Flytime delivered its largest December season to date, cementing Lagos’ status as one of the world’s most influential cultural cities. Across the 21st edition of Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged, Flytime Fest powered by Coca-Cola, and the third Flytime’s House of RnB, the Nigerian live events powerhouse transformed Detty December into a week-long global music moment.
Running from 19–25 December, the season brought together genre-defining stars including Rema, Davido, Asake, Olamide, Flavour, Central Cee and Tiwa Savage, alongside rising voices shaping the future of Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop and highlife. With record-breaking attendance and an influx of international visitors, Flytime once again placed Lagos at the heart of the global music conversation.
Detty December and the Global Pull of Lagos
Once a local end-of-year tradition, Detty December has evolved into one of Africa’s most important cultural export moments. Each year, Lagos draws tastemakers, creatives and music fans from across the diaspora, many returning home as part of a wider cultural reconnection.
Flytime’s December programme reflected that momentum, welcoming its largest audiences ever, alongside influential figures from music, fashion, business and public life. Guests ranged from artists like Odeal to model and cultural tastemaker Eva Apio, reinforcing Lagos’ role as a meeting point for contemporary African culture.
Flytime’s House of RnB Opens the Season in Style
The season kicked off on 19 December with Flytime’s House of RnB at Eko Hotel and Suites, setting the tone with a late-night celebration of R&B and hip-hop across generations. Curated by DJ Tunez, Total and guest DJ Kid Capri, the night blended classic anthems with modern favourites in a transatlantic moment that spoke to Flytime’s global reach.
Guests were welcomed with drinks from Glenmorangie, followed by a free-flowing bar, creating an intimate yet high-energy opening to one of Lagos’ biggest cultural weeks.
Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged Delivers a Marathon Night
On 21 December, Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged ran through to dawn, delivering one of the most expansive line-ups of the season. Headlined by Rema, the performance underscored his position as one of Afrobeats’ most influential voices right now.
Special guest Central Cee joined a multi-generational roster featuring Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Bnxn, Zerrydl, Famous Pluto, Fola and Mavo, showcasing both established stars and emerging talent defining the next wave of African music.
Central Cee’s set proved a standout moment, as UK rap collided with Lagos energy. Performing hits including Commitment Issues, Doja and Band4Band, the performance captured the cultural exchange at the heart of Detty December, with IJGBs (I Just Got Back) singing every word.
Flytime Fest: Four Nights, Four Distinct Sounds
Flytime Fest, running from 22–25 December, offered a nightly snapshot of African music’s diversity, complete with a Fly Village and games zone powered by Heineken.
Flavour opened the festival on 22 December, celebrating Nigeria’s highlife legacy and Igbo culture. Surprise appearances from Bracket, Falz and Phyno elevated the night, while Odumeje’s arrival sparked one of the loudest reactions of the festival.
On 23 December, Olamide delivered a powerful set reflecting his influence on Nigerian street culture and hip-hop. Making a dramatic entrance on a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle, he was joined by Darkoo for Billionaires Club and Lil Kesh, who thanked Olamide for shaping his early career. A closing reunion with Phyno underlined a message of unity and brotherhood.
Asake and Davido Close Out an Unforgettable Week
Asake followed on 24 December with a specially arranged orchestral set, transforming his Afrobeats catalogue into a cinematic live experience. Performing in Nigeria for the first time in two years, he moved through hits like Joha, Amapiano and fan favourite MMS. A surprise appearance from Fuji legend King Saheed Osupa paid homage to the roots of Nigerian music, while an unreleased track offered fans a glimpse of what’s next.
The season reached its peak on Christmas Day, as Davido closed Flytime Fest with a headline set defined by spectacle and surprise. Opening with visuals inspired by his fifth studio album 5ive, he emerged alongside colourful masquerades before moving through new material and classics like Back When with Naeto C. Guest appearances from TxC, Shoday and Adekunle Gold kept the energy high, before Davido signed off to his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, complete with dancers and confetti.
Flytime’s Lasting Impact on African Music
Across Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged, Flytime Fest and Flytime’s House of RnB, Flytime once again demonstrated its role in shaping Lagos’ December experience. By creating platforms where African music thrives globally while remaining rooted in local culture, Flytime continues to define what Detty December represents.
Founder and CEO Cecil Hammond described the season as a reflection of Flytime’s legacy, while COO Keke Hammond highlighted Lagos’ growing appeal as a global tourist and cultural destination.
Since launching in 2004, Flytime Promotions has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s live music ecosystem, introducing artists ahead of their global breakthroughs. Its alumni include Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, Gunna, Ja Rule and Ashanti. Beyond the stage, Flytime has also expanded female representation across its production teams by over 250% through its Women Leading Music initiative.
