From dusk on December 21 into the early hours of December 22, the experience brought the Lagos landscape alive in line with the phrase “Music Never Sleeps”.

More than just an event, Quickteller InsomniaQ emerged as a defining cultural moment created for the vibe chasers, and everyone who believes that ‘sleep can wait’.

This debut edition firmly established InsomniaQ as a new must-attend highlight on Lagos’ December entertainment calendar, offering a fresh take on how the city celebrates music, culture, and connection.

From the moment the gates opened, it was clear that InsomniaQ was not built around fleeting hype, but around intentional curation.

The atmosphere blended music, culture, and community into a seamless overnight journey, one where African creativity took centre stage and the audience became part of a story unfolding hour by hour.

Spanning the entire night, InsomniaQ brought together music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, creatives, and diaspora returnees, all united by a shared desire to experience Lagos nightlife in a more immersive way.

As the city transitioned from night to dawn, InsomniaQ proved that some of the most memorable stories are written while the world is asleep.

Music sensation, Made Kuti opened the live performance sequence with a commanding set that bridged Afrobeat heritage with modern expression. Backed by powerful horns and percussion, his performance grounded the night in musical authenticity, setting a strong artistic foundation for the experience.

He was followed by The Loud Urban Choir, whose harmonious vocals created moments that felt deeply communal and immersive. Their performance drew the audience into a shared rhythm, adding emotional depth and collective resonance to the night.

Niniola, the queen of Afro-House, then took the stage with pulsating rhythms and fearless energy. Her performance transformed the venue into a moving sea of dancers, reaffirming her reputation as one of Africa’s most magnetic live performers.

Global Afrofusion star Patoranking closed the live performance sequence with a set that transcended borders.

Delivering crowd-favourite anthems infused with dancehall and reggae rhythms, he sparked mass singalongs and brought the night to an electrifying peak.

Throughout the experience, DJs performed at intervals between the live acts, expertly sustaining the atmosphere and ensuring the energy never dipped. Their curated selections blended nostalgia with contemporary hits, keeping the crowd engaged as the night stretched into morning.

Beyond the performances, Quickteller InsomniaQ stood out as a thoughtfully curated, lifestyle-driven experience that extended far beyond music. The immersive environment and shared moments fostered genuine connections, turning strangers into a community brought together by sound, movement, and collective energy.

With the successful delivery of its maiden edition, InsomniaQ has laid a solid foundation for what is set to become an iconic cultural platform, redefining the possibilities of overnight music experiences, raising the benchmark for December entertainment in Lagos, and reinforcing Quickteller’s long-term commitment to championing African creativity and culture beyond payments.

The maiden edition will run from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025, at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.

InsomniaQ promises a 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long, in line with the body’s natural rhythm.

Created to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December, InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.

The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.

More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent.

With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.

Speaking on the purpose and vision behind InsomniaQ, Olawale Akanbi, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Quickteller Ecosystem) Interswitch, noted; 

“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are. Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension. As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season.”

Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.

InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.

Fans, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to stay awake as the countdown begins with what promises to be one of the most defining highlights of the entertainment landscape in Lagos during the month of December.