The maiden Shakara Festival will take over Lagos this December, featuring BlaqBonez, The Cavemen, Sinach, Show Dem Camp, J’Dess, Mich Straw, Mavo, Llona, Tar1q, Morravey, Brymo, Johnny Drille, Curtis J, and Keys The Prince, alongside more than 30 other performers. The organisers said the festival will offer a cultural blend that mirrors Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. Additionally, the lineup cuts across Afrobeats, Alté, Highlife, Folk-Fusion, and gospel.
The four-day event runs from December 18 to December 21, 2025, at Nautica Beach Resort, Elegushi, Lekki. As a result, the festival is expected to draw massive crowds during the Detty December season.
Festival Zones Offer Music, Business, and Nightlife
The Shakara Festival features four experience zones. First, Shakara Junction will showcase food, fashion, art and craft vendors. Next, Shakara Series focuses on conversations about the creative economy. Furthermore, Shakara Games Village will provide competitive and casual gaming. Finally, Shakara After Dark delivers an energetic nightlife experience.
The lineup represents a rich mix of established stars and rising voices. Fans will enjoy rap and Alté from BlaqBonez and Show Dem Camp. Meanwhile, J’Dess and Mich Straw bring Afro Soul and R&B. Rising talents Mavo, Llona, Tar1q, and Morravey add new energy to the scene. In addition, Brymo and Johnny Drille showcase Folk-Fusion, while The Cavemen anchor Highlife. To connect with the diaspora audience, Curtis J and Keys The Prince join the roster.
Night Party and Gospel Finale
The Shakara After Dark takeover happens on December 20 as nightlife brand Obi’s House commands the stage with DJs WanniXHandi, DJ Shawn, and Bonamax. Consequently, festivalgoers can expect a major Lagos-style party.
The event closes with Shakara Gospel Day on December 21, a praise-heavy finale featuring Gbenga Akinfenwa, SMJ, Yinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Sinach, Noble G, Kingdom, Magpsalms, Ada Ehi, and Gerald Bishung. According to the festival CEO, Godson Oriaku, the addition of a gospel day reflects public demand and the festival’s commitment to inclusiveness.
“This is a legacy project, not a competition,” Oriaku said. He added that the festival aims to better the entertainment space and leave a lasting impact.
