Nigerian singer FAVE has sparked conversations online after revealing that promoters declined to host her planned birthday concert because it clashes with Ramadan, the Islamic holy month observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.

The 25-year-old Afrobeats star took to X to express her disappointment, explaining that she grew up in southern Nigeria and only began learning about Ramadan traditions later in life. While she stressed that she respects every religion, she also shared her desire to celebrate her birthday with fans through a live performance.

Her comments quickly triggered debate across social media, with supporters and critics offering different perspectives on whether business decisions tied to Ramadan are fair or necessary.

Ramadan is a sacred period in Islam marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, charity, and reflection. Based on lunar calculations, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around the evening of February 17 or 18 and run for about 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sighting in different regions. 

Because many Muslims avoid entertainment outings during fasting hours and focus on spiritual activities, concerts scheduled within this period can face lower attendance. Some event promoters reportedly explained that hosting a birthday concert during Ramadan might not be commercially viable, especially in regions with large Muslim populations.

However, other fans argued that Nigeria is a secular country with diverse audiences, noting that entertainment events still take place in cities like Lagos during the holy month, though often with adjusted timing or marketing strategies.

After FAVE’s post surfaced, reactions flooded timelines. Some people sided with the promoters, saying it is a practical business decision tied to audience behaviour rather than religious discrimination. Others insisted that artists should be able to celebrate milestones freely, especially in southern states where Ramadan does not fully dictate entertainment schedules.

The singer did not disclose the exact state where the concert was proposed, saying she had hoped to keep it a surprise for fans. She instead invited promoters who are open to working around the timing to reach out.

Her comments also opened a wider conversation about how Nigerian artists balance cultural, religious, and commercial realities when planning shows. With Afrobeats expanding globally and touring calendars becoming tighter, scheduling conflicts with major religious periods are becoming more common.