By Bolaji Israel
Every December in Nigeria is a whole mood. The harmattan breeze, Christmas-themed red-and-white decorations lighting up the streets, and cousins returning from the UK, US, and Europe with “I just came back” practically stamped on their accents, all set the tone for a festive season like no other.
Add to that the unmissable lineup of street carnivals, concerts, plays, and festivals that keep Lagos, Abuja, Warri, and Port Harcourt buzzing well into the New Year.
Since its launch, FirstBank’s “DecemberIssaVybe” (DIAV) campaign has been at the heart of this cultural energy.
It’s more than just access to premium entertainment, it’s about creating unforgettable shared moments, uniting families, and giving Nigeria’s creative industry the big boost it deserves.
For almost a decade, DIAV, through its First@arts initiative, has quietly shaped December into the ultimate season of vibes. If you’ve ever danced shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at a FirstBank-sponsored event, you already know the magic it brings.
2018: When the Vybe Began
December 2018 felt different. Nigerians were fully embracing “Detty December” as a tradition, and FirstBank cleverly caught the wave.
The bank rolled out the maiden edition of DecemberIssaVybe, offering free and discounted tickets to mega concerts and stage plays, giving audiences premium vibes without the stress of a premium price.
Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy headlined massive music festivals, while productions like Moremi the Musical reached new audiences thanks to FirstBank’s support.
For FirstBank, then over 130 years old, DecemberIssaVybe was a way to give back during the festive season. It wasn’t just about music or theatre; it was about connecting people, supporting the creative industry, and helping families make lasting memories.
Families who hadn’t visited the theatre in years found themselves seated side-by-side at Terra Kulture, watching Nigerian history come alive on stage.
And for diaspora kids back home with “I just came back” energy, DIAV became their shortcut to Nigeria’s hottest events.
2019: The Year of Mega Concerts
By 2019, the Vybe was unstoppable. DIAV became synonymous with front-row access to Davido’s A Good Time concerts, Kizz Daniel’s explosive Lagos show, and Wizkid’s unforgettable Starboy Fest.
But it wasn’t just music. FirstBank also gave families access to stage plays like Mad About You, which reignited love and connection for couples, and to comedy events like AY Live, proving that December is about laughter as much as music.
By the end of the year, DIAV had cemented itself as a December passport for premium entertainment.
2020: The Pandemic Pause
2020 was a year like no other. COVID-19 disrupted lives and brought live entertainment to a standstill.
But even in a pandemic, FirstBank didn’t fold its arms. Instead, DIAV adapted, sponsoring virtual concerts and livestreamed stage plays, ensuring families could still bond over music, theatre, and laughter from the safety of their homes.
It wasn’t the usual sweaty concert hall experience, but for many, it was proof that even in tough times, art remains a powerful connector.
2021: The Big Comeback
With restrictions easing, Nigerians were hungry for a proper December celebration, and DIAV delivered in full colour.
Imagine a December where Adekunle Gold (AG Baby) sang his heart out to sold-out crowds, Simi serenaded lovers, and Fireboy lit up the stage with Peru, just before it became an international anthem.
Families returned to productions like Kakadu the Musical, friends reunited at comedy festivals, and diaspora returnees who hadn’t been home since 2019 were welcomed back by the Vybe.
2022: The Golden Year
By 2022, DIAV wasn’t just part of December, it was the main event.
Asake’s breakout concerts shook Lagos, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini show was electrifying, and the theatre scene thrived with plays like The King Must Dance Naked and Awo the Musical, all boosted by DIAV’s sponsorship.
2023: A Night of Queens
December IssaVybe 2023 brought something fresh: “A Night of Queens”, an all-female musical showcase at Eko Convention Centre.
It was a dazzling evening featuring Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Yemi Alade, Waje, Niniola, and Dope Ceaser, all sharing one stage in an unforgettable night of music and female power.
FirstBank also sponsored the revival of Kakadu the Musical at MUSON Centre and supported top-tier comedy events like Ali Baba’s January 1st Concert and Basketmouth Unprovoked, giving families plenty to laugh about.
Diaspora returnees proudly flaunted their DIAV tickets on Instagram, making it a social currency of sorts.
2024: From Comedy to Culture
Last December kicked off with a bang at Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival at Onikan Stadium.
The night was a high-energy mix of music and stand-up, featuring Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, Aproko, MC Monica, and OvyGodwin.
At the same time, DIAV sponsored a diverse slate of events — from Motherland the Musical and Street Souk at Harbour Point to A True Christmas Story, Eko Hotel Pride Land Adventures, and the Calabar Carnival Festival.
Reflecting on the season, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said:
“FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecomings and unforgettable experiences in December with family reunions, concerts, and festivals. December IssaVybe isn’t just about entertainment; it’s the cultural glue for Nigerians everywhere.”
Across the years, DIAV has done more than distribute tickets. It has fuelled the creative economy, invested in music, comedy, and theatre, and turned concerts into bonding sessions for families and friends.
It has also given diaspora Nigerians an anchor for their homecoming, blending “I just came back” energy with true Nigerian hospitality.
2025: The Vybe Is Loading
Now, we’re on the cusp of another December, and anticipation is sky-high.
Who will headline DecemberIssaVybe 2025? Will it be another electrifying Davido Timeless Experience? Will Asake shut down Lagos again? Could Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, or Ayra Starr deliver a global homecoming spectacle?
Or will DIAV surprise everyone with a mix of established legends and exciting new voices?
What’s certain is that FirstBank will once again hold the keys to the hottest tickets in town, from concerts and musicals to fashion, theatre, and comedy. These will be rolled out on the bank’s social media platforms, where lucky fans can win premium access.
So, whether you’re staying in Naija or flying in for the holidays, DecemberIssaVybe 2025 is coming, and FirstBank is ready to make it unforgettable.
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