Celebrate Black History Month with these Trailblazing Artists
Posted on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 at 16:00
Written by
Jimi Arundell
Black History Month is the annual appreciation of the contributions and successes of people of black heritage worldwide. During October, we celebrate the tremendous artistic, cultural and political achievements of black people whilst reflecting upon the causes of racial inequality and division.
Gigantic Tickets joins the celebration of black culture by highlighting the many talented black performers and showcasing upcoming events featuring these exceptional artists.
Craig David
The king of UK Garage
Craig David exploded onto the scene after featuring on the Top 10 single "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger. It was the start of a career which has seen him hit No. 1 with the 6x platinum debut album Born to Do It and top the charts with his later title Following My Intuition. He has also released the 2x platinum album Slicker Than Your Average and the platinum-certified The Story Goes...
📆 Tour Dates:
- Sunday 2nd February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - First Direct Arena, Leeds
- Wednesday 5th February 2025: Craig David - Utilita Arena, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Friday 7th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
- Saturday 8th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Brighton Centre
- Tuesday 11th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Utilita Arena Cardiff
- Wednesday 12th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
- Friday 14th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Co Op Live Arena, Manchester
- Saturday 15th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - bp pulse LIVE (formerly Resorts World Arena) , Birmingham
- Tuesday 18th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)
- Thursday 20th February 2025: Craig David Commitment Tour 2025 - The O2 Arena, London
Sister Sledge
See the R&B and disco greats in summer 2025 at Dreamland
Disco divas Sister Sledge are the Grammy-nominated group best known for such dancefloor fillers as "Frankie", "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family". Next summer sees them joined by special guests Shalamar to play the iconic Dreamland amusement park in Margate.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 1st August 2025: Sister Sledge - Dreamland, Margate
Heather Small
One of the greatest British soul singers of all time
Defined by the unmistakable voice of Heather Small, dance band M People were amongst the best-selling groups of the 90s reaching multi-platinum sales with the albums Elegant Slumming, Bizarre Fruit and Fresco. Her successes have continued as a solo artist, reaching gold sales with her album Proud.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 25th October 2024: Heather Small Live in Coventry Cathedral - Coventry Cathedral
- Friday 1st November 2024: Heather Small Live in Peterborough Cathedral - Cathedral Peterborough
Kele
The Bloc Party leader announces solo headline shows for the new year
Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke revolutionised the sound of indie, leading the post-punk revival of the 00s and hitting platinum sales with the Top 10 albums Silent Alarm and A Weekend in the City. He released his debut solo album The Boxer in 2010 which saw the indie-rock icon explore his passion for electronic music which he continues to develop and was named "Sexiest Out Gay Male Artist" by the website LP33 the same year.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Thursday 13th February 2025: Kele - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
- Friday 14th February 2025: Kele - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- Thursday 20th February 2025: Kele - Thekla, Bristol
Fireboy DML
The international star heads to the UK for a major London show
Nigerian superstar Fireboy DML (AKA Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan) is a world leader in Afrobeat and R&B. Following the release of his debut studio album Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, he went on to win Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous".
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 16th April 2025: Fireboy - Royal Albert Hall, London
Jalen Ngonda
The next big thing in soul
Critics call Jalen Ngonda ”one to watch”. Born in Maryland and now relocated to Liverpool, the rising star has captured the attention of audiences worldwide and looks set for even greater things. Don’t miss out on his headline shows in his adopted hometown and London.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 12th March 2025: Jalen Ngonda - O2 Academy Liverpool
- Thursday 13th March 2025: Jalen Ngonda - Roundhouse, London
Ghostface Killah
The Wu-Tang Clan megastar takes over Electric Brixton
Ghostface Killah (AKA Dennis David Coles) is one of the all-time hip-hop greats. Renowned for his signature stream-of-consciousness style, he rose to fame as a member of Wu-Tang Clan who released such revolutionary records as the Grammy-nominated Wu-Tang Forever and the ground-breaking Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He is also the founder of the Starks Enterprises record label.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Sunday 17th November 2024: Ghostface Killah - Electric Brixton, London
Ibibio Sound Machine
The essential Afrobeat band heads north
Ibibio Sound Machine offer an exciting blend of funk, jazz, electronica and Afrobeat. Their thrilling studio output includes the critically acclaimed LP Uyai which includes the powerful track “Give Me a Reason”, exploring the abduction of 276 Chibok school girls by Boko Haram. See Ibibio Sound Machine in Manchester next month when you book tickets with Gigantic!
