2024 was a year of laughter, creativity, and real expression on social media, a year filled with moments that kept us entertained and connected. Just when we thought 2023 was a lot to handle, 2024 came along and proved it could top the drama, excitement, and surprises.
Despite its challenges, one thing remained constant: Nigerians’ ability to find joy in the little things. From endless TikTok trends and catchy slang to grand celebrity weddings and even a rekindling of the iconic Wizkid-Davido feud, the year was packed with buzzworthy moments.
Nigerians wholeheartedly embraced trends that not only captivated the country but also drew global attention. Social media became a space of creativity and entertainment, reflecting the country’s energy and diversity. In this article, we’ll explore the top Nigerian social media trends 2024 that dominated Nigeria and kept users talking all year long.
What Are The Top Nigerian Social Media Trends of 2024?
1. “No Gree For Anybody”
At the beginning of a new year, it’s tradition for people to set resolutions and take a firm stand on various issues. In 2024, this sentiment gave rise to the viral social media trend “No Gree For Anybody,” which translates to “Don’t tolerate nonsense from anyone.” The phrase struck a chord with many Nigerians, quickly becoming a rallying cry embraced by both the young and the old in the year’s early months.
While the trend encouraged people to stand up for themselves, it wasn’t without its share of controversy. Some individuals used the slogan to justify overreactions in situations that called for patience and restraint, sparking debates about the balance between self-respect and overstepping boundaries.
2. “1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8 Challenge”
The 12345678 Challenge became a viral sensation in 2024, captivating rap lovers and social media users alike. The challenge involved participants crafting clever rap verses that creatively incorporated the numbers one through eight. It started with a full bar containing all the numbers, and with each subsequent line, one number was removed, making it both a test of creativity and lyrical skill.
3. “Davido Dodo Dance”
TikTok always seems to lead the way when it comes to trends, and October 2024 was no exception. Davido’s 2015 hit single “Dodo” made an unexpected resurgence on the platform after a group of dancers created a captivating routine that quickly went viral. The trend spread like wildfire, gaining so much traction that Davido himself joined in, delighting fans by adding the track back to his concert setlist.
4. “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo Challenge”
After 41 years, Mike Ejeagha’s timeless classic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” made a remarkable comeback, igniting a viral dance challenge that swept through social media.
The trend began when popular comedian and content creator Brain Jotter kicked things off with his own rendition, sparking a wave of creativity. Celebrities and everyday Nigerians quickly joined in, flooding timelines with their unique take on the tune.
5. “Had It Been I Know You Now”
The trend took off after a clip from a dating interview went viral, featuring a woman confidently using the phrase. Since then, it has become a cultural catchphrase, widely adopted across social media for all kinds of content, from humorous memes to relatable commentary.
6. “Just Give Me My Money”
Another trend that dominated 2024 featured participants humorously saying the phrase “Just give me my money” in an exaggerated, funny voice, followed by cheers and applause, except for one person, who was intentionally left out.
This quirky and entertaining trend originated from Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who boasts over 12 million followers. Cenat introduced the phrase during a January livestream with rapper DreamDoll, singing it to a melody inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s song Love. The catchy phrase quickly caught on, becoming a staple for humorous and playful content across platforms.
7. “Koroba Hairstyle”
An old-school hairstyle made a dramatic comeback in 2024, turning into a major trend as countless women embraced it with pride. What was once considered outdated became a symbol of nostalgia and style, with social media flooded with posts celebrating its revival.
8. “President General Among The Nation”
The song “President General Among the Nation” by Bisong Constance became an unexpected TikTok phenomenon in 2024, captivating Gen Z and users around the globe with its catchy beat and danceable rhythm. Accompanied by a viral dance routine, the track quickly rose to fame.
Originally released in October 2021, the song was largely overlooked until it was revived by the choir of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Church. Their spirited performances during church events breathed new life into the track, propelling it into the spotlight and turning it into a global sensation.
