Following a record-breaking digital year, YouTube will host the definitive gathering of Nigeria’s cultural elite, bringing together the top creators and musicians from the newly released 2025 Top Lists for an ultra-exclusive end-of-year celebration.
After globally unveiling the data behind the year’s biggest cultural moments with the 2025 Top Lists, YouTube is set to bring the stars behind the numbers together. Today, YouTube announced plans for the most anticipated industry gathering of the season: the YouTube Celebration of African Music & Culture.
Scheduled for December 23, 2025, at a private, undisclosed location in Lagos, this ultra-exclusive event is designed as a victory lap for the artistes, storytellers, and trendsetters who defined 2025.
This year, Nigerian creators didn't just dominate local screens; they exported culture to the world at an unprecedented rate. This celebration will unite the heavyweights of this global movement under one roof for a night of high-level networking, recognition, and celebration.
The highly anticipated guest list draws directly from the elite ranks of the recently revealed 2025 YouTube Top Lists. The event will host a convergence of Nollywood's digital titans, the chart-topping artistes behind the year's most viral Afrobeats and gospel anthems, and the breakout comedy and lifestyle creators who dominated screens over the last twelve months. They will join select industry executives and key cultural influencers for a rare gathering of the industry's top tier.
"We’ve seen the incredible stats—the millions of hours watched and the massive global audiences Nigerian creators built in 2025. But data only tells half the story," said Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, YouTube. "We cannot let this landmark year end without bringing these cultural architects together in one room. This event is an exclusive moment to honor the sheer talent, resilience, and creative vision of the individuals putting Nigerian entertainment on the global map. The energy in the room will be unmatched."
The event promises a curated experience reflecting the dynamism of Nigeria’s creative scene, featuring special moments honoring the year's top performers and an exclusive look at the year's defining trends through the new YouTube Recap lens.