style and fully embrace the festive vibes of Nigeria, we’ve compiled a list of some of the events that will give you an unforgettable experience.
The Experience
If you’re a lover of God and want to spend some time praising and worshipping with other Christians, this event is for you. This is arguably one of the biggest gospel end-of-the-year concerts held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, annually in December in Lagos. It features performances by local and international gospel artists.
Photo source: Instagram / theexperiencelagos
Flytime Fest
This is a major music festival that takes place every year during Detty December in Lagos, featuring both local and international acts. Flytime Fest 2024 is set to light up the Eko Convention Center in Lagos from December 22 to 25. Marking 20 years of the iconic Rhythm Unplugged. The festival will start with the Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged anniversary on December 22, featuring a spectacular showcase of music and entertainment. With an energetic lineup of music stars that includes Davido, Ayra Starr, and Olamide, this is the festival to close out your year.
Photo source: Instagram/flytimefest
Livespot X Festival
This is another significant music festival that takes place in December in Nigeria. It launched in 2019 with its maiden edition in Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana, organized by Livespot360. It features some of the biggest local and international acts and is known for its fantastic performances and atmosphere. The Livespot X Festival is back this year with a lineup of some of the biggest names in music. The exciting festival closes out Entertainment Week Lagos, an amazing week of showcases, exclusive parties, lab incubations, conferences, investor opportunities, and tech engagements.
The AfroJazz Fest
This is another concert that brings together lovers of music, especially the Afro-Jazz genre, for a thrilling time. This year’s edition will take place on December 15, 2024, at Bature Brewery and will feature live performances from artists including Koyesax, Madekuti, Dotti the Deity, Iamyinkadavies, and Cefashanta. Get ready for an unforgettable live musical experience blending Afro-fusion with jazz melodies.
More Concerts Across Nigeria
All month, Nigeria’s most talented will take to stages across the country as they entertain their fans. Rema Live will take place on December 15 in Abuja and 22, in Lagos. You don’t want to miss a chance to see the “Calm Down” hitmaker perform hits from HEIS and Rave and Roses.
Other concerts happening this December include Shallipopi on the 18th and Joeboy’s live concert on the 19th at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. Odumodublvck and his music collective Antiworld Gang are throwing a festival in Nigeria’s capital on December 20.
If you’re a romantic or in the mood for something more relaxing, The Boo of the Booless has got you covered. Chike will be live at Afrovibes Festival 2024, on December 15. Joining him on stage is Mannywellz, adding even more magic to the night.
Photo source: Instagram/ afrovibesafrica
Beach Parties
Gear up for the biggest beach parties this December. You don’t want to miss one of the biggest beach bone fire parties, “Fire and Sand” at the Wave Beach on December 7th.
Carnivals
Are you looking for a cultural experience during the holidays? Calabar, Cross River state, is the place to be. The city in the South-South region hosts what has been dubbed “Africa’s Biggest Street Party.” From the 1st of December to the 31st of December, the streets of Calabar are filled with performers dressed in vibrant costumes. The Calabar Carnival, a must-see, features colorful parades, music, and energetic dance performances.
Spend the day enjoying parades that showcase Cross River State’s rich culture and history or sampling Efik delicacies like Afang soup or put on your dancing shoes and groove to the beats of local drummers.
Photo source: Instagram/ calabarcarnival
Cinema Time
Nollywood is on fire this year, and December is packed full of Blockbusters to keep you glued to your screen. If you’re not jumping and dancing at a concert or having fun at a carnival, the cinemas are there for you to relax. Some of the Nollywood movies that will be in cinemas this festive season include Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo, Christmas in Lagos, a romantic comedy with Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, and Ladipoe, and Everybody Loves Jenifa by Funke Akindele. If you’ve seen the ads, you already know these movies are going to be worth your while.
The Nigerian Youths Marketplace Event
This is not your ordinary market. Mark your calendars for the 13th of December for this event which highlights entrepreneurship, celebrates creativity, and fosters a sense of community. You get to shop incredible items ranging from fashion, tech, food, and gifts at amazing discounts while unwinding with live music, laughter, and games.
Photo source: Instagram/ enterprisedevelopmentcentre
The Lagos Countdown
Where better to ring in the New Year than the dazzling skyline of Eko Atlantic City? Experience the magic of New Year’s Eve at the Lagos countdown. It is one of the biggest countdown festivals in Nigeria and has become an annual tradition. The Lagos countdown is a celebration of music, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of the city as residents converge to countdown into the new year.
With these events on your bucket list, you’re in for a month filled with incredible experiences, lasting memories, and pure joy. So go ahead and slay this Detty December in style.
