Chinenye Mbakwe, Honoured as Media Personality of the Year at Golden Stars Award 2026
- Sean
- May 30
- 3 min read
Chinenye Mbakwe, a Nigerian-born music publicist, tour manager, media personality, and cultural commentator based in the United Kingdom, is set to be honored with the Media Personality of the Year (Diaspora) award at the Golden Stars Award 2026.
"The Chinenye Mbakwe Media Personality of the Year recognition reflects both her growing influence within the diaspora media space and her contributions to the evolving Afrobeats ecosystem."
The recognition celebrates Mbakwe's growing influence within the media and entertainment landscape, particularly her contributions to Afrobeats culture, music publicity, artist development, live events, and industry conversations that continue to connect African music with audiences around the world.
Currently serving as the Head of Operations at 99Pluz Media, Mbakwe has built a reputation as one of the emerging voices helping shape conversations around music, culture, and the business of entertainment. Through her work in public relations, tour management, digital storytelling, and media strategy, she has consistently championed African artists while creating platforms for meaningful discussions about the industry's future.
Her journey into media began with a deep curiosity about the forces that shape music, culture, and artist careers. What started as an interest in understanding the business behind the headlines gradually evolved into a multifaceted career spanning content creation, cultural commentary, artist publicity, and operational leadership.
Why Chinenye Mbakwe's Media Personality of the Year Recognition Matters
Over the years, Mbakwe has played key roles in several successful campaigns within the Afrobeats ecosystem. Her work has contributed to chart successes, artist development initiatives, and media campaigns that have helped amplify African talent beyond local borders. Among her notable achievements is her involvement in campaigns that delivered multiple Music Week Black Music Chart No. 1 records for Grammy-nominated Afrofusion artist Great Adamz, for whom she serves as tour manager and PR strategy lead.
Beyond publicity campaigns, her experience extends into live events and audience engagement. From hosting red carpets and coordinating artist logistics to managing tours and supporting sold-out concert productions, Mbakwe has steadily built a portfolio that reflects both creative vision and operational expertise. Most recently, she was part of the team behind Great Adamz's sold-out UK Valentine's headline concert, an event that attracted widespread media coverage and further demonstrated the growing international appeal of Afrobeats.
At 99Pluz Media, she continues to oversee editorial operations, content direction, and music PR initiatives while contributing to broader industry conversations through commentary and educational content. Her work often focuses on helping emerging artists better understand the realities of the music business, including publicity, branding, contracts, career development, and long-term sustainability.
For Mbakwe, the award represents more than personal recognition.
"Recognition is always appreciated, but for me, it represents something bigger than a personal achievement. It validates years of learning, consistency, and showing up for opportunities even when the path wasn't always clear."
She believes the honor highlights the importance of the often unseen work that drives success within the creative industry.
"Professionally, it reinforces that there is value in combining media, culture, strategy, and storytelling. Personally, it reminds me that meaningful impact often comes from the work people don't see—the planning, research, coordination, and persistence behind the scenes."
As Afrobeats continues its global expansion, professionals working behind the scenes have become increasingly important in shaping narratives, building sustainable careers, and creating opportunities for artists on the world stage. Mbakwe's recognition reflects the growing influence of media professionals who are helping bridge the gap between talent, audiences, and industry stakeholders across continents.
Reflecting on the honor, she expressed gratitude while reaffirming her commitment to meaningful contributions within the industry.
"I've always believed that culture deserves thoughtful conversation, and artists deserve access to information that helps them build sustainable careers. This recognition is a reminder that there is room for people who are willing to do the work, ask the difficult questions, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. I'm grateful for the journey so far, and I'm excited about what's next."
The Golden Stars Award 2026 is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 25, 2026, where Mbakwe will be formally recognized for her contributions to media, culture, and the continued advancement of African music within the diaspora.
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