Welcome to our latest series, Live Local. Go beyond the tourist trail and experience the heart of a city through the eyes of local travel experts and storytellers of color. In this series, we spotlight diverse voices who will share their hidden gems, favorite haunts and cultural insights, offering a unique perspective you won't find in your average guidebook.
Written by: Precious Umeasalugo
Nobody does December like the West Africans. It's not just the significance of the end of a tumultuous year that gets Nigerians and Ghanaians going; it's the return of loved ones, friends and family in the diaspora for a swell time over the holidays. December in Lagos and Accra is such a fun-filled, eventful period that Nigerians and Ghanaians call it a 'Detty December'.
But what exactly is Detty December, and how did the term even start? With the help of seasoned party and road manager Noshina Emuesiri (The Noshina Pikin), we explain what you need to know about the period and all the hottest spots to visit this year.
Meet the Expert
Noshina Emuesiri Christabel, professionally known as The Noshina Pikin, is a seasoned event manager in Lagos, Nigeria. She also specialises in areas like welfare, road, talent, and social media management.
What is Detty December? A Cultural Phenomenon Explained
While the origins of Detty December are still debatable, some say it started from the Calabar Carnivals that used to be held in Cross River, Nigeria. Others claim to have first heard it from Mr Eazi's 'Detty Rave' concert in December. Whichever story you choose to go with, Detty December in Nigeria and Ghana, mostly in their economic capitals of Lagos and Accra, celebrates the end of the year with events like parties, festivals, and plays.
"Detty December means a party-filled and exciting period, where you get to have a long itinerary of places to go see and people to hang out with that you couldn't normally do throughout the year", Noshina explains.
So whatever your interests are, there's something for everyone in Lagos and Accra. And if you need help with the sheer multitude of events and spots to see this December, we've got you covered.
Tips for a Memorable Detty December
In the city that never sleeps, Detty December is always a blast. From the electric Lagos nightlife to the Accra festivals and fiestas, there's always something to do. But there are things you must do to guarantee a swell time, and Noshina has a few tips.
Detty December Travel Tips
December trips to Ghana and Nigeria can be frighteningly expensive and difficult to get a hold of. And if you do not plan your flights properly, you may end up with a rude awakening once the fun's over. To avoid these, Noshina says to:
Book Early: It is best to book your apartments, boat cruises, and cars ahead of time to avoid the December rush.
Go premium if you can: If you can book VIP tickets to all shows and concerts, do so to enjoy the front-row experience.
Book a Round Trip: Make sure you book a round trip flight to avoid being stranded looking for a return flight by the time the fun's over.
Plan Well: A well-planned itinerary, comfortable apartment, and quality company will improve your December experience. You should also ensure access to good internet, a well-charged phone, a power bank, and, of course, lots of money.
On Picking Events to Attend
With several events for your choosing, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of planning and stress commuting can cause. To have the best experience possible, Noshina says to:
Live Close: First things first, settle on a prime location. To avoid traffic and navigation issues, ensure you live close to the venues of the events you want to attend, especially on the island.
Check The Music Policy: Look at the lineup of the DJs, hypemen and musicians. The more familiar and popular they look, the more likely they will be fun.
Do Your Research: Also, check how long the concert will last. Is it an overnight event? Or is it an afternoon-to-evening kind of event? Tailor these details to fit your personality so you can have the most fun.
Make Friends: Lastly, if you plan on attending an event solo, do well and socialise with others there. You might make meaningful friendships at events, but ensure you're always alert. Your safety matters first.
Detty December Safety Tips
Before throwing all caution into the wind, keeping your safety in mind is crucial. For this, here are Noshina's most important tips:
Please do not buy drinks (read recreational drugs) from any roadside vendors.
Do not give anybody money to help you get inside a show.
Have at least two self-defence items within reach to protect yourself in difficult situations.
Do not accept lifts from strangers.
Do not leave your drinks unattended, even when you're with friends.
Once you have these settled, you can focus on the fun with our round-up of some of the best events in Lagos and Accra.
Comparing the Two Cities: Lagos vs. Accra
Both cities offer an excellent December experience, but choosing where to visit may depend on your personality and needs for the season. If you love music, specifically Afrobeats, Lagos is the epicentre, with nonstop energy, pulsating concerts, and nightclubs popping as far as the eye can see. If you would like to experience more quiet beaches, a smaller crowd, and a more laid-back atmosphere, Accra would be a better option.
Both cities have incredible food options, but Lagos may offer a more diverse culinary scene. No matter where you choose, Detty December in Lagos or Accra promises an unforgettable experience filled with music, food, and endless fun.
Remember, your Detty December is what you make it. Whether you like quieter art galleries and interactive plays or pumping nightclubs and raves, it is all up to you.
