Lagos set to host 96-hour Dj marathon world festival

The organisers of the 2025 DJ Marathon Festival say preparations are underway to host a 96-hour nonstop beach party in Lagos from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2 2026. Founder of Afroxella, Buchi Henry, said interest in the festival grew after people abroad asked about Lagos’ popular Detty December events. “There were so many questions about […]

The organisers of the 2025 DJ Marathon Festival say preparations are underway to host a 96-hour nonstop beach party in Lagos from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2 2026.

Founder of Afroxella, Buchi Henry, said interest in the festival grew after people abroad asked about Lagos’ popular Detty December events.

“There were so many questions about Lagos because of December and why the 30th was trending.

“We had people from Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, France and Portugal asking to come to Nigeria to experience the aura and beauty of the country especially the Detty December fever.

“The diasporans wanted to come and see what it means to party in Lagos, so we as a team wanted a unique event that captured Lagos’ energy.

“As organisers, we asked why we can’t have an event in a coastal city where people party and don’t stop,” he said.

Henry said that the idea of a DJ-focused festival came from Lagos’ vibrant party culture.

“There’s no party like Lagos party and we know that the, DJ’s remain central to every event.

“DJs are always party starters, whether it’s a wedding, birthday or corporate event, going forward, we decided to attempt a world record after reviewing past marathon events.

“First we said 24 hours, but we saw people partying 55 hours, We also looked at records from DJ Obi and DJ Bella who have done 250 hours.

“Our new goal is a 96-hour nonstop festival featuring at least 100 DJs blasting from all angles to give our people what it means to come to Lagos for a party,” he said.

Henry added: “We said why don’t we have 100 DJs play every hour with a changeover for 96 hours.

“We also carefully orchestrated the date to align with the New Year vibes and celebrations.

“Looking at our dates from December 29 to January 2 gives us 96 hours, we start 6 p.m. on the 29th and go to the Jan. 2nd, because cossing into 2026 during the event add to the global appeal.

“There’s always fireworks and crossover worldwide,” he said.

The U.K-based entertainer said that the festival design follows the “three S’s”: sun, sea and sand.

“We rise and set with the sun, the sea is why people come to the beach, and the sand represents earth, while the sound which is music remains the final that crosses borders and transcends language.

“The event is partly free but mainly ticketed as we are combining three beach houses.

“The record attempt takes place at Wave Beach, with Kyma and Athena Beach also part of the venue.

“The festival is about food, fashion, health and fitness..Other segments include yoga, Zumba, gospel, R&B, rap and hip-hop,” he said.

Henry the logistics as demanding, adding that they planned to host Africa’s biggest and longest beach festival.

“It’s going to be the biggest party festival in Africa and the event will be streamed globally. It will be streamed to 100 countries.

“The live streaming expands their reach beyond physical attendance as our goal is to project Nigeria and Africa positively.

“We want to tell the Nigerian story and the African story,” he said.

Henry listed DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Neptune, DJ Humility and DJ Bombastic among the invited veterans.

He said an open Marathon Challenge allowed over 100 young DJs to enter.

“It would be unfair to just choose people, we are giving more than 50 slots to upcoming DJs and we will also feature female Djs.

“We are looking at gender equality, Masked Queen Bella has the longest record in Africa will also be on stage,” Henry said.