The weekend is officially here – and to celebrate, we're presenting 7th Obi as our next act on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series, performing live on the Hot Press Instagram at 8.30pm!

Tipped as one of the Hot Press 'Hot For 2020' Irish acts, the Waterford rapper has rapidly become one of the most authoritative voices in Irish hip-hop. 7th Obi continues to forge his own unique sound on 'Redeye' and 'For Free', released earlier this year. His 2019 single 'Alone' also scored a coveted spot on the Normal People soundtrack.

The recently launched new edition of the Y&E Series will continue to shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020. Following the success of the previous edition of the series, you can once again expect 40 brilliant acts to join Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances, thanks to the support of the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

With the immediate future of the live music industry remaining uncertain in the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Y&E Series aims to support Ireland's remarkable new generation of artists by delivering 40 paid gigs to 40 acts over 40 days.

Watch 7th Obi tonight, August 29, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 8.30pm.

Take a look at the exciting upcoming acts on the Y&E Series below:

Sunday, August 30: LEMONCELLO
Following extensive collaborations with David Keenan, Lemoncello are set to rise to exciting new heights of their own in 2020. The duo, who were nominated for 'Best Emerging Folk Act' at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards 2019, released their new EP, Oil & Water earlier this year.

Tuesday, September 1: LUCY MCWILLIAMS
Following a stunning guest appearance on Malaki's 'Fair Play', Lucy McWilliams continues to prove herself as one of the country's most powerful emerging voices with the recent release of her solo single 'RUNAWAY'. Having already clocked up over 150,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, its clear the 20-year-old singer-songwriter is poised for major success.

Wednesday, September 2: ELINA FILICE
Growing up between Singapore and Canada before relocating to Dublin, Elina Filice has rapidly established herself as one of the most thrilling talents on the Irish scene with a string of lauded releases, including her latest single 'Thinking Of You'.

Thursday, September 3: SOPHIE DOYLE RYDER
Rapidly rising Dublin star Sophie Doyle Ryder has been writing songs since the age of 10 – drawing inspiration from the likes of Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Playboi Carti. Over the last two years, she's been busy building up a unique sound of her own.

Friday, September 4: MALAKI
Following the success of his stunning Butterfly Boy EP and his collaborative Cocoon series, Malaki has emerged as one of the most compellingly original new voices in the Irish hip-hop boom.

Saturday, September 5: STEO WALL
Having been praised by the legendary likes of Damien Dempsey, Luka Bloom and Christy Moore, Dublin singer-songwriter Steo Wall has established himself as one of the country's most thrilling talents – drawing from both Irish folk and Dublin hip-hop. He recently returned with his powerful new single 'My People'.

Sunday, September 6: NNIC
Blending neo-soul with electronic influences, Nnic has built up an impressive live profile with a series of lauded headliners and support slots for the likes of Hozier and Wyvern Lingo. She recently teamed up with Uly and R.Kitt on 'Not Too Late', in support of the Irish Refugee Council.