Spotify data has shown that Detty December, West Africa’s annual homecoming season, continues to drive a major uplift in Nigerian music streaming.
According to the data, this is fuelled by increased travels, reunions and packed end-of-year event calendars.
Spotify’s Senior Music Editor for Sub-Saharan Africa, Benewaah Boateng, who stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, described Detty December as more than a party season.
Spotify’s wrapped analysis of the core holiday period between December 1, 2024 and January 5, 2025 revealed that Nigerian tracks recorded a 55 per cent increase in local streaming and a 15 per cent rise globally, compared to average daily consumption across the rest of the year.
The data highlights how end-of-year movement, live shows and social gatherings translate into stronger digital listening both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.
“Detty December is not just a run of parties, it’s an ecosystem cause when people return home, they bring their listening with them.
“The music becomes a bridge between where you live and where you’re from and this season is when that connection gets loud,” Mr Boateng said.
Mr Boateng said the streaming surge began even before December.
He stated, “In the first two weeks of November, Nigerian tracks showed increased listening compared to the January–October daily average, with a 23 per cent rise locally and a 12 per cent increase globally.”
He said the early lift reflected anticipation led listening as fans built playlists, revisited favourites and prepared soundtracks ahead of the festive season.
According to him, the data also underscores Detty December’s growing regional and global reach where Lagos remains a major hub while cities such as Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, New York and Nuremberg contributed significantly to the streaming uplift.
“Detty December has become one of the most visible cultural exports from the region. Streaming helps fans arrive ready and leave with something to replay. It’s how the feeling lasts,” Mr Boateng said.
Spotify’s analysis suggests the season operates as a self-reinforcing cycle with fans streaming before events to learn lyrics and discover new music and after events to relive moments and extend the festive mood.
To amplify the momentum, Spotify launched a dedicated Detty December destination hub on December22, alongside its Songs of Detty December playlist curated by its editorial team to capture the sound of the season.
(NAN)
