How Afrobeat Is Finding a New Home in North Wales Through Emerging Artist Don Gz

Afrobeat’s global rise has largely been associated with major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. However, in recent years, a quieter cultural shift has been taking place in North Wales, where Nigerian-born artist Emmanuel Eze-Ogwa, professionally known as Don Gz, has been contributing to the genre’s growing visibility in the region.

Rather than positioning himself solely as a performing artist, Don Gz has become part of a wider cultural movement introducing Afrobeat into spaces where it was previously less present, particularly within student communities, multicultural events, and grassroots music gatherings in Bangor and surrounding areas.

Since relocating to Wales, Don Gz has been actively involved in building awareness of Afrobeat through consistent live performances and community-based events. His work within university spaces and local cultural programmes has contributed to gradually expanding the audience for African music in North Wales, a region not traditionally associated with Afrobeat culture.

This cultural expansion has often taken place through small but consistent efforts—student nights, house events, cultural showcases, and collaborations with African student societies—helping to introduce Afrobeat to audiences experiencing it for the first time.

Speaking about this journey, Don Gz reflects on the role of music in bridging cultural gaps:

“Music is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. In North Wales, I’ve seen how Afrobeat can connect different communities, even in places where it wasn’t originally part of the culture. It’s been about building those connections step by step.”

His presence in the UK music scene has also grown through performances across multiple cities, including Bangor, Cardiff, Liverpool, Chester, and Birmingham. Key milestones include performing alongside internationally recognised artist Seyi Shay during Afro Rave Bangor, supporting BNXN at a Birmingham show in 2024, and performing at Afroplug Festival Cardiff 2025 at Vale Arena alongside DJames. He is also scheduled to return for Afroplug 2026.

Alongside performance, Don Gz’s contribution has been recognised by cultural organisations, including Black History Wales, where he received a Significant Contributor Award for his involvement in promoting diversity and cultural engagement through music. He has also received nominations connected to the Welsh MOBO Awards in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Afrobeat Act.

As Afrobeat continues to grow globally, its expansion into new regions such as North Wales reflects a broader shift in how African music is being experienced across the United Kingdom. Artists like Don Gz are playing a role not only in performing the genre, but in helping establish its presence in communities where it is still emerging.

For Don Gz, this work is less about personal recognition and more about cultural development—helping ensure Afrobeat reaches new audiences and continues evolving beyond its traditional strongholds.

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