Atlanta rapper Lil Baby and R&B singer Kehlani are set to headline Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2026 in Lagos, bringing two major names in American music to Nigeria for the annual Detty December festivities. Organized by Flytime Promotions, the concert is scheduled for December 21 at the Eko Convention Centre on Victoria Island, with the announcement adding to expectations for a busy holiday entertainment season.
The upcoming edition will feature a blend of hip-hop and contemporary R&B, with both artists promising an energetic live experience for their Nigerian and West African fans. Their appearance forms part of a wider December entertainment program running from December 20 through Christmas Day, featuring multiple concerts and performances aimed at local audiences and international visitors.
Lil Baby and Kehlani Join the 2026 Lineup
🚨 LIL BABY IS COMING TO NIGERIA IN DECEMBER 🤩🔥
— The American rapper has been announced as the FIRST headliner for the Flytime Coca Cola Rhythm Unplugged 🔥👏🏽 https://t.co/csk8IjSG3G
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) October 14, 2026
The pairing of Lil Baby and Kehlani brings two distinct musical styles to the Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged stage. Lil Baby, known for his melodic approach to trap and hip-hop, has built an international following through charting releases and collaborations. His catalog includes popular tracks such as “Drip Too Hard,” “Yes Indeed,” and “Freestyle,” alongside songs from his successful album “My Turn.”
Kehlani, meanwhile, has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary R&B, earning recognition for her expressive vocals, personal songwriting, and genre-spanning sound. Songs including “Gangsta” and “Nights Like This” remain among her best-known releases, making her a major draw for fans anticipating the December performance.
In a video announcement, Lil Baby confirmed his appearance, saying, “December 21st, I am going to be performing live at the Flytime Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged.” The joint headline billing is expected to attract listeners across hip-hop and R&B, adding an international dimension to Lagos’ end-of-year concert calendar.
Flytime Promotions Continues Its December Tradition
🚨KEHLANI IN LAGOS, NIGERIA, THIS DECEMBER TO HEADLINE RHYTHM UNPLUGGED! 🇳🇬🤩
🗓️ DEC 21ST
📍 EKO CONVENTION CENTER https://t.co/DHWl8B2nCB— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) October 16, 2026
Flytime Promotions has played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s live entertainment industry since its establishment in 2004. Founded by Cecil Hammond, the company developed its concert business at a time when securing corporate backing for events centered on local musicians and comedians presented considerable challenges.
An early concert at Fantasyland in Ikoyi sold out, helping establish the foundation for the company’s subsequent growth. Over the years, Flytime Promotions has expanded its programming and helped bring major Nigerian and international performers to Lagos audiences.
Its flagship events have featured Nigerian stars such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, alongside international acts including Megan Thee Stallion and Boyz II Men. Previous editions have also welcomed artists such as Gunna in 2024, while the 2025 showcase featured British rapper Central Cee alongside Afrobeats star Rema.
The continued inclusion of international performers reflects the company’s approach to programming artists with broad global appeal while maintaining a strong connection to Nigeria’s music scene.
Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged Anchors the 2026 Holiday Schedule
The December 21 concert forms part of a broader six-night entertainment schedule at the Eko Convention Centre. The program is set to begin on December 20 with the House of R&B concert featuring R&B veteran Brandy Norwood.
Following the Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged performance, the schedule will continue with the three-day Flytime Fest before concluding with the newer Flytime Circle event. The lineup is designed to offer different musical experiences throughout the festive period. These range from established R&B performers to contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats acts.
Additional details about supporting performers are yet to be announced. However, previous editions of Flytime’s events have balanced international headliners with prominent Nigerian artists, leaving room for further additions to the 2026 roster.
Lagos Prepares for Another Detty December Season
The announcement comes as Lagos prepares for another busy Detty December, the annual period of concerts, parties, and cultural events that attracts visitors from across Nigeria and the African diaspora.
The festive season provides an important boost for businesses across hospitality, transportation, tourism, and entertainment. Major concerts contribute to this activity by drawing audiences who travel to Lagos specifically for performances and other holiday experiences.
International bookings have also become an increasingly visible feature of the city’s entertainment calendar. By bringing artists with established global audiences to Nigeria, promoters create opportunities for international music fans to experience the country’s concert culture firsthand.
The presence of Lil Baby and Kehlani at Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2026 further strengthens the event’s international profile. Their performance also highlights the continued connection between American hip-hop and R&B and Nigeria’s thriving music audience, which has embraced both genres alongside Afrobeats.
What Fans Can Expect from the December 21 Concert
With Lil Baby and Kehlani sharing headline duties, the December 21 show is expected to appeal to fans seeking a mix of high-energy rap performances and melodic R&B. Lil Baby’s catalog offers several recognizable hits for live audiences, while Kehlani’s repertoire brings a contrasting sound shaped by emotional vocals and contemporary production.
The Eko Convention Centre will host the event, with organizers expected to coordinate stage production, sound, lighting, and crowd management for the concert. As attendance interest builds, ticketing and entry arrangements will remain important considerations for prospective concertgoers.
Fans should follow official Flytime Promotions and Rhythm Unplugged channels for ticket announcements, additional lineup details, and event updates. They are also advised to use authorized ticketing platforms to avoid fraudulent sales.
With the December 21 date confirmed, Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged 2026 is shaping up to be one of the notable international concert bookings on Lagos’ festive calendar. The combination of Lil Baby and Kehlani gives the event a strong hip-hop and R&B identity, while the wider Flytime schedule promises several more nights of live music as the city enters the holiday season.
Featured image: Nickey Jules for Lil Baby/Jamie-Lee B. for Kehlani
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