Music news: Party101 is a global sensation - How #nostalgia has taken over this decade
Robbie Shapiro, a character from Nickelodeon’s ‘Victorious’, re-emerged in 2022 as DJ Matt Bennett with a new showstopper: ‘Party 101’.
Music News Blitz’s Abbie Latymer delves into why this party is the one that every Gen Z person wants an invitation to.
What is Party 101?
Party 101 is an all-ages party hosted by former Nickelodeon actor Matt Bennett, who starred as Robbie Shapiro in ‘Victorious’.
It first launched in 2022 and has gained traction in over 30 cities across the globe.
The parties are especially popular with young adults, whose childhoods were defined by Disney and Nickelodeon.
Bennett himself describes it as “hardcore 2010”.
From his sets, attendees can expect Tori Vega shooting and scoring with Troy Bolton while Justin Bieber sings his heart out with the Camp Rock crew.
The ‘Bennett’ Factor
What makes Party 101 different from a throwback club night is the ‘Bennett’ factor.
The venue is transformed into a school disco and Nickelodeon graduate Bennett is the head teacher ruling it.
His persona, a Robbie-Sikowitz hybrid, sees him in the crowd, performing dance numbers, nailing high notes and connecting with everyone on a personal level.
WMSC Radio reported: “Party 101 was especially magical for me. I genuinely felt like I curated his playlist… or that he made it for me.”
The events are electric, and everyone seemingly walks out as if they just consumed the best energy drink created.
Why is it popular?
The 2020s has been defined by nostalgia.
#nostalgia was the leading trend of January 2026 and has over 26.1M posts on Instagram and 12.4K posts on TikTok.
Whether you are rewatching Gilmore Girls, rocking low rise jeans or investing in vinyls, everyone is reconnecting with their roots.
Gen Z’s desire to escape the present and go back to an era of ignorance is indisputable.
A recent NBC News Survey found that 80% of Gen Z American adults said the United States is on the wrong track and 47% of 18-29 year olds rather live in the past.
Their future is seen as unpredictable - this scares them.
Bennett’s concerts are built on childhood entertainment that removes responsibility and unpredictability.
One fan said: “It's two hours of forgetting you're an adult with responsibilities in a cooked world.”
In those hours, partygoers can forget thinking of present responsibilities and future employment; They get to be a kid again.
READ MORE BY ABBIE LATYMER: 20 years on: How Taylor Swift transformed the music industry
When can I go?
Party 101 last performed at the Pepsi Center WTC in Mexico City on the 11th April 2026.
While there are currently no Party 101 events scheduled for the future, Bennett’s instagram profile implies that fans should keep their eyes peeled.
Following his concerts in London last summer, he captioned a post with: “London 2025! I fancy see! See you again next year!”
I recommend following Matt Bennett on TikTok and Instagram to be the first to hear about future concerts.
