Kicking off our brand new 'The Y&E Series' on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions, we're delighted to present acclaimed Irish hip-hop artist Jafaris as our first act – performing live on the Hot Press Instagram tonight, June 15, at 7.30pm.

Jafaris, aka Percy Chamburuka, has muscled his way to the forefront of Irish music in recent years. A lauded entertainer, he has built up a reputation as a dancer, actor, poet and rapper – first coming to prominence in John Carney's acclaimed Sing Street. His debut album, Stride, was released in 2019, and earned him a highly coveted spot on the Choice Music Prize's shortlist for Album Of The Year.

Starting tonight with Jafaris, The Y&E Series will shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020 – with 40 acts set to join Hot Press on Instagram for special live performances across 40 consecutive days, thanks to the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Watch Jafaris tonight as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm tonight, June 15.

Take a look at the other brilliant acts lined up for the first week of The Y&E Series below:

Tuesday, June 16: Stray Melody
Initially crafting their unique sound as buskers on the streets of Dublin, Stray Melody have expanded their approach into the world of electro-pop with their widely-praised debut single, ‘Losing It’.

Wednesday, June 17: JyellowL
One of the most authoritative voices in the Irish hip-hop boom, JyellowL is rapidly hurtling towards international stardom – clocking up 1.4 million streams in 2019, and scoring a coveted appearance on the FIFA 20 soundtrack.

Thursday, June 18: Milk.
Tipped as one of the Hot Press ‘Hot For 2020 Irish Acts’, Milk. combine feel-good indie-pop with elements of R&B and electronica – and you might also recognise lead singer Mark McKenna from John Carney’s 2016 film Sing Street…

Friday, June 19: ROE
Roe is the acclaimed twenty-year-old multi-instrumentalist making waves with her unique brand of self-styled ‘grumpy electro pop’. She recently performed the Snow Patrol album Final Straw with Gary Lightbody and Rossborough.

Saturday, June 20: Sion Hill
Since releasing his debut album, Elephant, in 2017, and clocking up support slots for the likes of A-ha and Pete Doherty, Sion Hill has emerged as one of the country’s most compelling, genre-blending artists.

Sunday, June 21: Celaviedmai
One of the brightest young rappers on the Irish scene, the Galway-based Celaviedmai has made a huge impression with her energetic, impassioned delivery – and powerful lyrics.

Each live showcase will be broadcast live, to Ireland and the world, at 19:30 GMT from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).