The Jameson Distillery Experience made its Port Harcourt debut from October 1 to 3, 2026, bringing three days of live music, whiskey discovery, skating, fashion, food and interactive games to Yakubu Gowon Stadium during Nigeria’s Independence celebrations.
The event brought together music lovers, creatives and whiskey enthusiasts for a programme that combined Jameson’s Irish whiskey heritage with the energy of Port Harcourt, often known as the Garden City. Across the three days, guests explored the brand’s story and craftsmanship while enjoying performances, games and activities designed to encourage social interaction.
Whiskey education formed part of the programme, alongside food, fashion and entertainment. Each day featured a different set of activities, organised in partnership with communities and platforms that contributed their own style to the experience.
The opening day focused on skating, music and creative expression, with Plus2.34 and Voltage District leading the programme. The communities brought their connections to skating and music to the stadium, where guests watched skaters in action, enjoyed live performances and took part in interactive games.
Sons of Ubuntu, Black Dave, WeAreAllChemicals and Ifeme performed during the opening day, while DJ sets kept the atmosphere lively. The combination of skating, music and audience participation gave the first day a strong focus on youth culture and creative communities.
On October 2, the programme shifted towards games and friendly competition through Game Fiesta’s “Play City” concept. Guests had opportunities to challenge friends, participate in familiar games and socialise beyond the music performances.
Peruzzi was the headline music attraction on the second day. DJ Kaydee, DJ Faithful and DJ Diamond also performed, while Hypeman Mayor and Pandora helped maintain the energy throughout the programme. Real Chuksy and Annie Drumz added to the day’s entertainment, bringing together live performances, DJ sets and interactive activities.
The final day introduced a water-themed experience in partnership with Whetlvnd. The waterpark-inspired programme featured water games and splashing activities, offering guests a different way to participate as the three-day gathering approached its conclusion.
Shoday headlined the final day’s music programme, with Titanium and Mia also performing. DJs Ewheelz, General, Rekii, Fanny and White provided additional music, while Mr Barango hosted the event. Major Phylix and other guests also made appearances.
Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said the Port Harcourt edition provided an opportunity to connect with local audiences through entertainment and activities that reflected the city’s character.
“We are pleased to have brought Jameson Distillery to Port Harcourt for the first time,” Chenuet said. “The experience gave us an opportunity to bring people together through music, fashion, food, whiskey discovery and activities that reflect the energy of the city.”
Chenuet added that seeing guests participate, connect and create memories throughout the three days made the first edition particularly meaningful. The company also expressed its intention to continue creating experiences that bring people together through the Jameson brand.
The Port Harcourt event expanded the reach of the Jameson Distillery Experience to a new Nigerian city, bringing together different audiences through a combination of brand discovery and entertainment. Rather than focusing solely on whiskey, the programme incorporated music, fashion, food and recreational activities into a broader social gathering.
The event also highlighted the role of local creative communities and entertainment partners in shaping the programme, from the skating sessions organised with Plus2.34 and Voltage District to Game Fiesta’s competitive activities and Whetlvnd’s water-themed entertainment.
The first Port Harcourt edition has now concluded, with Jameson acknowledging the guests, performers and partners who contributed to the three-day programme. Updates on future experiences are available through the brand’s social media channels at @JamesonNGR.
Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global wines and spirits company whose portfolio includes Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Martell Cognac, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Inverroche Gin, Olmeca Tequila, Malibu Liqueur and G.H. Mumm Champagne.
Jameson Irish Whiskey was founded by John Jameson in 1780. The brand produces its whiskey at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, using malted and unmalted Irish barley. Its blended whiskeys are triple-distilled, a process associated with the brand’s characteristic smoothness.
More photos from the gig below.
