Detty December is West Africa’s annual homecoming season: a cultural moment defined by packed event calendars, diaspora travel, and a soundtrack that moves across cities and continents. New Spotify analysis reveals that the season’s impact extends beyond dance floors, driving significant increases in streaming for Nigerian music both locally and globally.
Spotify’s Wrapped analysis of the core holiday period (1 December 2024 to 5 January 2025) found that Nigerian tracks recorded a 55% uplift in local streaming and a 15% uplift globally, compared to average daily consumption across the rest of the year (1 January to 14 November 2024). The data reflects how end-of-year travel, reunions, and live events translate into digital listening momentum.
“Detty December is not just a run of parties, it’s an ecosystem,” said Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s Senior Music Editor, Sub-Saharan Africa. “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.”
The season starts before December
The spike is not confined to December alone. In the first two weeks of November 2025 (1 to 14 November), Nigerian tracks already showed a lift versus the January to October 2025 daily average: +23% locally and +12% globally. The early rise signals anticipation-led listening, as fans begin building soundtracks, revisiting favourites, and preparing for the month ahead.
A regional story with global reach
While Lagos remains a key centre of gravity for Detty December, the season has become increasingly regional and global. Spotify data highlights Accra among the biggest contributors to the uplift, reinforcing Ghana’s role in the Detty December story, alongside additional hubs including Nairobi, Kampala, New York, and Nuremberg. The pattern reflects a broader reality: when West Africans move, returning, visiting, or linking up across cities, the music moves with them.
“Detty December has become one of the most visible cultural exports from the region,” added Boateng. “Streaming helps fans arrive ready, and leave with something to replay. It’s how the feeling lasts.”
From pre-game to replay: how listening fuels the loop
Spotify’s analysis suggests Detty December operates as a self-reinforcing cycle. Fans stream before events to lock in lyrics and discover new records. They stream after to relive nights out, replay viral moments, and keep the season going beyond the calendar. The result is a sustained month-long surge that mirrors the movement of people and culture.
To further amplify this momentum, Spotify launched a dedicated Detty December destination hub on Monday, December 22, and Songs of Detty December playlist curated by the editorial team, which features tracks that define the holiday’s sound.