“Shakara Festival Set To Light Up Lagos: A Bold New Vision For ‘Detty December’”
By OBI DAVIES
Lagos Set for Shakara Festival — A Four-Day Celebration to Redefine ‘Detty December’
LAGOS is set to host the maiden edition of the Shakara Festival, a four-day outdoor celebration of African music, culture, and lifestyle that promises to transform the city’s famed “Detty December” experience.
Scheduled to take place from 18 to 21 December 2025 at Nautica Beach Resort, Lekki, the festival will blend live performances, creative showcases, and cultural exchanges in an electrifying open-air setting.
Founder Godson Oriaku described Shakara Festival as “the ultimate destination for Detty December” — an immersive event designed to spotlight African creativity and elevate Nigerian music on the global stage.
According to Oriaku, the festival will attract over 20,000 attendees daily, including returning diasporans, tourists, and music lovers from across Africa.
“Shakara is about authentic expression — creating a space where people and music connect across cultures,” Oriaku said. “It represents a new era for Nigeria’s creative scene and the unification of Africa’s diverse musical voices.”
The festival’s programme will feature panel discussions on the music business and creative economy, showcasing insights from leading industry figures. Attendees can also explore ‘Shakara Junction,’ a vibrant marketplace offering food, fashion, and crafts from local artisans.
Daytime activities will transition into ‘Shakara Afterdark,’ a lineup of exclusive night parties curated with Lagos’ most popular rave collectives. Performances will span genres including Afrobeats, Soul, Alté, Gospel, Afro-Fusion, and Alternative music — featuring both established and emerging acts.
Co-founder Abiola Francesca Dacosta-Ajayi described the festival as “more than just a concert — it’s a cultural movement.”
“We’re creating a world-class experience that celebrates our creativity and identity,” she said. “This is our gift to Lagos and a statement of Africa’s artistic power.”
Organisers said the performer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, promising a star-studded showcase that reflects the continent’s rich and evolving soundscape.
