Port Harcourt truly came alive on Easter Sunday, April 5, as Heineken brought its “City of Cities” experience to the heart of the Garden City. It was a night where fashion, music, and high-energy culture merged perfectly, proving once again that Port Harcourt remains a central pillar in Nigeria’s creative landscape.
The event served as a continuation of a journey that began at the Heineken Lagos Fashion Week. While that debut featured a massive 46-piece collection curated by Omoyemi Akerele, the Port Harcourt edition took that momentum and gave it a local soul. The night was less about following a template and more about celebrating the unique identity of the city.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch early on when Duncan Mighty took the stage. As one of the city’s most beloved sons, his performance felt like a powerful homecoming. The crowd’s reaction was a testament to the deep-rooted connection between the artist and his people, setting a tone of authenticity that lasted throughout the night.
Creativity was the main course of the evening, highlighted by a runway show that featured local design powerhouses like Akpos Odudu, Winnie White Wears, and Icella. Their bold and distinct collections made it clear that Port Harcourt’s fashion scene is not just thriving, but ready for any global stage. Accompanied by the soul-stirring sounds of the Loud Urban Choir, the showcase moved beyond a simple runway to become a full cultural statement.
Maria Shodeko, the Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc, noted that the city has always possessed a bold and unmistakable spirit. She remarked that the event was simply a way to provide a world-class platform for the creative pulse that has always existed within the people of Port Harcourt.
As the formal show transitioned into the after-party, the energy refused to dip. DJ Neptune took over the decks, keeping the audience moving with a seamless set, while Fola delivered an electrifying performance. With Shoday working the room as the hypeman, the night stretched long into the early hours, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It wasn’t just a party; it was a moment where the Garden City stepped fully into the spotlight and owned it.
