// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Flytime Fest say to the clock? Time to fly.
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| Flytime Fest | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Afrobeats, Hip hop, R&B, Pop |
| Dates | December (annual) |
| Locations | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Founders | Cecil Hammond |
| Website | flytimefest.com |
Flytime Fest is an annual music festival held each December in Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing performances by prominent Nigerian and international artists across genres including Afrobeats, hip hop, and R&B. Organized by Flytime Promotions, the event evolved from the earlier Rhythm Unplugged concert series established in 2004 by Cecil Hammond.[1]
History
[edit]Flytime Fest originated as Rhythm Unplugged in 2004, an event established to showcase emerging and established Nigerian talent in music and comedy.[1] The event expanded significantly, transforming in 2018 into the multi-day festival known as Flytime Fest, incorporating international artists and diversifying its musical scope.[2][3]
Event format
[edit]Flytime Fest typically spans four to five days at Lagos' Eko Convention Centre. Each festival day features different headlining and supporting acts from Nigeria and abroad, contributing significantly to Lagos' entertainment scene during the popular tourist season known as "Detty December."[4]
Cultural impact
[edit]Flytime Fest contributes significantly to the "Detty December" festive season, when Lagos attracts international tourists and diaspora Nigerians, enhancing Lagos' reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.[5]
Editions
[edit]- 2017: Held as a two-day event featuring Rhythm Unplugged and a headline concert by Wizkid.[6]
- 2018: Included headline performances by Olamide, Bobby Brown, and Bell Biv DeVoe.[7]
- 2019: Featured Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Boyz II Men, marking the festival's international appeal.[8]
- 2020: Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9]
- 2021: Headlined by Wizkid and Davido; however, logistical issues drew mixed reviews.[10]
- 2022: Included performances by Wizkid, Asake, and Craig David, enhancing its international profile.[11]
- * 2023: Featured performances by Davido and Asake. The event concluded with Asake's Christmas Special.[12][13]
- 2024: Celebrated 20 years since Rhythm Unplugged with headliners including Gunna (making his African debut), Olamide, and Davido.[14][15]
- 2025: Featured performances by Flavour, Olamide, Asake, and Davido. The event marked Asake's return to performing in Nigeria after a two-year absence.[16][17][18]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Cecil Hammond, the entertainment entrepreneur behind Nigeria's biggest concert brand". CNN. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Flytime Music Festival Holds in December". This Day. 2 November 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Tiwa Savage, Boyz II Men, Megan Thee Stallion Others Unveiled for Flytime Music Festival 2019". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "What is 'Detty December'? Nigeria's biggest festive season explained". CNN. 30 December 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ Okusanya, Emanuel. "Gunna and Tyla Join Forces for Their Debut Performances in Nigeria". EBONY. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ↑ "Flytime Promotions announces 2017 Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged, Wizkid concert". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Flytime Music Festival Set for December 21". This Day. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Tiwa Savage, Boyz II Men, Megan Thee Stallion Unveiled for Flytime Fest 2019". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Flytime Music Festival Cancelled Due to COVID-19". Arise News. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Rhythm Unplugged 2021: Anticipated Show Came with Some Disappointment". Legit.ng. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Wizkid, Asake Headline Flytime Fest 2022". The Punch. 20 November 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Davido, Asake thrill fans at Flytime Fest 2023". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Asake Wraps Up Flytime Fest 2023 With an Energetic Christmas Special". Business Insider Africa. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Gunna Makes African Debut at Nigeria's Flytime Fest". Variety. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Reminiscing on Flytime Fest 2024: Epic Music Moments". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 6 January 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ↑ "Flytime announces slate of December events set to take over the city". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Detty December: Asake returns to Lagos ahead of Christmas Eve concert". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Detty December: Davido, Asake, Olamide light up Flytime Fest". Channels Television. Retrieved 1 April 2026.