Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid, will perform in Kenya on December 12, joining South African DJ Uncle Waffles as the festival prepares to bring together artists from across the continent.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Wizkid is set to return to Kenya this December as one of the headline performers at Detty Dezemba Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026, in Nairobi.
The Grammy-winning artist confirmed his appearance on Sunday, October 25, sharing the event’s promotional artwork on Instagram and bringing an end to speculation surrounding his anticipated return to the country.
The announcement adds another major African music figure to Nairobi’s festive-season entertainment calendar, with the festival preparing to bring together performers from different parts of the continent.
South African DJ and producer Uncle Waffles was previously announced as part of the lineup, while additional artists are expected to be revealed ahead of the event.
Wizkid Returns to the Kenyan Stage
Wizkid’s upcoming performance continues a relationship with Kenyan audiences that has developed alongside his international career.
The singer previously performed at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre in July 2017 before returning to Kenya in November 2018 for the Katika Festival at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Since those appearances, his musical catalogue has continued to reach audiences around the world, strengthening his position among the most internationally recognised figures in contemporary African popular music.
From the enduring appeal of “Ojuelegba” to the international success of “Essence,” featuring Tems, Wizkid’s recordings have contributed to the wider visibility of Nigerian music across global markets.
His forthcoming Nairobi appearance offers Kenyan audiences another opportunity to experience a catalogue that has accompanied different periods in Afrobeats’ international development.
The announcement was preceded by social media activity from DJ Tunez, Wizkid’s longtime collaborator, who hinted at the singer’s return to Kenya before the official confirmation.
Detty Dezemba Brings African Music to Nairobi
Organised by KOLACOPIA in partnership with Active Vibes, Detty Dezemba is positioning its December edition as a celebration of African music, nightlife and contemporary youth culture.
The festival takes its name from the popular Detty December expression associated with end-of-year festivities, particularly in Nigeria, where concerts, parties and cultural gatherings have become an important part of the holiday season.
Its Nairobi edition reflects the increasing movement of these celebrations across African cities, bringing artists and audiences together through shared musical experiences.
With Wizkid representing Nigeria’s Afrobeats landscape and Uncle Waffles bringing her internationally recognised Amapiano presence, the announced lineup already reflects the exchange between two of the continent’s most influential contemporary music scenes.
Organisers have indicated that six performers will feature in the programme, with further announcements expected.
The festival follows an earlier KOLACOPIA event in Nairobi in August, which organisers say attracted more than 20,000 attendees.
For the December edition, organisers have expressed ambitions to welcome an even larger audience.
Nairobi’s Place in Africa’s Live Music Culture
Wizkid’s return also speaks to Nairobi’s continued importance as a destination for African touring artists.
The Kenyan capital has long supported a varied live music culture shaped by local performers, regional collaborations, festivals and international appearances.
Its audiences engage with an extensive range of sounds, from Kenyan popular music and alternative expressions to Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop and R&B.
Events bringing together performers from different African markets contribute to that cultural exchange, creating opportunities for artists to reach new audiences while strengthening relationships between regional music communities.
For Nairobi’s live entertainment industry, such programmes also raise wider questions about event infrastructure, audience experience, artist representation and the opportunities available to Kenyan performers alongside visiting international acts.
Detty Dezemba’s forthcoming edition will therefore be significant not only for its headline performances, but also for how it brings these different musical communities into one programme.
Event Details and Ticket Information
Event: Detty Dezemba Festival
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Announced performers: Wizkid and Uncle Waffles, with four more acts to be unveiled before the D day.
Organisers: KOLACOPIA × Active Vibes
Tickets are being offered in multiple categories, with pricing varying by access level and release phase.
Attendees are advised to consult the festival’s official channels for current ticket availability, the final venue confirmation, additional lineup announcements and event information.
Official festival website: https://dettydezemba.com/
Ticketing: https://www.weareafr0.co.ke/events/detty-dezemba
As Nairobi prepares for another busy festive season, Wizkid’s appearance at Detty Dezemba adds a notable chapter to the city’s growing calendar of African music events.
For audiences, it promises an opportunity to experience one of Afrobeats’ most influential performers alongside artists representing other contemporary African sounds.
For the wider industry, it is another example of how live music continues to connect African cities, audiences and creative communities.
Music Custodian™ — Africa’s Rhythm, Global Impact.
