Danny Kiopouroglou, General Manager of Eko Hotels and Suites, has linked the vibrant cultural phenomenon now known as “Detty December” directly to the Nigerian hospitality brand reknowned for hosting some of the biggest entertainment events on the African continent.
Dscribing the hotel’s role in igniting Lagos’ festive season scene and championing creative expressions far beyond hospitality, the self-described Nigerian of Greek heritage said, “The whole activity of Detty December and Christmas in Lagos State started from Eko Hotels. This has developed now to something that everybody wants to have a piece of.”
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Easter edition of ‘The Jewel’ – a broadway-style musical executively produced by Eko Hotels – Kiopouroglou made a passionate case for the transformative power of Nigerian arts, calling on industry stakeholders to back the next phase of cultural evolution, theatre.
Inspired by Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Lion and the Jewel’ and Ola Rotimi’s ‘Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again’, ‘The Jewel’ is described as a futuristic adaptation that incorporates advanced stage design and modern theatrical techniques.
Drawing parallels with the explosive global popularity of Nigerian music, Kiopouroglou expressed hope that Nigerian theatre like ‘The Jewel’ could follow suit by going global.
“I go everywhere — France, the US, Greece, a beach in Spain — and I hear Nigerian music. So why not theatre? So, I don’t see it impossible at some point for us to see Nigerian productions going worldwide, being on major television. It just takes vision and investment.”
While acknowledging the hotel’s core business, Kiopouroglou emphasised Eko Hotels’ mission to support the arts and its ripple effect on the wider community.
“We have a gallery in our hotel where many artists have displayed their work and become international names, starting from Eko Hotels,” he said in reference to Art X Lagos. “This is our goal — to impact our community and our country in ways beyond hospitality.”
Referencing the economic potential of the performing arts, Kiopouroglou likened the rise of Nigerian theatre to the journey of Nollywood and Afrobeats. He recalled arriving in Nigeria 23 years ago, before Nollywood had gained traction.
“Nobody believed in Nollywood a few years ago… Now it has become a massive industry. The same with theatre. Art can be a catalyst for growth and economic development.”
He painted a vivid picture of the often-unseen effort behind performances — months of rehearsals, countless backstage professionals, and logistics that feed an ecosystem of jobs and services.
“You see one-and-a-half-hour performances, but there are six months of rehearsals behind it,” Kiopouroglou said. “You may think you pay performers for just Easter or Christmas shows, but they’ve been rehearsing for months.”
He urged private partners and investors to see the bigger picture and lend support.
“We want to believe that more people with the capacity and disposable income will come forward and move the arts forward,”
said Kiopouroglou.
‘The Jewel’ which was on stage during Christmas is being brought back April 18 and 19 to headline a host of events at Eko Hotels this season.
In addition to ‘The Jewel’, West Africa’s largest convention hotel will present Bunnyland, an Easter-themed attraction designed for families. The event will feature activities such as egg-painting stations, an Easter egg hunt, and other games.
The venue will also host AY Live, the annual comedy and music show featuring top Nigerian comedians and musicians. AY Live has been a mainstay of Easter celebrations at the Eko Convention Centre, drawing large audiences each year.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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