THROWBACK: 10 SONGS THAT HAVE DEFINED NIGERIA’S DETTY DECEMBER

December in Nigeria comes with homecomings, concerts, weddings and parties—and songs that bring back memories long after the celebrations end.

As another festive season approaches, here is a look at some of the records that helped define the sound of Detty December from 2016 to 2025.

1. 2016: ‘Mad Over You’ — Runtown

Runtown’s smooth melodies and romantic lyrics made “Mad Over You” a festive favourite. Its Ghanaian-influenced sound travelled across clubs, radio stations and parties, becoming closely associated with the early Detty December years.

2. 2017: ‘Manya’ — Mut4y Featuring Wizkid

“Manya” brought an irresistible rhythm to the 2017 party season. The collaboration kept dance floors busy and joined songs such as Kizz Daniel’s “Yeba” among the period’s memorable hits.

3. 2018: ‘Able God’ — Chinko Ekun Featuring Lil Kesh and Zlatan

With energetic production and a memorable hook, “Able God” became a street-party staple. It also helped introduce Zlatan to a wider audience as the Zanku dance movement gained momentum.

4. 2019: ‘Ma Fo’ — Naira Marley and Young Jonn

“Ma Fo” capped a busy year for Naira Marley, whose street-pop sound dominated clubs and concerts. Its lively beat made it a fixture of the final December party season before the pandemic.

5. 2020: ‘KPK’ — Rexxie Featuring Mohbad

Rexxie and Mohbad delivered an energetic soundtrack at the end of a difficult year. The combination of street-pop, Amapiano influences and Mohbad’s distinctive delivery helped “KPK” catch on quickly.

6. 2021: ‘Zazoo Zeh’ — Portable Featuring Poco Lee and Olamide

Released in December, “Zazoo Zeh” turned Portable into a major talking point almost overnight. Its raw energy, dance appeal and lively performances carried it from social media to parties and stages.

7. 2022: ‘Chance (Na Ham)’ — Seyi Vibez

Taken from Billion Dollar Baby, “Chance” combined street-pop with Apala-inspired elements. Its growing popularity helped establish Seyi Vibez as a prominent voice in Nigeria’s street-music scene.

8. 2023: ‘Cast’ — Shallipopi Featuring Odumodublvck

Shallipopi’s distinctive delivery met Odumodublvck’s forceful rap style on “Cast.” The collaboration gained traction online and became a regular selection at clubs and festive gatherings.

9. 2024: ‘Oblee’ — DJ YK Mule Featuring Kashcoming, Slimcase and Qdot

“Oblee” brought lively street-pop energy to parties and raves. Fido’s “Joy Is Coming,” released shortly before Christmas, also became an uplifting favourite as celebrations moved towards the New Year.

10. 2025: ‘Galorizzy’ and ‘Money Constant’

Davido’s “Galorizzy” and “Money Constant,” featuring Wizkid alongside other collaborators, were among the contenders for the season’s defining anthem.

Their popularity continued a familiar December tradition: music lovers debating which song truly owned the festive season.

With another round of celebrations approaching, attention now turns to the track that will leave its mark on Detty December 2026.