You walk into a party with flashing lights and thumping bass; is it a rave, a concert, or a festival? We often use the words interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
Each has its own energy, music, and crowd, from Mainland Block Parties to Calabar’s famous carnival. Before you buy that ticket, here’s how to tell which is which.
Quick Guide: How They Differ
|
Event Type |
Main Vibe |
Music Style |
Crowd |
Duration |
Example |
|
Rave |
High-energy, underground |
EDM, techno, house |
Youthful, free-spirited |
All-night |
Mainland House, Group Therapy |
|
Festival |
Big, themed celebration |
Mix of genres |
Diverse, large crowd |
Multi-day |
Felabration, Eat Drink Festival |
|
Concert |
Artist-focused |
Single act or band or main acts |
Fans of performer |
2–4 hours |
Olamide Live in Concert (OLIC), the Experience Lagos |
|
Carnival |
Cultural parade |
Afrobeat, soca, drums |
Community, families |
All-day |
Calabar Carnival, Lagos Fanti Carnival |
|
Block Party |
Local street event |
DJs, live sets |
Neighbourhood crowd primarily |
Few hours |
Mainland Block Party |
What Exactly Is a Rave?
A rave is a high-energy dance party centred around electronic music, usually EDM, techno, or house. Expect flashing lights, glow sticks, and DJs mixing non-stop tracks till sunrise.
Raves are all about energy and community, not necessarily the performer. Unlike concerts, there’s no headline act; the music (DJ Sets) and hype are the main attractions.
While the rave scene in Nigeria is still growing, Group Therapy, Boiler Room Lagos, Monochroma are good examples with the heavy beats, lighting that sucks you in, and an all-night crowd.
What Makes a Festival Different?
A festival is much bigger and broader. It celebrates a theme: music, art, food, culture, or even tech. Festivals typically last multiple days, with several stages, vendors, and diverse performances.
Unlike raves, festivals combine live acts, DJs, food stalls, art installations, and workshops all in one place.
Some examples include:
-
Flytime Fest (Lagos): multi-day music event featuring Nigerian and international stars.
-
Felabration: a festival celebrating Fela Kuti’s music and Afrobeat legacy.
-
Lagos Fringe Festival: showcasing theatre, art, and live music.
Key difference: Raves are about sound and energy; festivals are about variety and culture.
So, What’s a Concert Then?
A concert is a live performance by one or a few main acts. Think of it as the most focused experience of all. People come to see a specific artist or band, not just to party.
Concerts usually have structured performances, professional staging, and clear start and end times.
Some examples include:
-
Davido’s Timeless Concert at Tafawa Balewa Square
-
Asake’s O2 Arena show (streamed and replayed in Nigeria)
-
Ayra Starr’s Lagos homecoming concert
-
Olamide Live in Concert (OLIC)
-
The Experience Lagos at Tafawa Balewa Square
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Concerts are for fans; people sing along, record videos, and connect directly with their favourite artists.
Carnival: Culture on Display
A carnival is a street parade full of costumes, colours, music, and dance, often tied to cultural or religious celebrations. It’s less about individual artists and more about community expression and tradition.
Expect drums, choreography, floats, and cultural symbolism.
Nigerian examples:
-
Calabar Carnival: Africa’s biggest street party, known for elaborate costumes and cultural displays.
-
Lagos Fanti Carnival: blending Yoruba, Brazilian, and Caribbean influences.
Carnivals are celebrations of identity where culture takes centre stage, not just music.
Block Party: The Local Vibe
A block party is a neighbourhood street party where the community closes off a section of the road for food, drinks, and music.
It’s informal, often free, and focused on connection; people bring their own speakers, DJs set up open decks, and everyone’s welcome.
It’s a bit different from Nigerian examples like Mainland Block Party, but it still holds the core of what a block party should be.
Key energy: Chill and inclusive. The party belongs to the people.
Why People Mix Them Up
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In Closing: Which One Is Right for You?
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