Mr Eazi Claims He Coined “Detty December” Amid Controversy

Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has revealed that he coined the now-famous phrase “Detty December”, which has become synonymous with festive fun and celebration during the Christmas holidays in Nigeria.

Speaking at his Detty Rave concert in Accra, the singer explained that the idea came while he was working as a show promoter in Ghana.

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

The singer added that the concept of Detty December has grown beyond any individual, emphasizing, “Detty December is bigger than Mr Eazi. It’s bigger than anybody. Detty December is for all of us.”

The revelation comes amid lingering controversy, as Deola Art Alade, a Nigerian entrepreneur and wife of musician Darey Art Alade, legally trademarked the term “Detty December” in 2019, sparking backlash among Nigerians who view the slang as a shared cultural expression rather than a corporate brand.

Opinion: Mr Eazi’s claim shines a light on the organic, community-driven origins of cultural slang in Nigeria, highlighting how popular phrases often belong to everyone before they become commercialized. While legal trademarks are important for business, the heart of “Detty December” lies in its celebration of Nigerian culture and togetherness. It serves as a reminder that culture is lived, shared, and enjoyed by the people, not just owned on paper.