Lagos is about to turn up the heat this festive season as it prepares to host the maiden edition of Shakara Festival — a vibrant four-day celebration of African music, culture, and lifestyle.
Scheduled to take place from December 18 to 21, 2025, at Nautica Beach Resort, Lekki, the event promises to be the new heartbeat of ‘Detty December’ in Lagos.
Speaking on the vision behind the festival, Godson Oriaku, Founder of Shakara Festival, described it as “the ultimate destination for Detty December in Lagos.” He explained that the festival was created to project African music to the global stage while showcasing the rhythm, creativity, and dynamic energy that define Nigeria.
The event is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors daily, including music lovers from across the continent and members of the diaspora returning home for the holidays.
Throughout the day, attendees will be treated to panel discussions on the business of music and the creative economy, featuring leading industry figures. The festival grounds will also feature “Shakara Junction,” a lively market space packed with food vendors, fashion brands, and local artisans.
Afternoon sessions will come alive with live performances from both established and emerging artists across genres like Afrobeats, Soul, Alté, Gospel, Afro-Fusion, and Alternative music.
As the sun sets, the tempo will shift into “Shakara Afterdark” — a series of high-energy night parties curated in collaboration with some of Lagos’ top rave collectives.
Oriaku emphasized that Shakara Festival was conceived to redefine the Nigerian music experience, saying, “Shakara is about authentic expression and creating a space where people and music connect across cultures.”
Echoing his sentiment, Abiola Francesca Dacosta-Ajayi, Founding Partner of Shakara Festival, described it as “more than just a concert—it’s a cultural movement.”
She added, “We’re creating a world-class experience that celebrates our creativity and identity. This is our gift to Lagos and a statement of Africa’s artistic power.”
Organizers revealed that the artist lineup will be announced soon, promising a star-studded showcase of African talent that will leave an unforgettable mark on Lagos’ festive calendar.
