The month is filled with vibrant arts and entertainment, including plays, musical concerts, festivals, operas, fashion shows, poetry, and various performance arts.

As the month unfolds, the atmosphere is electrified with fireworks, street carnivals, and colourful Christmas decorations, complemented by numerous year-end thanksgiving parties.

It’s also a time for bonding, as Nigerians reconnect with family and friends visiting from around the world.

Recognising the significance of December, FirstBank, through its First@arts initiative, hosts the annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign.

This initiative aims to inspire and empower people to create and enjoy thrilling memories by providing fully paid access to highly sought-after concerts, shows, plays, and festivals featuring A-list entertainers.

In light of the tough economic climate, FirstBank offers a welcome relief for Nigerians looking to celebrate and have fun this December.

For over 130 years, the premier financial institution has consistently woven itself into the fabrics of the society including its massive support for festive concerts showcasing Africa’s biggest music stars, including Kizz Daniel, Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Tiwa Savage and many others, creating unforgettable experiences for music lovers.

The DecemberIssaVybe campaign is all about making memories. It provides a platform for both Nigerians and international audiences to enjoy unique experiences. Since its inception in 2018, the FirstBankIssaVybe campaign has delivered exciting moments that people eagerly anticipate each December.

As we get into the 2024 year end season, FirstBank has curated an impressive lineup of events for maximum enjoyment through DecemberIssaVybe.

The much-anticipated campaign kicked off on Saturday, December 13, at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, featuring the sponsorship of Kenny Blaq’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival.

Through engaging social media activities, FirstBank distributed free tickets to young Nigerians and entertainment enthusiasts eager to attend the show.

The event which started in the late afternoon into the night showcased an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and music, featuring performances from DJ Neptune, Kenny Blaq, Aproko, MC Monica, OvyGodwin, and others. Attendees enjoyed a night of laughter, dancing, and vibrant energy.

The exhilarating festival merges the dynamic worlds of music and comedy, highlighting Africa’s impressive creative entertainment scene.

Alongside renowned comedians, many emerging talents were given the stage to showcase their skills, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Headlining the event, comedian and singer Kehinde Otolorin, also known as Kenny Blaq, delighted fans with a captivating combination of dance, music, and comedy.

Ahead of the event, he articulated his vision for the festival, stating, “Music and comedy have always been intertwined for me, and I aimed to create an event that highlights both in a unique way. This festival encourages people to embrace boldness and creativity while having fun.”

The festival’s theme centres around a positive interpretation of recklessness, celebrating courage, creativity, and authenticity. FirstBank enhanced the festive atmosphere with a fun booth, where attendees engaged in trivia games, received mementos, and took photos.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, acting group head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s commitment to delivering a ‘Wow December to Remember’ experience for all generations.

He noted, “FirstBank is facilitating memorable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festivals.”

Ijabiyi emphasised FirstBank’s 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative, and he encouraged Nigerians to embrace the entertainment offerings through the DecemberIssaVybe campaign. He stated that FirstBank is dedicated to creating memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.

With over 500 VIP tickets available for premium events valued between N15,000 and N50,000, the FirstBank #DecemberIssaVybe and #FirstBankIssaVybe giveaway fest is set to reward customers with access to exciting events across Lagos.

Nigerians eager to join in on the festivities can follow FirstBank on social media—Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria, and Twitter: @firstbankngr—to stay updated on ticket giveaways and experience the vibrant party atmosphere this season.

The timing of the concert was right, having had Asake and Kiss Daniel’s concert precede that of the grammy award winning music sensation.

DecemberIssaVybe is not just about music but fun, fun and fun in its entirety, from stage plays to art and culture… the list comprised Culturati to Beeta Arts Festival Abuja, Koffi Tha Guru Unorthodox, Duke of Shomolu Production’s Encore, Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again and Ufok Iban.

Others supported by the Bank include; Joromi: The Musical Concert; Osamede, Awo and Ufok Iban by Duke of Shomolu Productions.

So back to the main gist… tell me who does not love gist, especially when it comes to Big Wiz.

Vibes on The Beach was held at Landmark Beach Oniru, Lagos on Friday, December 30th, 2022. It was unarguably an amazing night of fun and nothing but a star-studded show which exploded the audience to the height of ecstasy and rhythm of bliss courtesy of FirstBank.

With the kick time slated for 6 pm, the environs of Oniru were a beehive of activities as thousands thronged Landmark to be a partaker of the grandest Lagos concert of the year.

The organizational skills of the organizers of DecemberIssaVybe and sponsors were nothing short of perfection as Landmark was transfigured into a haven of an international center, divided into regular, VIP, and VVIP.

Of a truth, the attendees who cut across individuals, friends, family members who came for reunions, and lovers were all smiles as they passed through the passage of entrance branded with FirstBank, the only financial brand which has provided them the opportunity and platform for yet another memorable homecoming experience with their idol, Wizkid.

Those at the regulars, VIPs, and VVIPs stands were mesmerized by the decoration and branding of the venue and the cool atmosphere which prepared them for the entrance of their favorite show hosts, Mr. Macaroni and Kiekie whose real names are Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori.

Guests and fans of Big Wiz were in High expectations of the fun-filled experience they signed for the night when Popular skit maker cum musician, Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, famously called Carter Efe and Berri Tiga sang their trendy song, Machala, a blend of Afro-fusion. The song is widely attributed to be an anthem in honour of the superstar singer, Wizkid.

Afterwards, Landmark was thrown into a frenzy as Big Wiz, the biggest act of the night was ushered on stage. Interestingly, the entrance of Big Wiz was a barrier breaker and line crosser as those in the regular, VIP, and VVIP stands all melted into unison to the scintillating performance of the music superstar as he took everyone down memory lane starting from his evergreen debut singles to the newest and fresh contemporary songs. And guess what? Wizkid surprised everyone and added a juicy flavour to the event by doing a collaboration with the popular act, Naira Marley.

Truth be told, the 2022 edition of “DecemberIssaVybe” by FirstBank goes beyond excitement but birthed memories that will be hard to fade off attendees’ minds for many years.

The bank’s dedication to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing these types of enabling experiences sets it apart in the industry and solidifies its position as a leader in not just directly supporting the arts and entertainment industry but economically impacting its value chain.

Anyone not following the Bank is surely on a long thing but hey, it is never too late as there are still many excitements the Bank creates on its social media ecosystem via @firstbanknigeria (Instagram); @FirstBankngr (Twitter) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Facebook).

2023 will surely be another back-to-back hit as the financial giant creates more memorable fun for its customers and followers.

Culled from Saharaweekly