A Lagosian ‘Detty December’: Where culture meets celebration

The unique convergence of global holidays, the homecoming of the diaspora, and Nigeria’s sheer population size distinguishes December in Lagos.

Other African countries enable similar phenomena, such as Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’, summer in Cape Town, and the coastal season in Kenya, and yet, none quite match the scale of ‘Detty December’.

This Pidgin phrase, coined by musician Mr Eazi – meaning to let loose and live it up – aptly describes this annual period of roughly six weeks in which Lagos becomes the temporary epicentre of Africa.

Over the past decade, cities like Accra and Lagos have experienced a surge in high-profile concerts, coinciding with the international rise of Afrobeats. Notable events such as the Calabar Carnival in Nigeria’s Cross River State, dubbed ‘Africa’s biggest street party’, and the Flytime Fest music festival in Lagos have significantly contributed to this cultural renaissance.

In Ghana, festivals like Afrochella (now AfroFuture), and Afro Nation, which was first held in Accra in 2019, have drawn global celebrities like Steve Harvey, Lupita Nyongo, and Naomi Campbell, further elevating their profiles. Although this upward trend was briefly interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has since rebounded. Today, these cities sustain the ‘Detty December’ movement.

Lagos at heart of celebrations

While Abuja serves as Nigeria’s official capital, Lagos is undeniably the country’s cultural heart and boasts private beach clubs, high-profile weddings, a varied nightlife, and a star-studded guest lists. December 2024 welcomed the likes of Nigerian Afrobeats icons such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid alongside international names including Tyla, Gunna and Chloe Bailey.

Oroma, a 36-year old British-Nigerian entrepreneur, once dreamed of immersing herself in the country as an adult rather than through fleeting Christmas visits. After six years in Lagos, and at the age of 33, she came to the realisation that Detty December is truly the best way to experience Nigeria.

“If there is one thing Nigeria teaches you, it’s the ‘art of the possible’, and nowhere is this more evident than in December. During this season everybody understands the assignment – celebrate! From the ‘Omo Niles’ (the ‘owners of the land’ who can either be a blessing or a curse – harassing your truck in November but finding you a safe place to park in December) to the police, nail technicians, and club owners, the festive spirit is infectious. Freebies flow, goodwill abounds, and for a moment, the struggles take a backseat. After all, ‘wahala no dey finish’ – problems never end – but next year, the hustle continues!”

Although Nigeria’s median age stands at just 18.1 years, significantly lower than the global average of 30.6 years, the city’s hustle and bustle extend beyond the youth alone, embracing people of all ages. From the moment visitors touch down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the infectious energy is unmistakable. With a diverse array of events and activities, Lagos caters to every generation.

A unequal economic boost

Beyond its cultural significance, ‘Detty December’ drives substantial economic activity. As Nigerians return in droves, their money comes with them. Nearly 90% of the estimated 550,000 inbound passengers during this period were Nigerians residing abroad. For many local businesses, the season marks a financial peak and some even surpass their annual revenue within several weeks.

In 2024, Detty December generated an estimated N107.6bn ($71.6m) in state revenue, fuelled by 1.2 million visitors. Short-let apartments alone amassed N21bn ($14m), and Lagos’ top 15 nightlife establishments collectively raked in N4.32bn ($2.9m) – a staggering testament to the celebration’s economic force.

Despite its undeniable economic benefits, Detty December is not without its drawbacks, and its popularity is reflected in rising flight prices, limiting accessibility and services that increasingly cater to the affluent.

Over 40% of Nigerians currently live below the poverty line and as Africa’s most populous nation and the world’s sixth largest, economic growth remains too sluggish to meaningfully address poverty among its nearly 240 million citizens.

The country’s prolonged battle with growing inflation has rendered life there untenable for many. The 41% depreciation in the naira against the dollar in December 2024 enabled the diaspora to fully capitalise on all Lagos has to offer.

Yet while visitors benefit from increased spending power, local residents face skyrocketing prices as businesses exploit seasonal demand, aggravating economic hardship. This has stoked tensions between visitors nd locals, with many locals attributing increased pricing and egregious overcrowding to returning diaspora Nigerians.

Moreover, Lagosian infrastructure struggles to accommodate this surplus of people, suffering from overstretched public transport and excessive traffic persisting well into the night – exacerbated by the city’s never-ending club scene.

With over 17 million Nigerians living abroad, the growing momentum of Detty December will likely continue to draw returnees, further burdening the city’s already overwhelmed systems. In addition to transportation issues, Lagos grapples with unreliable water and power supply, as well as recurrent lapses in safety protocols.

Security remains a pressing concern. In the ten months following President Bola Tinubu’s rise to power in May 2023, over 4700 kidnappings were reported. Despite its allure, Lagos is still a city in which vigilance is essential.

“There is a general consensus that autonomy in Lagos is somewhat limited. Getting around the city typically requires coordinating with a driver and, at times, even security, as the roads can be unsafe,” says Monjolo, an 18-year old British-Nigerian.

A cause for celebration

Even with these obstacles, Detty December is helping the ‘Giant of Africa’ to redefine its global identity in a positive manner. By tackling infrastructural gaps and improving its capacity to cater for its transiently enlarged population, Nigeria can showcase its diverse offering.

Ayo, aged 48, says the month brings out the best in Lagosians.

“As a local, December in Lagos seems to bring out the best in its people. Many businesses embrace the festive spirit, adorning their spaces with decorations and hosting holiday-themed events throughout the season. The city truly comes alive, and this prolonged atmosphere of celebration has a noticeable effect – people appear more welcoming and accommodating, much like in many other parts of the world. When out and about, I find it fairly easy to differentiate the visitors from the locals, but in December, the surge of both newcomers and old-timers makes the city feel more inclusive.

However, as Detty December grows, so does the strain on Lagos. The real question is whether the government will be able to transform this seasonal boom into lasting progress.

“The month is not an endless celebration for all; the rise in noise, traffic, and costs can be a significant challenge for those who must keep working to sustain themselves,” says Ayo.

“Even so, December in Lagos is an experience like no other – one we wouldn’t trade for anything!”