The Shakara Festival 2025 First-Timer’s Guide: Tips and Tricks
Planning your first Shakara Festival trip? Get essential tips on tickets, Lagos travel, accommodation (Lekki, VI, Ikoyi), daily schedules, payment hacks, and must-see activities.
Welcome to Shakara Festival, Africa's essential music and culture event. This guide provides first-time attendees with all the necessary details to navigate the four-day experience at the Nautica Beach Resort, Lekki, from December 18–21, 2025.
1. Pre-Festival Checklist: Tickets, Stay, and Travel
Tickets
Secure your General Admission (GA) or VIP Package (for express entry and premium viewing). Early Bird prices expire December 1st.
Accommodation
Book lodging in Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island (VI), or Ikoyi for convenient access to the venue.
Transport
Use Uber or Bolt. Plan your commute with extra time due to anticipated "Detty December" traffic in Lagos.
Arrival Hack
Gates open at 9:00 AM. Arrive before 1:00 PM to avoid long queues that build up before the Main Stage acts start at 4:00 PM.
2. Daily Festival Structure and Schedule
The festival is divided into three key areas for a non-stop, multi-sensory experience:
- Daytime (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Shakara Junction
- Focus: Cultural exploration, shopping, and food.
- Must Do: Attend the Shakara Sessions panel discussions (e.g., Women in Music on Day 2, Tech and Finance on Day 3).
- Evening (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Main Stage
- Focus: Core music performances.
- Genres: Afrobeats, Amapiano, Alté, and more from the 50+ featured artists. Prioritize your must-see acts.
- Nighttime (11:00 PM onwards): Shakara Afterdark
- Focus: Exclusive late-night raves featuring favorite rave DJs.
3. Essential Festival Hacks: Culture and Comfort
- Payment System: The festival uses Shakara Shillings. Head to a Bank of Shakara teller at the entrance to exchange cash or use electronic payment (card/transfer) for these notes.
- Must-Do Activities:
- Shop at the Shakara Junction marketplace for African fashion and artisan crafts.
- Enjoy the fun at the Shakara Games Village (outdoor and electronic games).
- Don't miss the insights from the Shakara Sessions.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture content at the large-scale art installations, the main entrance archway, and the VIP deck just before sunset.
- Culinary Highlights: Be sure to try authentic Nigerian food like Suya, Jollof Rice, and Asun from the vendors.
4. Safety, Health, and Etiquette
- Packing Essentials: Small bag, valid ID (mandatory), digital ticket, power bank, and a hat.
- Dress Code: Comfort is key, but embrace the vibrant Shakara style. Opt for light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Health and Security: Stay hydrated. Note the locations of on-site medical and security personnel.
- Conduct: The festival is a drug-free zone. Be respectful and embrace the warm, expressive energy of the Lagos crowd. Security will be strictly enforced with the right to refuse entry.
5. Post-Festival Exit Strategy
- Traffic Tip: To avoid the worst of the post-event traffic, leave 15 minutes before the final set or plan to stay for the Shakara Afterdark to let the immediate rush clear.
- Sharing: Organize your photos and videos immediately. Tag the official page, @theshakarafest, and use the official hashtags to share your journey.
Shakara Festival is a journey into the heart of African creativity. Be prepared, be open, and enjoy the experience! Grab your Tickets!