In a packed press conference held in the Capital Room, Victoria Island, on Monday, December 8th 2025, the organisers of the Shakara Festival lifted the curtain on a four‑day celebration that promises to redefine Lagos’ year‑end calendar.
The event, billed as Nigeria’s premier cultural and music experience, will run from Thursday, 18 December to Sunday, December 21st 2025 at the iconic Nautica Beach Resort in Elegushi, Lekki.
Founder and CEO Godson Oriaku opened the session, describing the festival as “a full‑stack Nigerian showcase” that fuses Afrobeats, Highlife, Alté, Afro‑Soul and gospel into one seamless experience. “Shakara is about authentic expression and creating a space where different sounds and people can connect,” he told the audience, adding that the festival is “our gift to Lagos and a bold statement to the world about the power and influence of our creative spirit”.
Joining him was founding partner Abiola Francesca Dacosta‑Ajayi, who framed the event as a cultural movement rather than a mere concert. “We’re creating a world‑class platform to celebrate African creativity and showcase Lagos as a hub of music and culture,” she said, while also thanking the city’s government, the Rapid Response Squad and private security partners for their support in ensuring safety.
A Star‑Studded Line‑up
The full roster reads like a who’s‑who of contemporary Nigerian music. Rap heavyweights BlaqBonez and Show Dem Camp bring Naija rap and Alté fire, while J’Dess and Mich Straaw deliver soulful Afro‑Soul and R&B vibes. The Afrobeats arena is lit by rising stars Mavo, Llona, Tar1q and Morravey. Folk‑fusion fans will catch Brymo and Johnny Drille, and the legendary The Cavemen will serve up proper Highlife grooves. Diaspora voices Oshamo and Keys The Prince round out the international flavour.
“Shakara After Dark”: Nightlife Takes Over
A highlight of the 2025 edition is the “Shakara After Dark” series, headlined by Lagos nightlife powerhouse Obi’s House. On the 20th of December, the beachside venue will transform into a rave haven, with an A‑team of DJs. Some of them include DJ Shawn and Bonamax, who will keep the energy alive long after the main stage lights go down.
Gospel Day to Close the Festival
The finale on Sunday, the 21st, will be a full‑day gospel extravaganza. The roster features some of Nigeria’s biggest praise names: Gbenga Akinfenwa, SMJ, Yinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Sinach, Kingdom, Magpsalms, Ada Ehi, Gerald Bishung and many more. Organisers say the day is an “intentional spiritual climax” meant to leave attendees uplifted after four nights of music, dance and culture.
Four Cultural Zones
Beyond the stage, the festival will unfold across four distinct zones:
– Shakara Junction: a bustling marketplace for artisans, fashion brands, food vendors and cultural merchandise.
– Shakara Series: panel discussions and deep‑dives on the music industry, creative economy and fintech, featuring leaders such as Shehu Raji, one of the festival’s key organisers .
– Shakara Games Village: a space for competitive and casual gaming.
– Shakara After Dark: the premier late‑night party experience, anchored by Obi’s House .
“We expect up to 20,000 guests each day, from Nigerians in the diaspora to music lovers across Africa,” noted Oriaku .
With its blend of music, conversation, gaming and nightlife, the Shakara Festival looks set to become the centrepiece of Lagos’ “Detty December” celebrations. As the city prepares to welcome thousands to the beach, the organisers are confident that the event will not only showcase Nigeria’s creative talent but also boost the local economy and cement Lagos as a global cultural hub.
The Shakara Festival is made possible by a roster of generous sponsors and partners, including Francesca Dacosta, Flutterwave, Pernod Richard/Jameson Black Barrel, and partners such as Not Just Ok, Hepzibah, Idyah, Xplug, Knights Design & Construction, Trace, Beat 99.9 FM and media contact Felicia Okoye (media@shakarafestival.com).
Attendees can purchase day passes or a full four-day experience via the official site: https://shakarafestival.com/tickets
