With its blend of global stars, African excellence, and immersive production, Detty December Fest 2025 raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos.
By Emmanuel “Waziri” Okoro
Detty December Fest 2025 drew the curtain on its month-long run in spectacular fashion, cementing its status as one of Nigeria’s most significant end-of-year cultural events. Held at Ilubirin, Lagos, from 7th to 29th December, the festival brought together global superstars, leading African acts and hundreds of music lovers for what organisers have dubbed “Africa’s Real Summer”.
Headlined by international heavyweights: Busta Rhymes and Gunna, the festival also featured a robust line-up of African talent, including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others. Across four major highlight days, Detty December Fest delivered high-energy performances that kept audiences engaged throughout the festive period.
The festival opened on 7 December with a striking theatrical display by aerial ballerinas, setting an ambitious tone for the weeks ahead. The grand opening night saw performances from Nigerian music mainstays such as Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince and Darey, alongside emerging acts FOLA and Shoday.
Beyond music, the festival underscored its cultural significance through a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art and Culture. Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa described Detty December Fest as a defining contributor to Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem, noting its growing role in strengthening the country’s global creative footprint and attracting holiday tourism.
Speaking on the success of the 2025 edition, Deola Art Alade, Founder and Group CEO of Livespot360, said the response from audiences affirmed the demand for large-scale live entertainment in Lagos. “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 said.
Darey Art Alade, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, added that authenticity was central to the festival’s vision. “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.
With its blend of global stars, African excellence, and immersive production, Detty December Fest 2025 raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, reinforcing Detty December’s growing influence as a driver of culture, tourism and economic activity in the city.