‘I coined Detty December’ – Mr Eazi

 

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Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that he coined the popular phrase “Detty December,” which has become widely associated with fun, travel and entertainment during the Christmas holiday season in Nigeria.

The award-winning musician made the claim while addressing fans at his Detty Rave concert in Accra, Ghana. According to Mr Eazi, the phrase was created during his early days working as a show promoter alongside friends in Ghana, long before it evolved into a nationwide cultural movement.

Mr Eazi explained that the idea behind “Detty December” was to give December events a unique identity that focused on enjoyment, reconnection and intentional celebration. 

He noted that the phrase was never meant to be just about parties, but about returning home, embracing culture and enjoying life at the end of the year.

“While working as a show promoter with my friends, I suggested that we call our December event ‘Detty December.’ Hashtag Detty December,” he said.

The singer added that the phrase was coined in 2016 and gradually gained popularity among young people who were looking for a fresh way to describe the festive atmosphere that comes with the holiday season.

“So in 2016, me and my guys invented Detty December. And Detty December is all about going back to your roots, having fun and enjoying life intentionally,” Mr Eazi said.

Despite laying claim to the origin of the phrase, the “Leg Over” crooner stressed that “Detty December” has grown far beyond him or any single individual. According to him, the term now belongs to everyone and represents a shared cultural experience rather than personal ownership.

“Detty December is bigger than Mr Eazi. It’s bigger than anybody. Detty December is for all of us,” he added.

The phrase previously became a subject of controversy in 2019 after Nigerian entrepreneur Deola Art Alade, wife of musician Darey Art Alade, secured a legal trademark for “Detty December.” 

The move sparked widespread backlash, with many Nigerians arguing that the slang was a communal cultural expression and should not be owned by any one person or organisation.

The reaction on social media at the time saw users criticize the trademark, insisting that “Detty December” had already become part of Nigeria’s pop culture and everyday language.

Over the years, “Detty December” has grown into a major cultural and economic season, attracting tourists, concerts, festivals and brand-sponsored events across Nigeria and other African countries.

 The period has also boosted nightlife, hospitality and the entertainment industry, making it one of the most profitable seasons for creatives and businesses.

Mr Eazi’s recent comments have once again revived conversations around the origin of the phrase, even as he maintains that its true value lies in the joy, unity and cultural pride it brings to people during the festive season.

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