2023 has been a wild year. But it’s over now, and everyone is coming back home (including those pesky I-just-got-back from abroad people – IJGBs for short). Events and parties are popping up, and you definitely have a few plans that are detrimental to your account balance.

But, who cares? It’s December.

Now, if you’re an Afro-pop lingo historian, you’d know that Oluwatosin Ajibade, aka Mr Eazi, popularised the phrase Detty December.  In 2016 he released a song called “Detty Yasef” featuring Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. Since he was going to perform the song at a concert in December of that year, he hashtagged the concert “Detty December”.

 Since then, Nigerians (aka Jollof kings, #justsaying) and Ghanaians have adopted the phrase as a pop term for December enjoyment.

If you knew that already, well done! If you didn’t, well, stick with me and I’ll take you far.

Now that we have the preliminary stuff out of the way, let’s get to the real nitty gritty.

Detty December 2023.

This period is usually marked by lots of going out, even more spending, and double the amount of time spent wondering what to wear on your third night out in a row after you’ve already worn both your “good” shoes and your “even better” ones.

But 2023 has been… something.

Statistics say that this year has been one of the most trying in recent times.

The Economist in November 2022 predicted the Nigerian Economy would continue to struggle in 2023. It also noted that from 2015 to 2020 the economy grew so slowly that the average Nigerian got poorer in real terms.

We can all attest to the accuracy of this prediction; from the spikes in fuel prices to the inflation that made basic things become luxuries. Even the sun seemed hotter this year and Nigerians felt it.

That’s sour stuff (we know), but it’s our lived reality whether we like it or not.

So, how is this Detty December going for people despite all that?

Well, lucky for you, we figuratively hit the streets and did the work, and here are the answers.

Meet our respondents

Edo – an expensive Abuja babe studying in the UK for her undergrad in Economics but coming back home to enjoy this December.

Harris – a Muslim fashion entrepreneur and creative living in Kano – a real family man.

Tobi – a fun-loving student battling the trials and tribulations of the University of Ibadan.

Tee – a full-time student and part-time tutor and visual artist studying at the University of Lagos.

Four very different backgrounds and four equally interesting perspectives, so, turn the volume up, and let’s get into it.

Interview Questions

What does Detty December mean to you?

What’s the hardest thing about this time of year (Detty Decembers)?

What’s the best thing about Detty December for you?

What’s the first Detty December you remember participating in? How was it?

What makes a December “detty”? Where do you have to go/do?

Your favourite Detty December you’ve ever had?

How’s this December been? Has the state of the economy affected it in any tangible way?

Do you have any events lined up?

Does this particular December have any particular significance to you?

Did you save up for this time of the year or is it as the spirit leads? How do you save?

…and their responses

Edo

Tobi

Tee

Harris

Well, it seems like we are all feeling the 2023 blues – some more than others – but we’re also geared to have a good time regardless.

No matter who you are or what you do, as long as you’re Nigerian, Decembers have a kind of sparkle that’s almost irresistible. Edo said it perfectly, “Whether you’re single, taken, married-but-single…” December is the time to let loose and celebrate the past year.

So, because we know you might be interested in some of the places they mentioned, here is a little list of everywhere they spoke of or recommended (you’re welcome).

Our Detty December Index