A friend of mine asked me the other day about my plan for next month. At first, I paused; I was blank for a second, wondering what grand event I’d forgotten, so I asked him, “What’s happening next month?” He looked at me and said, “Guy, next month is December! Detty December! Outside season!”
I laughed, shaking my head at his excitement, but deep down, I knew what was up. I’m not really the type to hop from party to concert to afterparty, but I always respect the hustle.
December in Nigeria is a vibe, an entire lifestyle all rolled into one. It’s when the streets are alive, and people like my friend spend every weekend chasing one show after the other, armed with new outfits, VIP tickets, and fully charged phones for Instagram updates.
And even though I might not be “outside,” I know plenty of people who are. So, I decided to go straight to the source. I asked seven Nigerians—people with different vibes, stories—how they truly enjoy their Detty December.
Wahab Folawiyo (Event Promoter)
For me, Detty December is like a full-time job. I’m always at every major event, even the ones I’m not promoting. One year, I attended like 15 concerts in 10 days. By the 10th day, I had no voice no energy, but guess what? I still showed up at the club that night. I don’t even know how I will always survive December.
DJ Diamond (Disc Jockey)
As a DJ, Detty December is my peak season oo, so I’m always working. Always one show to attend everyday of the week. I’ve done back-to-back gigs from 7 PM to 7 AM, then taken quick naps in my car before heading to the next show. Once, I played at a wedding in the afternoon, a concert at night, and a house party till dawn, all in just one day. It’s madness, but the energy is unmatched i can’t lie and also coupled with the fact that money is entering.
Bidemi Ayoola (Fashion Designer)
I can’t lie; that’s the time I work the most. That‘s the time I get gigs and clothes for customers, and even events, so I can’t lie, I rarely even have time for myself. I don’t go out much. Until like December 29th. That’s when I always go out just to rest and have some fun.
Fouad Ajayi (UI/UX Designer)
My own Detty December is strictly online. If there is anything i hate most about Lagos, it is the Lagos traffic, which is always common this December. But I love seeing the posts and all from the comfort of my bed. I’ll buy new clothes, take fine pictures, and pretend I went out. My friends don’t need to know I was binge-watching movies all month instead of partying. Fake it till you make it, abi?
Damilola (Student)
I don’t play with December. it’s my favorite month of the year. By August, I’m already saving for concerts and shows. My friends know I’m the plug for budgeting; I calculate everything down to the last naira. But I still need extra cash, so I’ll stylishly ask my dad for ‘urgent money’ in December. I’ll tell him it’s for textbooks or transport back to school, but omo, that money is for tickets and outfits. Last year, I used part of it to buy an Asake ticket. December is the time to chop life. No stress, just vibes!
Tunde (Entrepreneur)
Unlike most people, my own December isn’t just about parties, it’s about family. I use the holiday season to visit my parents in Akure, have some time with them, cook Christmas meals with my sisters, and attend church programs. Because i rarely go home all through the year except that time, due to my work. But then; I still try to attend like one or two concerts before the month ends!
Tayo Johnson (Content Creator)
December is content season for me. I’m always at every show because of the kind of lifestyle content that I create and also because I know my TikTok followers need to see that I’m ‘outside.’ I get creative, i will go to event, review everything about the concert and share to my followers why they should attend the event. It is always a fun time for me.