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 15th November 2024: Ibibio Sound Machine - Academy 2, Manchester
- Tuesday 19th November 2024: Ibibio Sound Machine - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- Friday 22nd November 2024: Ibibio Sound Machine - Boiler Shop, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dreadzone
Check out their explosive new material when the awesome band hit the road this month
Fusing dub, reggae and trip-hop, Dreadzone are an intoxicating amalgamation of sounds and styles. They rose to the fore in the mid-90s with their powerful anthem “Little Britain" and have continued to enjoy the support of a dedicated ever-growing following. They have announced a massive headline tour for the latter months of this year in support of their upcoming album Nine.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 11th October 2024: Dreadzone - 229 The Venue, London
- Friday 25th October 2024: Dreadzone - Epic Studios, Norwich
- Saturday 9th November 2024: Dreadzone - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
- Friday 15th November 2024: Dreadzone - 45 Live, Kidderminster
- Saturday 16th November 2024: Dreadzone - The Crescent, York
- Friday 22nd November 2024: Dreadzone - The Fleece, Bristol
- Saturday 23rd November 2024: Dreadzone - De Valence Pavilion, Tenby
- Friday 29th November 2024: Dreadzone - Cheese & Grain, Frome
- Friday 6th December 2024: Dreadzone - Metronome Nottingham
- Saturday 7th December 2024: Dreadzone - Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
- Saturday 14th December 2024: Dreadzone - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
Skindred
The hard-hitting band follow-up their most successful album to date with a tour
Winners of the "Devotion Award" from Kerrang! and "Best Live Band" at the UK Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, Skindred never fail to impress. The Welsh band fuse rap-metal with reggae and last year saw the release of their latest LP Smile which topped both the indie plus rock and metal charts.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Saturday 19th October 2024: Skindred - Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
- Thursday 24th October 2024: Skindred - The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
- Thursday 31st October 2024: Skindred - Portsmouth Guildhall
- Friday 1st November 2024: Skindred - De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea
- Sunday 3rd November 2024: Skindred - Corn Exchange, Ipswich
Animals as Leaders
The Los Angeles djent masters head to the UK
Daring to explore exciting new sonic avenues, L.A. trio Animals as Leaders are pioneers of the djent scene which amalgamates prog-rock, jazz and experimental instrumental music. The band’s biggest success came in 2014 with the release of their The Joy of Motion album, later hitting No. 1 of the US hard-rock charts with their subsequent title The Madness of Many.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 14th March 2025: Animals As Leaders - Albert Hall, Manchester
- Saturday 15th March 2025: Animals As Leaders - Roundhouse, London
Bob Vylan
Winners of the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act
The challenging music of Bob Vylan confronts issues of racism, discrimination and violence head-on. The duo, including singer-guitarist Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, rally against injustice with a raucous mix of grime and punk-rock. Their 2022 LP Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life took the Kerrang! Awards trophy for best album.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Tuesday 22nd October 2024: Bob Vylan - Chalk, Brighton
- Wednesday 23rd October 2024: Bob Vylan - Portsmouth Guildhall
- Thursday 31st October 2024: Bob Vylan - The Leadmill, Sheffield
- Saturday 2nd November 2024: Bob Vylan - Academy, Manchester
- Tuesday 5th November 2024: Bob Vylan - Rock City, Nottingham
- Thursday 7th November 2024: Bob Vylan - Electric Brixton, London
- Friday 8th November 2024: Bob Vylan - Electric Brixton, London
King Promise
The vibe supplier heads to the UK
Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeat singer-songwriter King Promise has recently been nominated for six trophies at the upcoming Ghana Music Awards. This winter sees the star hit London and take over HERE at Outernet for an unmissable headline show.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 11th December 2024: King Promise - HERE at Outernet, London
Lil Tjay
The platinum-certified NYC hip-hop star plays one of the biggest stages of the UK
New York rapper Lil Tjay (AKA Tione Jayden Merritt) rose to fame with his emotionally charged anthem "Resume". He went on to drop his 3x platinum smash hit single “Brothers” and has seen his huge Top 10 albums True 2 Myself and Destined 2 Win.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Saturday 12th October 2024: Lil Tjay - The O2 Arena, London
Poppy Ajudha
The dramatic sound of future R&B
The music of Poppy Ajudha explores the cathartic experience of allowing yourself to be exposed and the strength that comes through vulnerability. Her personal story of release can be heard on her debut album THE POWER IN US, proving that she is a formidable rising star in R&B.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Tuesday 18th March 2025: Poppy Ajudha - Patterns, Brighton
- Saturday 22nd March 2025: Poppy Ajudha - Yes (The Pink Room), Manchester
CalledOut Music
The modern face of gospel-music
CalledOut Music is the moniker of Samuel Nwachukwu. The British-Nigerian producer explores his Christian faith through his music, spreading messages of love and compassion.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Sunday 2nd March 2025: CalledOut Music - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
ROB.GREEN
The rising star has played Glastonbury and supported Earth, Wind and Fire
