Mannywellz Brought His Nigerian Roots To Chicago for a Sold-Out Night at The Promontory

By: I’Ja Marie

Broadcasted On February 1st, 2025

Chicago was the place to be last night as Mannywellz kicked off his Mr. Oulala tour with a sold-out show at The Promontory. From the moment I stepped in, the energy was undeniable—Afrobeats and R&B throwback favorites filled the room, setting the perfect tone for what was about to unfold.

The night started with Chanelle Tru She gave us a little bit of everything—unreleased tracks, Afrobeat grooves, and some of her smooth R&B cuts that had the crowd swaying. She didn’t just warm up the stage; she made it clear that we were in for a night full of soul and vibes.

Photo By Darius Donald

Then, Mannywellz stepped out, and from the first note, he had the room in a trance. His set was a perfect blend of past and present, taking us back to Mirage while introducing us to the more soulful layers of LALA. It felt personal—like he was letting us in on his journey, giving us pieces of himself through each song.

But what really made the night unforgettable was how Mannywellz brought Africa to Chicago. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural experience. The way he wove his Nigerian roots into the music, blending Afrobeat rhythms with R&B soul, made it feel like we were somewhere between Lagos and the South Side. The bass, the drums, the melodies—everything hit different because it wasn’t just about sound, it was about feeling.

​And that’s the thing about Mannywellz —he’s not just an artist, he’s a storyteller. Every song carried something deeper, whether it was love, identity, or faith. His voice, smooth yet powerful, made you feel every lyric like it was meant just for you.

Photo By Darius Donald

Chicago, you got something special last night. The Mr. Oulala tour opened with a moment, one that reminded us why live music is so important—it connects, it celebrates, and it makes us feel seen. Mannywellz gave us all of that and more. If this was just the first stop, I can only imagine what the rest of the tour has in store. 

GET TICKETS FOR MANNYWELLZ's MR.OÙLALA TOUR

Check out my backstage conversation with him before his sold-out show below and Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for more, or download the iLLANOiZE Radio app.