9. “Tshwala Bam Dance”
The Tshwala Bam dance challenge quickly went viral after a video of three young men flawlessly executing choreographed moves to the song captured the attention of social media users. Their impressive performance sparked widespread participation, with many others joining in and showcasing their take on the routine.
10. “Pluto Dance Challenge”
Earlier in 2024, a video of Afrobeats star and self-proclaimed “Pluto President,” Shallipopi, went viral, showing him performing the signature Pluto dance alongside his brother Zerry DL.
The infectious dance quickly took over, becoming a hit in clubs, parties, religious gatherings, and beyond. It became one of the standout Afrobeats trends of the year, with people everywhere embracing the moves and adding their flair.
11. “Dog prank”
The Dog Prank became one of the funniest trends of the year, with Nigerian parents at the heart of the chaos. In this challenge, young people sent their parents a picture of an unusual-looking dog, claiming it belonged to a friend who planned to leave the pet in their care.
The reactions were pure comedy gold, as parents scrambled to protest or expressed their confusion and disbelief. Social media timelines were flooded with hilarious screenshots and voice notes from the prank, sparking endless laughter and giving everyone a glimpse into the unique humour of Nigerian families.
12. “‘I’m a Chosen’ Trend”
In September 2024, the “I’m a Chosen” trend took over social media, with countless memes, posts, and skits either celebrating or poking fun at The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement (TLCCRM). The trend was sparked by an edited video of a female church member testifying about disarming four assailants, but it was her amusing slip-up, referring to their weapons as AK-25 instead of AK-47 that turned the testimony into an internet sensation.
This viral moment led to even more jaw-dropping testimonies, such as a story of a lion lifting a church member and instances of “miracle money.” While some found these tales inspirational, others turned them into meme material, keeping the trend going for months.
13. “We Listen, We Don’t Judge”
The “We Listen, We Don’t Judge” trend started on X (formerly Twitter) and quickly spread across other platforms. This challenge invited users to share their most outrageous actions or thoughts without the fear of being judged.
From celebrities to everyday people, participants opened up and shared their secrets, relying on the non-judgmental atmosphere of their audience. The trend featured a blend of shocking, funny, and heartfelt confessions, making it one of the year’s most engaging and widely talked-about challenges.
14. “Suspect Challenge”
The Suspect Challenge added even more fun to the mix, with couples playfully teasing each other about their quirks and habits. This challenge brought humour and relatability to social media as partners shared amusing secrets, all in good fun.
One of the most memorable moments came from fashion designer Veekee James and her husband, Femi Atere, who revealed personal, bedroom-related secrets that quickly went viral. The Suspect Challenge became a lighthearted way for couples to bond while entertaining a wide audience, showcasing the playful side of relationships.
15. “No Loose Guard”
Big Brother Naija has been a fan favourite every year, but the 2024 edition brought a fresh twist that had Nigerians buzzing, the housemates entered in pairs. Unlike previous seasons where contestants were strangers to each other, this season featured paired housemates, ranging from twins and friends to a secretly married couple.
The twist sparked weeks of debate over who would claim the prize, as the winner was far from clear. X became a trending figure with phrases like “the money is married” and “the money is energetic,” especially after the two top contenders, ‘WANNI X HANDI’ and the married couple ‘DOUBLE KAY’ rose to the top.
Biggie added even more drama by unpairing the housemates, introducing betrayal, gossip, and plenty of twists. In the end, the money indeed went to the “married” couple, as Kelly Rae from ‘DOUBLEKAY’ was crowned the winner of BBN Season 9.
Final Thoughts
The year 2024 has been a vibrant one for social media trends in Nigeria, showcasing the country’s unique blend of creativity, humour, and boldness. From viral challenges to catchy phrases and unforgettable moments, Nigerians have continued to embrace the digital world in new and exciting ways.
The rise in social media engagement also reflects a broader global trend, with countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Brazil leading the charge. As we move further into 2025, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what new ones will capture the attention of Nigerians and the world alike.
