Lagos to host 96-hour non-stop DJ Marathon, targets new world record

Lagos is preparing to host what organisers describe as Africa’s biggest and longest beach festival, as 100 DJs converge for a 96-hour non-stop DJ Marathon Festival scheduled to run from December 29, 2025 to January 2, 2026.

The event, designed as a four-day, round-the-clock music rally, aims to set a new global record for the longest continuous DJ performance, surpassing the current 55-hour benchmark.

Speaking ahead of the festival, CEO of Afroxela and convener of the marathon, Buchi Henry Mbagwu, said the idea was inspired by the global curiosity surrounding Lagos’ famed “Detty December” nightlife.

According to him, the concept was born during an international festival in Portugal, where attendees from Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, France and Portugal expressed eagerness to experience Lagos’ party culture firsthand.

“They had heard about Detty December and wanted to know why Lagos is regarded as the city that never stops partying. That was the lightbulb moment,” Mbagwu said.

He explained that the team resolved to create an event that captured the essence of Lagos nightlife while showcasing the people who power parties across the world, the Djs.

“DJs are always the party starters. Whether at weddings, corporate events or concerts, they set the tone. We wanted a festival dedicated entirely to Djs,” he noted.

Mbagwu revealed that the marathon will feature 100 DJs taking turns every hour in a seamless relay.

“This is about endurance, celebration and the Lagos spirit. For 96 straight hours, there will be no stop, no pause, just sound,” he said.

The marathon will run across the New Year crossover, intentionally timed to set the record just as Nigeria enters 2026.

Mbagwu said the timing was deliberate: “By December 27, people are winding down from Christmas and waiting for the New Year. Globally, New Year’s Eve is huge, Dubai, New York, everywhere. So we chose a period when people are naturally looking for the biggest party.”