Detty December and Afrobeats Set the Scene for Jade Osiberu’s Upcoming ‘Christmas in Lagos’

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The Christmas season in Lagos is synonymous with festive pomp. That colorful exuberance and more is what Osiberu has tries to capture in the film, which includes a cameo from Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr. According to Variety, the film also features a soundtrack packed with vibrant Nigerian pop songs from across the decades that match how many Nigerians get down in December. “For me, Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young and female and daring and brave and fearless — just being yourself. She was on the list from day one,” Osiberu told Variety.

In addition to Starr, Adekunle Gold also features in Christmas in Lagos, as well as blue-haired singer WurlD and hit-making rap artist Ladipoe.

For its plot, Christmas in Lagos follows several interwoven relationships, set against the backdrop of a period when the overwhelming feeling of holiday euphoria encourages romantic tensions. The all-star cast includes Teniola Aladese, Shalom Obiago, Shaffy Bello, Rayxia Ojo, Richard Mofe Damijo, Wale Ojo and many more.

In the film, Fiyin (Aladese) is getting over a heartbreak and is seriously considering a relationship with her best friend, Elo (Obiago), who returns from New York with plans to propose to his secret girlfriend. Also, middle-aged Gbemi (Bello) is torn between her boyfriend and a lover from the past, while London-raised Ivie (Rayxia Ojo) unexpectedly falls in love with Ajani (Ladipoe) as she tries to have a wildly memorable Detty December.

“We made the dettiest, most beautiful, heartwarming Christmas film ever,” Osiberu said in her initial video announcing the film. It’s the only film that will be released under Osiberu’s previous three-year deal with Prime Video after it cut funding in Africa and terminated production of new originals.

Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos was exclusively released on Prime Video during last year’s Easter weekend, but it wasn’t part of the deal. “I’m grateful that at least [Prime Video] stuck to their commitment to finish the film,” she told Variety, noting that the streamer’s decision to pause commissioning original African productions was “very disappointing, particularly because of how abrupt it was.”

Meanwhile, Osiberu also teased a possible sequel to Gangs of Lagos in the video posted on social media, as well as another action thriller project.