Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has claimed that he coined the popular phrase ‘Detty December’, now widely associated with festive fun and celebrations during the Christmas holidays in Nigeria.
Mr Eazi made the claim while speaking at his Detty Rave concert in Accra, Ghana, explaining that the phrase originated during his time as a show promoter in the country.
According to him, the idea was born while brainstorming with friends on how to brand their December events.
“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 stated that the phrase was first used in 2016 and described it as a movement centred on reconnecting with one’s roots, having fun, and living intentionally.
“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. Detty December is bigger than Mr Eazi. It’s bigger than anybody. Detty December is for all of us,” he added.
CREEBHILLS recalls that the phrase became controversial in 2019 after Nigerian entrepreneur and fashion designer, 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 phrase is a shared cultural expression rather than a private brand.
