Detty December is not just a season; it’s a lifestyle. If you’ve ever wondered why Nigerians in the diaspora start making noise about flight tickets by August, or why everyone suddenly becomes an event planner on WhatsApp, you’re about to understand because I got you. Detty December is the ultimate “we outside” season—a month-long festival of music, food, fashion, and all-round gbas gbos, tailored to remind us why there’s no place like home.
Detty December is a vibrant celebration in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, where the festive season transforms into a month-long extravaganza of music, fashion, and cultural events. The term “Detty December” has become synonymous with end-of-year festivities, filled with series of concerts, parties, and gatherings that bring together locals and the Nigerian diaspora.
First of all, let’s address the diaspora gang, myself included. You’ve been chasing the dream in snow-covered lands, watching your breath fog up in freezing temperatures. Now you’re ready to exchange your winter boots for slides and shorts. Welcome home! Detty December is your chance to re-enter the Nigerian matrix, recharge your Nigerian battery, and remind yourself why “abroad” will never carry the same energy as home.
Picture this: you land at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and the humid heat hits you like a warm hug. As you navigate through the immigration queue, someone is already selling gala and cold drinks. “Welcome to Nigeria,” they’ll say, and deep down, you know you’ve arrived at the headquarters of vibes.
By the time you step into the city, you’ll notice a different kind of electricity in the air. The streets are alive with music blasting from roadside bars and car speakers. The fashion? Impeccable. Everyone is shining like new naira notes. This is not the time for subtlety; it’s the time for agbada with extra embroidery, gele tied like architectural masterpieces, and shoes so shiny you can see your reflection.
The concerts are a big part of Detty December, and trust me, they’re not your average shows. Nigerians don’t do “low-key” anything, especially when it comes to partying, if you doubt me, ask around. Imagine Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage all having back-to-back concerts. You’ll be jumping from one venue to another, dodging Lagos traffic and calculating your fuel money. But when the DJ drops that amapiano remix of your favorite hit, you’ll forget all your struggles and dance like you’re auditioning for a music video.
For IJGBs, this is the perfect opportunity to see your favorite artists without draining your savings on tickets abroad. And the vibe? Unmatched. Imagine dancing in a crowd of thousands, all singing along to Wizkid’s Essence like a well-rehearsed choir.
However, Lagos traffic is a monster that doesn’t respect concert schedules. If the show starts at 7 PM, leave your house by 3 PM. It’s better to be early and take pictures for the ‘gram than to arrive during the closing act, sweating and annoyed.
The highlight of Detty December is undoubtedly the array of concerts for Christians and non-Christians featuring both local and international artists. Here are some of the major events scheduled for December 2024:
Fuji Vibrations 2024
Honoring five decades of Fuji music, this event will take place on December 5 at Muri Okunola Park Lagos, celebrating the genre’s rich history and future.
The Experience Lagos 2024
One of the largest gospel concerts globally, The Xperience will be held at Tafawa Balewa Square on December 6, bringing together worshippers for a night of praise and music.
Llona’s Homeless Live Experience 2024
Singer Llona will hold a concert at Terra Kulture Lagos on December 12, themed the Homeless Live Experience, offering a unique musical journey for attendees.
NasBoi Live in Concert 2024
Comedian and entertainer NasBoi will headline a concert on December 14 at Wave Beach in Lagos, promising an evening of laughter and entertainment.
Afrovibes Festival 2024
Featuring Chike and Mannywellz, this festival is set for December 15 at the Ecobank Pan-African Center in Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrating Afrocentric music and vibes.
The ZTTW Experience 2024
Zlatan is set to hold a concert at the Queens Park Event Center in Victoria Island, Lagos, on December 19.
Stanbic IBTC Fuze Festival
Scheduled for December 21 at the Livespot Entertarium in Lekki, this festival combines music, fashion, food, and fun, showcasing the best of Nigerian arts and culture.
Flytime Festival 2024
Celebrating its 20th edition, Flytime Festival is set to run from December 22 to December 25 at the Eko Convention Centre Lagos. The festival features performances from top artists, including:
– Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged (December 22)
– Olamide Live in Concert (December 23)
– Davido Live in Concert (December 24)
– Ayra Starr Live in Concert (December 25)
Rema Live in Detty December Concert 2024
Rema will headline a concert in Lagos on December 22 at Eko Atlantic, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
The Cavemen Live in Lagos
Nigeria’s highlife duo, The Cavemen, will perform at Muri Okunola Park Lagos on December 27, offering fans a night of highlife music at its best.
And it’s not just about the music. Detty December is where the diaspora meets the mainland crew and the island gang. It’s where old schoolmates reunite, and where you can finally put faces to those Instagram followers who’ve been hyping your pictures with “🔥🔥🔥.” The small talk flows effortlessly:
“You’ve added weight oh!”
“Ah, it’s Canada cold. I eat to survive.”
“Are you married now?”
“Ah, I’m still observing.”
The humor is endless. You’ll laugh until your cheeks hurt because Nigerians don’t hold back. Whether it’s someone narrating how they survived Lagos traffic or another person talking about their mother’s Christmas rice strategy (spoiler alert: no one touches the meat until she says so), every moment is pure comedy.
For the diaspora crew, this season is also about the benefits of reconnecting. After months or years of grinding abroad, Detty December reminds you of your roots. It’s the taste of jollof rice cooked over firewood, the sound of talking drums at a family gathering, and the joy of dancing to Fuji or bongo music without worrying about noise complaints from neighbors. It’s the unexplainable magic of home—a reminder that no matter where you go, Naija blood runs deep.
Now, let’s talk about food. Ah, the food! Detty December is not the time to count calories. It’s the time to dive into plates of asun, suya, nkwobi, amala, and pepper soup. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or a roadside joint, the flavors will slap you with joy. And don’t even get me started on the drinks—palm wine, zobo, Chapman, and that small stout your uncle swears by. If you’re not careful, you might end up at a family gathering with your cousins daring each other to finish shots of ogogoro. Spoiler: it always ends in laughter and memories you might be ashamed of later.
Of course, there’s also the cultural side of things. Nigerians don’t joke with traditions, and during December, you’ll see it in full force. From Igbo traditional weddings with enough gold and coral beads to fund a small nation, to Yoruba owambe parties where the aso ebi is a full runway show, every event is a spectacle. The dances, the music, the respect for elders—it’s all part of what makes Nigeria so unique. And let’s not forget the prayer sessions led by your grandma, where she’ll bind and cast anything that might try to follow you into the new year. It’s a spiritual cleansing you didn’t know you needed.
But let’s be honest: Detty December is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll need to pace yourself and be boxed up, because there’s always another event, another party, another gathering. Your wallet will cry, your feet will ache, and your phone battery will struggle to keep up. But in the end, it’s all worth it. You’ll go back to your base in January with a treasure trove of memories, inside jokes, and enough gist to last you until the next Detty December.
So, if you’re in the diaspora including foreigners and you’ve been debating whether to come home this year, let this be your sign. Dust off your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to detty yourself using Detty December as excuse. Whether it’s at a concert, a family party, or just chilling with friends, this is your chance to experience Nigeria at its finest. Detty December is not just a party season; it’s a reminder of the joy, resilience, and vibrancy that make us Nigerian. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
