Detty December Fest Returns, Promises Best of African Cultural Experience

 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

December in Lagos is traditionally one of the busiest and most energetic periods of the year, as residents, diaspora visitors, tourists and entertainers converge on the city. Detty December Fest, one of Africa’s fastest growing live music festivals, is looking to build on that atmosphere by creating a festival experience that extends beyond music, following a debut edition that drew more than 40,000 festival goers.

The much-anticipated 2026 Detty December Fest is scheduled to run from 18th to 30th December, bringing together music, nightlife, fashion, food, cultural experiences across the city.

Wizkid is billed to open the show on Day 1 – Friday 18th December, tagged the Grand Opening Concert.  Organisers describe the upcoming edition as a 13-day nonstop fiesta featuring multiple stage and more than 300 performers.

According to the festival handlers, Wizkid’s combination of Afrobeats classics, international collaborations and fan favourites gives the opening night the potential to attract a massive crowd. Known for his global influence and catalogue of Afrobeats anthems, the Grammy-winning singer is expected to deliver a headline performance that sets the tone for the festival’s run.

More so, Detty December Fest’s 2026 programme is being presented as more than a series of concerts. It plans to include a food, shopping area, family-focused seasonal attractions, and a youth-focused space known as Gen Z Republik. The festival returns at a time when the event has evolved into one of the continent’s most significant cultural and economic moments.  

In its first year, Detty December Fest established itself as one of the defining moments of Lagos’ festive calendar and new destinations for Africa’s live entertainment experiences. The landmark inaugural edition brought together global and African music stars such as Busta Rhymes, Gunna, Tiwa Savage, Juma Jux, Diamond Platnumz, Wande Coal, Phyno, Fave, Young Jonn, Ice Prince and more.