Raves in Nigeria are surging from their niche corners into the mainstream — taking over the nightlife scene as an alternative to traditional clubs and creating new possibilities for expression and community. Rooted in electronic dance music (EDM) and characterized by eclectic beats, raves have created a countercultural scene that contrasts with the typical Afrobeats-dominated nightlife. These social gatherings are among the few places where people — particularly queer individuals and women — can party authentically. For queer folks, they offer a sanctuary away from societal scrutiny. Similarly, most women at raves are free from the hyper-masculine dynamics often found in clubs, giving them the liberty to express themselves beyond the limitations imposed by mainstream nightlife. In Nigeria’s emerging rave scene, where attendees are drawn to long sets that stretch into the early morning hours, stamina is essential. And what better way to induce stamina than popping a happy pill or two.

The allure of rave drugs like MDMA (molly) lies in their ability to intensify connection and dissolve inhibitions. A Lagos-based DJ who prefers to remain anonymous explains, “People come to the party looking for an experience. With ecstasy or molly, the music feels deeper, the lights more intense; everything becomes more alive.” MDMA is notorious for spiking serotonin levels, unlocking waves of euphoria, intimacy, and empathy that align perfectly with the communal nature of dance music. People often speak of being submerged in “collective bliss” —  and the barriers between self and others blur. Of course, this chemistry deepens the music’s effect.

Despite the critical perception of drug use, research shows that MDMA, or ecstasy, is often used to enhance feelings of emotional closeness and connection. Studies on psychedelic therapy also report reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, along with increased compassion. As a result, attendees are generally mindful of safe drug use and respectful behavior, ensuring a positive experience for everyone. The stimulant nature of MDMA allows partygoers to dance longer and harder, making it a perfect companion for the raucous rave experience. While alcohol remains a feature at these events, drugs offer a sharper, cleaner high, one that keeps the night going without the drowsiness of intoxication.

Ketamine and LSD offer a different but equally compelling path. Ketamine is known for its dissociative properties, allowing ravers to step out of their bodies, detaching from reality while remaining immersed in movement. LSD stretches time, enhancing visuals and creating kaleidoscopic perceptions, where the glow of lights syncs with music in surreal harmony. These drugs transform a night out into something that feels transcendental. “Music doesn’t just play, it’s like you can feel every beat in your bones when you’re on something,” says Segun, a 25-year-old raver who frequents underground events in Lagos.

This immersive experience is deeply tied to the idea of rave as ritual. Anthropologists have noted that humans have used music, dance, and substances in rituals across cultures to access altered states. In many ways, the rave scene revives this tradition, where drugs play a role in facilitating a group experience that feels both primal and futuristic. Many ravers describe the experience as being in a trance where time ceases to exist. This sense of immersion is what keeps people returning to raves, seeking that next euphoric release. For some, drugs are the key to unlocking that state, providing stamina and sensory elevation when the body would otherwise give out.

The rave is also a necessary form of escape for many young Nigerians trapped in a cycle of economic frustration and political disillusionment. Unemployment, rising inflation, and an unreliable infrastructure have made daily life increasingly difficult, leading many young people to seek temporary relief through hedonistic nightlife. Drugs become a means to disengage from the weight of reality. “There’s a lot of pressure,” Segun continues. “Everyone’s broke, tired, or frustrated, and raves are where people come to forget. Drugs just make it easier to let go.”

The synergy between drugs and music lies in the way electronic dance music (EDM) is structured. With its repetitive beats, gradual build-ups, and euphoric drops, EDM is designed to create hypnotic states, which drugs enhance by amplifying sensory input. MDMA, in particular, syncs perfectly with this rhythm — it extends energy, heightens emotional peaks, and ensures ravers can keep dancing for hours without fatigue.

The relationship between raves and drugs is deeply rooted in psychology, culture, and the very nature of the music that drives the scene. For many attendees, substances offer a way to experience emotional liberation, transcendence, and connection, amplifying the immersive qualities of EDM.