By Anscella Obike
The entertainment capital of West Africa is in full bloom this December as Lagos State ushers in a fresh wave of cultural vibrancy. The city’s streets have become living canvases and performance stages as locals and visitors immerse themselves in two major attractions: the inaugural Street Art Festival and the monthlong Detty December Festival.
In a remarkable first, the “Legendary Lagos: City of Dreams’’ Street Art Festival has transformed public spaces across the city into bold displays of creativity. Walls once blank now burst with colour as 12 artists, nine Nigerian and three international, paint large-scale murals celebrating Lagos’ energy, diversity, and ambition. Organisers say the festival aims to make art accessible to everyday residents and challenge the notion that artistic expression is reserved only for galleries or private collections.
One mural by Lithuanian artist Andrey Adno, titled “The Pace of Lagos”, captures the city’s dynamic movement, a blend of hustle, hope, and cultural spirit. Local artist, HK Locks, explored themes of unity and migration in his work, portraying Lagos as a melting pot of ethnicities and dreams. “Lagos is where people come to chase their dreams,” he said, noting that the city’s inherent energy infuses every stroke of the brush.
Organiser Osa Seven described the event as a bold step toward democratising art. “We believe art shouldn’t be confined to galleries and museums. Public art allows people to interact with creativity in their everyday environment,” he said, adding that the festival’s works are meant to spark imagination and dialogue among diverse audiences.
Detty December Festival Lights Up Lagos
While the Street Art Festival paints the city’s walls, the Detty December Festival is electrifying Lagos’ entertainment calendar with music, dance, and live performances. Launched on December 7 at Ilubirin on Lagos Island, the celebration has drawn hundreds of fans who came to witness a colourful opening filled with 200 dancers, aerial performances, and musical highlights.
The event blends contemporary and traditional elements, with dancers clad in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attire performing a medley, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Award-winning musician Darey Art Alade delivered a powerful rendition of his hit “Pray For Me”, leaving the crowd uplifted and ready for the festive weeks ahead.
Detty December, a widely celebrated cultural movement in Lagos, runs through the end of the month, with big performances scheduled by top artistes such as Wande Coal, Bella Shmurda, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platinumz in the coming days. The collaboration between the festival organisers and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has turned Ilubirin into a hub of excitement, drawing both local revellers and visitors from across Nigeria.
A New Cultural Rhythm
These twin celebrations, one rooted in visual arts and the other in performance, reflect the evolving face of Lagos entertainment. The Street Art Festival signals a broadening of cultural expression, inviting everyday citizens to experience art in public spaces. Detty December continues its role as a seasonal entertainment hallmark, blending music, dance, and urban celebration.
For many young Nigerians, December has always been a time of reunion, celebration, and creative expression. This year, the addition of a civic art festival adds another layer to the city’s festive mood, opening doors for artists, performers, tourists, and creative businesses.
Impact Beyond the Festivities
Cultural commentators say these developments illustrate how Lagos is fast positioning itself as a global creative hub not only for music and film but also for street art, design, and experiential culture. By embracing both large-scale public art and festive performance, the city reinforces its status as a centre where tradition and innovation meet.
As Lagos celebrates through December, residents and visitors alike are reminded that entertainment, whether on a stage or a city wall, can reflect identity, spark conversation, and inspire change.