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If you’ve been online in Nigeria lately, you’ve probably seen the viral trend where every month in 2024 has a quirky, unofficial theme. From the serious to the downright hilarious, these month-by-month events capture the spirit of Nigeria’s unpredictable, ever-lively atmosphere. So, let’s take a humorous tour through Nigeria’s “calendar of chaos” for the year:
January – “No Gree for Anybody”
Nigerians kicked off the year with the spirited motto, “No gree for anybody.” This wasn’t just a slogan; it became a rallying cry against giving up or being intimidated. The phrase exploded on social media, often used to vent frustration at the government, shady employers, or even long queues at fuel stations. Some even called it the Nigerian “never say die” attitude—fighting spirit at its peak.
February – “Mummy Zee Aguero Moment”
You remember in February, “Mummy Zee” found herself in a bit of drama. Known for her viral cooking videos at 4 a.m., Mummy Zee captured Nigeria’s heart with her dedication. But when a former reality TV star clashed with her online, fans rallied behind her. The month was dubbed “Mummy Zee Aguero Moment” as social media became a battleground of savage comebacks and “no gree for anybody” energy defending Mummy Zee against her detractors.
March – “Milky Doughnut”
The trend for “Milky Doughnut” in Nigeria, as it turns out, isn’t just about a sugary treat but has health experts concerned due to its potential effects on people’s health. This trend kicked off on platforms like TikTok, where videos of these milk-drenched, sugary doughnuts spread fast. Vendors and online influencers pushed the snack hard, drawing attention and high sales. However, nutritionists and doctors are now warning about the high sugar and calorie content, which poses risks for conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, especially given the popularity of these indulgent snacks among Nigerians.
April – “Timberland”
April took on the name “Timberland” as a funny tribute to the rugged, sturdy spirit needed to navigate Nigeria’s streets and market life. Timberland boots became symbolic, as people joked about having to “Timberland up” to handle the potholes and rough terrains that characterize daily commuting in some cities. Meme culture on platforms like TikTok and Twitter highlighted the joke of needing “Timberlands” as an urban survival tool for the Nigerian roads.
May – “Tap Tap Tap”
The “Tap Tap Tap” moment Nigerians are buzzing about actually is popular Telegram-based game, Tapswap. It’s essentially a crypto-mining app where players tap away on their screens to earn tokens. This app has gained massive traction because it lets people earn tokens—sometimes with high hopes of cash rewards—simply by tapping, which many say feels almost hypnotic. Unlike traditional crypto mining, Tapswap doesn’t require advanced tech or costly equipment; it just needs a smartphone and the willingness to keep tapping! As a result, it’s been a huge hit in Nigeria, with participants hoping for payouts and enjoying the competitive vibe of “who can tap the most”.
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June – “Steeze & Composure”
June was all about keeping calm with “Steeze & Composure,” meaning style and coolness. Nigerians showcased effortless style while dealing with the regular hustle. This phrase was especially used in response to political or social challenges, with many using it as an ironic way to say they’re calm even in tense situations. On TikTok, users made videos of themselves tackling daily stress with a “steezy” composure.
July – “Gwo Gwo Gwo”
This phrase was popularized by Nigerian comedian Brain Jotter and used widely by fans of Afrobeat music. It references the heavy, rhythmic beats found in a popular Nigerian song, as well as the loud bass often featured in party tracks. Brain Jotter’s incorporation of this phrase resonated with audiences, encapsulating the high-energy vibe that many Nigerians associate with their favorite songs. The phrase also took on various interpretations in memes and commentary, reflecting both enthusiasm and satire about party culture in Nigeria.
August – “Fish Pieeeee/Demure & Cutesy”
August celebrated “Fish Pieeeee,” an exaggerated way of saying “fish pie,” a snack loved across Nigeria. The month had people sharing stories and pictures of epic fish pie fails and successes on social media. Also, August’s phrase “Demure & Cutesy” poked fun at soft-spoken, shy types, as people shared tips for acting “cutesy” when facing Nigerian parents, bosses, or elders.
September – “I Am a Chosen”
In September, a popular Nigerian prayer meeting’s chant, “I am a chosen,” took center stage. It became a joke as people humorously declared themselves “chosen” for the most trivial of reasons, from surviving traffic to finding last-minute suya. Memes of “chosen” people abounded, poking fun at the quirky but earnest self-assurance Nigerians carry.
October – “T-Pain”
October had people in a bit of “Tpain”—referring to both the American singer and the slang for feeling financial pain! This month was marked by rising fuel and food prices, and social media posts showed Nigerians finding humor in their “Tpain” while dealing with the realities of higher living costs. Memes compared T-Pain’s music to the “pains” of daily life, giving October a funny but painful twist.
November – Chief Baltasar Scandal
November is heating up with news from Equatorial Guinea’s Chief Baltasar Engonga, who reportedly caused a scandal by allegedly being involved with government officials’ spouses. This gossip was received with both shock and humor online, with Nigerians drawing parallels to their own “chiefs” and the social dynamics in politics. Memes about “government scandals” have been trending, showing Nigerians’ ability to make light of even the most dramatic situations.
So there you have it—Nigeria’s unofficial 2024 “calendar of chaos.” While these monthly trends may seem trivial, they reveal a lot about the resilience, humor, and creativity of Nigerians. Each slogan, joke, and theme brings people together, offering a shared laugh and a lighthearted way to navigate challenges. Because, in Nigeria, sometimes all you need is a little humor to make it through the year!
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