If you’re Nigerian and you’ve been to at least one concert, you already know it’s a whole movie. Concerts in Nigeria are a true jungle, packed with unique species who come prepared with their vibe, agenda, and, most importantly, survival tactics.
Some come dressed for an Instagram photoshoot, others are ready to scream every single lyric like they wrote the song, and then there are the ones who somehow showed up without paying a kobo (we don’t know how they do it, but respect). It’s all part of the Nigerian concert experience.
If you’re stepping into these concerts for the first time, let’s introduce you to the different types of Nigerians you’re bound to meet there.
1. The “Slay Queen” and “Slay King”
The royal members of the Instagram slayers. Dressed in clothes tighter than their rent money, with jewellery shining brighter than the concert lights. Their sole mission is not to have fun but to be seen, documented, and potentially reposted.
You’ll catch them adjusting every two minutes, finding the right angle for that perfect shot. Don’t even try to ask them to dance; they’ve spent too much on that outfit to risk sweat stains.
2. The Overzealous Fan
No one loves the artiste more than this one. You can bet they’re rocking full merch, singing along (on and off-key) to every song, including obscure ones even the artist forgot about. They’ll also give unsolicited facts: “You know Wizkid wrote this Morayo song for his mother right?” or “I’ve been a day-one fan since his cousin’s friend told me about him in Ojuelegba around 2009.”
3. The Hustler
These guys aren’t there for the music. They’re here for business. You’ll see them slipping through the crowd selling every imaginable item: branded merch that looks almost legit, packaged suya, ice-cold waters, and, of course, party props like glow sticks and red cups. Their catchphrase? “Anything you need, boss!”
4. The “I Just Came to Vibe” Gang
These ones came purely for the aesthetic. It’s about vibes, no stress. You’ll find them hanging at the edges of the crowd, stepping casually and nodding like they’re considering the music instead of enjoying it.
If they get too close to the front, they start complaining about the noise and the crowd.
5. The Energy Merchants
If you’re looking for vibes, these are the real MVPs. They will hype you up, whether you want it or not. They’ll start a dance battle with anyone who catches their eye, initiate every call-and-response, and scream like they’re on stage with the artist. By the time the concert ends, they’re the last ones standing and will still somehow look ready for an after-party.
6. The Sneaky Sneak-in
These ones slipped past security without a ticket, and they’re not looking for seats. They’ve mastered the art of blending in and keeping a low profile, but they will be right in the middle of the action. They’ll borrow lighters, cheer loudest, and just might enjoy the event more than the people who bought the ticket with their money.
Which of these categories of concertgoers do you belong to?
Watch – Highlight of Davido’s Timeless Concert in Lagos
