December in Lagos is never ordinary, but when Detty December arrives, the city fully surrenders to music, movement and nonstop nightlife. This year’s concert calendar is a marathon rather than a sprint, with Lagos hosting a powerful mix of homegrown stars and international heavyweights across multiple venues.

The festivities ignite with Iconiq Fest 2025, a three-night celebration of African music holding from December 18 to 20 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island Annex. Carefully curated to reflect different sounds and moods, the festival opens on Thursday, December 18 with Chike Live, delivering an evening of soulful melodies and emotional depth. Friday, December 19 belongs to BNXN, whose Captain Experience promises rhythm driven energy and crowd engagement. The curtain closes on Saturday, December 20 with Plutomanian Fest, as Shallipopi, Zerry DL and Famous Pluto bring raw street sounds and high intensity performances. Tickets are available via Iconiqfest.com.

Also launching on December 18 is Detty December Fest at Ilubirin, Lagos, with East African star Juma Jux opening the series. The festival intensifies on December 19 with a rare Lagos appearance by American rap icon Busta Rhymes, before returning on December 29 with US trap heavyweight Gunna. Shows begin at 4pm, with tickets available at Dettydecfest.com.

December 19 also offers a more intimate counterpoint as Tay Iwar takes the stage at Herel Play, Ikoyi. Known for his alternative R&B sound and stripped back performances, the show provides a quieter but compelling Detty December moment. Tickets are available at Lagosencore.com.

From December 21 to 25, attention shifts to the Eko Convention Centre for Flytime Fest 2025, including Rhythm Unplugged. Daytime activities run from 10am to 4pm and are open to everyone, while evening concerts begin from 7pm for ticket holders. The headline run features Flavour on December 22, Olamide on December 23, Asake on December 24 and Davido closing the festival on Christmas Day. Tickets are available at flytimefest.com.

December 26 delivers a double highlight. Hip hop fans can catch Wale Live In Lagos at the Island Block Party, while music lovers head to the National Theatre for Adekunle Gold’s iconic live performance with a full orchestra, beginning at 7pm. Tickets are available at mainlandblockparty.com slash island and Adekunlegoldfuji.com respectively.

The final stretch of the month is stacked. On December 28, Fireboy Live In Concert takes over Eko Hotels and Suites, offering melodic Afrobeats and emotional singalongs. That same day, Futurefest hosts Wizkid: Greatest Of All Time Experience at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, positioning one of Africa’s biggest stars at the heart of Detty December. Tickets for the event are available at futurefest.live.

Detty December continues on December 30 with a star-studded night led by DJ Jimmy Jatt at Eko Hotels and Suites. Supported by Cynthia Morgan, 9ice, Dbanj, Bigiano, Dr Sid and others, the concert promises a nostalgic journey through multiple eras of Nigerian music. Tickets are available at Rewindconcert.com.

Adding to the city’s global buzz, Skepta and Rick Ross are currently in Lagos, reinforcing the city’s status as a December hotspot for international stars.

From soulful nights to stadium scale celebrations, Lagos once again proves that Detty December is not just a season. It is a lifestyle. (Arise News)

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