Inside Erigga & Eeskay’s Exclusive North & South EP UK Listening Party, Hosted by Music Publicist Chinenye Mbakwe

Music Publicist Chinenye Mbakwe of 99PLUZ hosted the official UK listening party for Nigerian rap heavyweight Erigga and rising star Eeskay’s collaborative EP, North & South, bringing together fans, creatives and members of the African entertainment community for an exclusive celebration of Nigerian hip-hop in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The event offered attendees an intimate first listen to North & South, a project that brings together two distinct voices from different parts of Nigeria, blending compelling storytelling with authentic lyricism and contemporary production. Beyond the music, the evening became a celebration of African culture, creativity and the growing influence of Nigerian music across the UK.

As the host for the evening, Chinenye Mbakwe guided the programme, engaging the audience throughout the listening experience while facilitating conversations around the project, its creative direction and its significance within today’s Nigerian hip-hop landscape. Her role reflected the growing importance of music publicists in creating memorable experiences that connect artists directly with audiences beyond traditional performances.

Representing 99PLUZ, Mbakwe welcomed guests, introduced key moments throughout the event and helped create an atmosphere that encouraged fans to immerse themselves in the music while celebrating the culture surrounding it. The evening demonstrated how listening parties have evolved from private industry gatherings into important platforms for fan engagement, media interaction and artist storytelling.

The Birmingham event also highlighted the increasing demand for African music experiences outside London’s traditional entertainment circuit. As Afrobeats and Nigerian hip-hop continue to expand their global reach, cities like Birmingham are becoming important destinations for artists looking to connect with growing African and multicultural audiences across the United Kingdom.

For Mbakwe, whose work spans music publicity, media strategy and live event coordination, hosting the North & South listening party is another milestone in a career dedicated to supporting African artists and building stronger bridges between the African and UK entertainment industries.

Through her work at 99PLUZ, she has contributed to the publicity and promotion of both emerging and established artists, coordinated media opportunities, facilitated artist interviews, produced entertainment content and represented the organisation at concerts, red carpets and major industry events. Her experience also includes working alongside Grammy-considered artist Great Adamz, supporting projects involving the 99 Band, contributing to productions featuring two-time MOBO Award winner D3, participating in Seyi Law’s “20 Years on Stage” Anniversary Tour, and representing 99PLUZ at the MOBO Awards.

Her growing portfolio reflects a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for African creatives while ensuring their stories reach wider audiences through strategic publicity, media engagement and live experiences.

Speaking after the event, Mbakwe emphasised the importance of creating platforms that bring artists and fans together beyond streaming platforms.

“Music is always better when people experience it together. Events like this create genuine conversations around the art, strengthen the connection between artists and their audiences, and continue to showcase the richness of African music and culture here in the UK.”

The successful Birmingham listening party further reinforces 99PLUZ’s position as a growing platform for African entertainment, music journalism and artist publicity within the UK, while demonstrating the vital role that media professionals and publicists continue to play in supporting the global expansion of African music.

As Nigerian music continues to break new ground internationally, professionals working behind the scenes remain instrumental in creating the platforms, partnerships and experiences that allow artists to reach new audiences. Through her work in publicity, media and live entertainment, Music Publicist Chinenye Mbakwe continues to contribute to that growth, helping African stories travel further while creating more opportunities for artists to connect with fans across the United Kingdom.