The 2025 edition of the Detty December Fest has officially drawn its curtains, concluding a month-long celebration of music and culture in the heart of Lagos. The festival, which solidified its reputation as one of Nigeria's premier end-of-year events, culminated with a series of electrifying performances from a blend of international superstars and Africa's finest musical talents.
A Star-Studded Lineup Lights Up Ilubirin
Held at the Ilubirin venue in Lagos, the festival ran from December 7 to December 29, 2025, featuring four major concert days that attracted hundreds of music enthusiasts. The event successfully tapped into the vibrant holiday energy of what is popularly known as Detty December, bringing together a diverse crowd of revelers.
The musical roster was headlined by American rap icons Busta Rhymes and Gunna, who shared the stage with a powerful contingent of African hitmakers. The lineup featured Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Diamond Platnumz, Fave, Qing Madi, and Juma Jux, among several others, offering a rich tapestry of sounds.
The festival's opening on December 7 was marked by a breathtaking theatrical display from the Zenit Aerial Ballerinas, setting a high bar for the fusion of performance art and music. The first night also saw stellar performances from Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer.
Official Endorsement and Economic Impact
The festival enjoyed the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Art and Culture. The Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, praised the event as a significant contributor to Nigeria's creative economy. She highlighted its growing importance in shaping the country's global image and attracting valuable holiday tourism.
Speaking on the event's success, Deola Art Alade, Founder and Group CEO of Livespot360, stated that the massive turnout demonstrated Lagos's capacity for world-class live entertainment. "This year showed that the appetite for Detty December Fest is real. Ilubirin proved Lagos is ready for a world-class December experience, and this is only the beginning," she remarked.
Her husband and Co-Founder, Darey Art Alade, emphasized that the festival was crafted to embody the unique spirit of Lagos. "We set out to create a festival that feels true to Lagos. One that is fresh and exciting. The response from the artists and fans tells us we got it right," he said.
Driving Tourism and "Africa's Real Summer"
Organizers declared that the 2025 edition raised the standard for live events in Lagos and strengthened the festival's role as a key engine for music, tourism, and economic activity. Darey Art Alade described the phenomenon as "Africa's real summer," noting its appeal is expanding beyond the African diaspora to attract a global audience.
"People are coming to see their families, and they're bringing their friends," he said, pointing to a rising "Detty December fever." This sentiment was echoed by Iyadunni Gbadebo, sales director at Eko Hotels & Suites, who reported a significant surge in international interest.
"This year, we have a lot of Americans living in the United States, Black Americans now looking at coming here and paying for packages, just to have a different kind of experience," Gbadebo explained. For the hotel, December now accounts for 15 to 20 percent of its annual revenue, with bookings filling up as early as July.
The festival's pull also brings top Afrobeats artists back home for the season, with separate major concerts featuring Asake on Christmas Eve and Davido on Christmas Day. The 2025 Detty December Fest has undoubtedly cemented its place on the calendar, promising even greater scale and impact in the years to come.