Nottingham-based alt-soul and pop singer-songwriter ROB.GREEN draws on gospel, soul and rock. His heartfelt single "I’LL BE AROUND" was named BBC Introducing Track of the Week and he now announces a massive tour for 2025.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Thursday 20th March 2025: ROB.GREEN - Saltbox, Bolero Square, near the Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
- Saturday 22nd March 2025: ROB.GREEN - Summerhall (Old Lab), Edinburgh
- Thursday 27th March 2025: ROB.GREEN - Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
- Thursday 3rd April 2025: ROB.GREEN - Hare and Hounds 2, Birmingham
- Saturday 5th April 2025: ROB.GREEN - Komedia Studio Bar, Brighton
- Thursday 10th April 2025: ROB.GREEN - The Louisiana, Bristol
Mica Paris
See the star play live at The Jazz Cafe
Drawing on R&B, jazz and gospel, Mica Paris (aka Michelle Antoinette Wallen) has scored hits with the singles "My One Temptation" and "Where Is the Love". In addition to her music career, Wallen also played Ellie Nixon on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She announces two shows at The Jazz Café.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Tuesday 17th December 2024: Mica Paris - Matinee - The Jazz Cafe, London
- Tuesday 17th December 2024: Mica Paris - Evening - The Jazz Cafe, London
Omar
See the father of neo-soul when you book tickets with Gigantic
Legendary artist Omar (AKA Omar Lye-Fook) pioneered the neo-soul movement. See him star at Christmas Soul Night in Koko before appearing at The Jazz Café in the new year.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Sunday 15th December 2024: Christmas Soul Night - KOKO, London
- Saturday 22nd February 2025: Omar - The Jazz Cafe, London
- Saturday 22nd February 2025: Omar - The Jazz Cafe, London
Bedouin Soundclash
Winners of the JUNO Award for Canada’s Best New Group
Bedouin Soundclash offers a dynamic sound that fuses ska and reggae. The trio have toured with No Doubt, Ben Harper, Damian Marley and Bad Brains. They recently teamed up with Frank Turner to rework their impassioned single “When The Night Feels My Song”.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 2nd October 2024: Bedouin Soundclash - Lost Horizon, Bristol
- Wednesday 9th October 2024: Bedouin Soundclash - Patterns, Brighton
Say She She
Grab tickets for these unmissable shows with Gigantic
Psychedelic-soul group Say She She are influenced by 70s funk and disco. They are led by singers Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham and Nya Gazelle Brown. The Brooklyn band toured Europe last year, appearing at Glastonbury.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 13th November 2024: Say She She - Cambridge Junction
- Thursday 14th November 2024: Say She She - Engine Rooms, Southampton
- Sunday 17th November 2024: Say She She - Chalk, Brighton
Aswad
The chart-topping reggae band announce headline shows
Reggae stalwarts Aswad have been on the scene since the mid-70s. The three-time Grammy nominees scored a No. 1 single with "Don't Turn Around" which featured on their gold-selling album Distant Thunder.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Monday 23rd December 2024: Aswad - The Jazz Cafe, London
- Friday 18th April 2025: Aswad - Roadmender Northampton
Mavi
Check out the rapper's new material at headline shows in November
Mavi (AKA Omavi Ammu Minder) found fame in the North Carolina music collective KILLSWITCH before releasing his debut solo album Let the Sun Talk in 2019. His further titles include Laughing So Hard, it Hurts and Shadowbox which dropped this year.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Wednesday 13th November 2024: Mavi - Scala, London
- Friday 15th November 2024: Mavi - The Workman's Club, Dublin
Tank and the Bangas
See the New Orleans group funk it up at Bush Hall
Winner of Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards in 2020, Tank and the Bangas are essential listening for fans of funk, soul and hip-hop. They have released the albums Thinktank, Green Balloon and Red Balloon.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Thursday 27th February 2025: Tank and The Bangas - Bush Hall, London
Alexis Ffrench
Do not miss your chance to see them play at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow
Alexis Ffrench is a world leader of classical and soul. The acclaimed musician, composer, producer and pianist has amassed more than 500 million streams with the albums Evolution and Dreamland which reached No. 1 in the classical music charts.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 14th February 2025: Alexis Ffrench - Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
Robert Finley
The lauded blues player arrives in the UK next month
Louisiana blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Robert Finley released his critically acclaimed debut album Age Don't Mean a Thing in 2016. His recent LP Black Bayou saw him embrace soul influences and which broke the jazz & blues chart last year.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Saturday 2nd November 2024: Robert Finley - Oran Mor, Glasgow
- Wednesday 6th November 2024: Robert Finley - Union Chapel, London
Sugaray Rayford
See the Grammy nominee and Blues Music Award winner play exclusive London shows
Sugaray Rayford‘s 2019 album Somebody Save Me was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category. The January Blues Festival sees lauded soul and blues singer-songwriter play two nights at 229 The Venue.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Saturday 18th January 2025: January Blues Festival: Sugaray Rayford - 229 The Venue, London
- Saturday 18th January 2025: January Blues Festival: Sugaray Rayford - 229 The Venue, London
Bien
Don’t miss your chance to see the star play the UK
Kenyan star Bien-Aimé Baraza is better known to the world as Bien. A member of the multi-award-winning boyband Sauti Sol, Bien plays an exciting solo show at KOKO next month.
📆 Tour Dates:
- Friday 1st November 2024: Bien - KOKO, London