By Ayo Onikoyi

 Organisers of the Shakara Festival have announced the full artist lineup for the 2025 edition, alongside details of its late-night takeover event and a major gospel-themed finale. The four-day cultural and music festival will run from December 18 to 21 at Nautica Beach Resort, Elegushi, Lekki.

The festival, now firmly established as a major “Detty December” highlight, will feature a wide mix of Afrobeats stars, alternative acts, Highlife performers, and emerging talents. This year’s lineup includes BlaqBonez and Show Dem Camp, who will headline the rap and Alté segment, as well as J’Dess and Mich Straaw in the Afro-Soul and R&B category. Rising Afrobeats names such as Mavo, Llona, Tar1q, and Morravey are also billed to perform.

Brymo and Johnny Drille will lead the folk-fusion and alternative soundscape, while Highlife duo The Cavemen are expected to deliver one of the festival’s signature live sets. The event will also feature diaspora acts including Oshamo and Keys The Prince.

A major addition to the 2025 programme is “Shakara After Dark,” a late-night party series scheduled for December 20. Popular nightlife brand Obi’s House will take over the stage, bringing DJs such as DJ Shawn and Bonamax for an extended nighttime rave.

The festival will close on December 21 with Shakara Gospel Day, dedicated entirely to praise and worship performances. The line-up for the finale includes leading gospel artists such as Gbenga Akinfenwa, SMJ, Yinka Alaseyori, Bidemi Olaoba, Sinach, Kingdom, Magpsalms, Ada Ehi, and Gerald Bishung.

Beyond music, the event will feature four activity zones:

Shakara Junction – a marketplace for culture, shopping, and food;

Shakara Series – panel discussions and conversations on the creative industry;

Shakara Games Village – competitive and casual games;

Shakara After Dark – the festival’s nightlife segment.

Organisers noted that early-bird tickets are already selling fast and will increase in price on December 1. Tickets for individual days and the full festival experience are available through the official website.

Festival Dates: December 18–21, 2025

Venue: Nautica Beach Resort, Elegushi, Lekki

Website: shakarafestival.com

Social Media: @theshakarafest

The 2025 edition is supported by sponsors Francesca Dacosta, Flutterwave, and Pernod Ricard/Jameson Black Barrel, alongside partners Not Just Ok, Hepzibah, Idyah, Xplug, Knights Design & Construction, Trace, and Beat 99.9 FM.