Elitefest, from its very first word “Elite” was a festival that truly lived up to its name. It was elite, memorable, and undeniably fun, with a lineup that proved the organizers knew exactly what they were doing. From bringing in the ladies’ man Gabzy, to pulling up Gen Z’s favorite Zaylevelten, and showcasing women with angelic voices like Fave, Morravey, and Qing Madi, the experience was unforgettable. Listening to these women perform live was a goal in itself, but the energy didn't stop there. With vibe master Kashcoming and the amazing producer-turned-artist Young John leading the charge, the Balmoral Convention Centre in Victoria Island became the epicenter of the night.
The atmosphere was elevated by a heavy-hitting rotation on the decks. The resident DJ, DJ Psy, was nothing short of amazing, alongside DJ Ozzai and DJ Bellami, who both delivered live sets that kept the pulse of the room steady. The night was steered by the hypeman, Fabulous, who, true to his name, did a fabulous job of keeping the crowd fully engaged. It’s a reminder of how vital a hypeman is to the live experience; even with a small slip, calling Gabzy ‘Gatsby’ before the crowd quickly corrected him, Fabulous never lost his grip on the room. One of the standout elements of Elitefest was how the organizers intentionally created space for the underground and rising stars. We saw live performances from the likes of Sello, Loti, and Taves, as well as Toye, who all brought their unique sounds to the stage. Watching Wavestar perform ‘Prada Baby’ live was a moment, as was a set by a male artist with a voice so angelic I didn't immediately recognize him, only to later realize it was Natse Jemide.
The night also gave the floor to upcoming talent the crowd didn't even know yet, allowing them to showcase original music. I remember a girl performing her own song with incredible confidence and a rapper who took the mic to deliver bars over a beat the DJ kept perfectly in pocket. Seeing a festival actually give talent the floor to perform their own music, rather than just covers, felt refreshing and vital. This same passion was reflected in the crowd; seeing fans who love Zaylevelten sing his songs with so much heart
and watching the audience embrace Young Jonn with pure joy, was powerful. It was more than just singing along; it was about being part of a movement.
Most people in attendance especially were clearly waiting for Gabzy, who finally took the stage around 3 a.m. I've never considered myself the type of person to scream when seeing a favorite artist, but the moment he appeared, I found myself joining the sea of voices, especially the ladies letting out a deafening scream. He truly is the "ladies' man. In the world of Lagos nightlife, it was a set well worth the wait, fitting perfectly into the rhythm of an all-night event that stretched until 6 a.m. Young John’s set was another peak, especially when he brought out Lil Kesh and Pheelz to push the adrenaline even higher. We also witnessed a beautiful moment from Fola, who was brought in by Gabzy, performed both solo and alongside him, adding a layer of soul to the festival’s high energy.
Ultimately, Elitefest wasn’t just about the music, it was about creating a complete, intentional experience. From the carefully curated lineup to the impeccable sound quality and the nonstop movement of the crowd, every detail captured the true spirit of Detty December. The sing-alongs and the energy in the room proved that this wasn’t just another event; it was a celebration. Elitefest has set the bar high for what a festival can be, leaving fans already anticipating what the organizers will bring next. It was a night to remember, and one that will be talked about long after the last song faded out.
All images by carmizeven
