Sounds from West Africa

Following last year’s inaugural celebration with Dele Sosimi, Ola Akindipe and Nathan Dawkins, Sounds from West Africa returns with another epic lineup, bringing together music, conversation, and cultural history rooted in the soul of the region. 

This year, we are honoured to host a rare in-conversation event with acclaimed writer and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre and legendary artist manager Rikki Stein, best known for his work with Afrobeat pioneer and Trinity College of Music (now Trinity Laban) alum Fela Kuti. Together, they reflect on Stein’s extraordinary life as captured in his memoir Moving Music, revealing stories from a career immersed in revolution, rhythm, and resilience. 

The night continues with live performances spotlighting the diverse musical legacy of West Africa. Paramdeep Sokhy and our Popular Music students will be blending Afrobeats and R&B, inspired by British Nigerian producer Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels. Trinity Laban students and life-long friends King Ike-Elechi and Stan Woodward present their ‘Geordie Jazz’ ensemble Knats, following the release of their self-titled debut album, released on Gearbox Records earlier this year.  

And finally, Grammy-winning percussionist Lekan Babalola and his Sacred Funk Quartet collaborate with the Trinity Laban Latin Band, directed by Calum Huggan and Pat Davey, for a high-energy performance of Highlife music. Originally from Ghana and widely popular across West Africa, Highlife music was a forerunner to Afrobeat; during the project the band will perform music by Fela Kuti, Koola Lobitos, Ebo Taylor, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, Lekan Babalola, and more.  

Join us for a celebration of heritage and innovation, where West African rhythms collide with the creativity of the next generation of London-based talent.

Get yourself in the mood for the night by listening to our Highlife playlist, thoughtfully curated by Lekan Babalola, or by flicking through some of the photos from our last Sounds from West Africa event.