The annual Detty December homecoming, a period marked by the massive return of Nigerians in the diaspora and an influx of tourists, has ignited a significant boom in the streaming of Nigerian music both locally and internationally.
The Data Behind the Detty December Streaming Boom
According to exclusive data from Spotify, the season of concerts, events, and celebrations has dramatically heated up music consumption. Tracking the period from 1 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the platform recorded a staggering 55% surge in local streaming of Nigerian tracks compared to the average daily consumption from January to mid-November 2024.
Globally, the increase was a notable 15%, demonstrating how end-of-year travel, family reunions, and live events create powerful digital listening trends. This momentum begins even before December officially kicks off.
Data from the first two weeks of November 2025 (1-14 November) showed Nigerian music was already gaining traction, with a 23% lift locally and a 12% increase globally versus the daily average for January to October 2025. This early rise points to anticipation-led listening, as fans curate playlists and revisit favourites in preparation for the festive month.
A Regional and Global Celebration
While Lagos remains the epicentre of Detty December festivities, the season's influence has expanded significantly. Spotify's analysis highlights that the streaming uplift is a multi-city phenomenon.
Accra, Ghana is named among the biggest contributors to the surge, cementing its role in the Detty December narrative. Other major hubs driving streams include Nairobi, Kampala, New York, and Nuremberg. This pattern underscores a broader cultural movement: as West Africans travel to reunite and celebrate across cities and continents, their music travels seamlessly with them.
The Self-Reinforcing Cycle of Festival Listening
Spotify's findings reveal that Detty December operates as a powerful, self-reinforcing cycle for music consumption. Fans engage with music at every stage of the experience:
- Before events: Streaming to learn lyrics, discover new tracks, and build anticipation.
- During events: Live performances fuel recognition and connection.
- After events: Streaming to relive and extend the memorable experiences.
This all-round engagement solidifies music as a central driver of the season, creating a sustained, month-long surge that perfectly mirrors the dynamic movement of people and culture.
In 2024, the definitive Detty December anthem was DJ YK's 'Obelee' featuring Kashcoming and Slimcase. For the current season, a new wave of songs is soundtracking celebrations offline, on social media, and across streaming platforms. To capture this momentum, Spotify has launched a dedicated Detty December destination hub and editorial playlist featuring the tracks defining the holiday's sound.
