groovement

Verb T w/ Sammy B-Side
2026-02-12 19:00 (Europe/London) | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom
From his early days on Low Life Records, through landmark releases on YNR Productions, to his current home at High Focus Records, Verb T has consistently set the bar for lyricism, flow, and originality. A founding member of The Four Owls and collaborator with legends including DJ Premier, his music balances sharp storytelling, classic 90s influences, and forward-thinking production. Reuniting with Canadian producer Vic Grimes, Verb T returns at the end of 2025 with a highly anticipated new album To Love a Phantom.

This February is a rare chance to witness him command the stage, delivering razor-sharp bars and a live energy that has defined UK hip hop for decades.

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Brazilian Carnival: Gustavo Andrade & The Brasukas + Zagotinho do Acordeon + Bacana
2026-02-13 19:00
The heartbeat of Brazil arrives in Manchester. On this special night, Band on the Wall transforms into a temple of rhythm, joy, and passion — a place where the warmth of Rio meets the soul of the city.

Let yourself be carried away by the irresistible sounds of Gustavo Andrade & The Brasukas, joined by the one and only Zagotinho do Acordeon. Their music pulses with life — samba, forró, and bossa that make the body sway and the spirit dance.

Caipirinhas in hand, smiles in every corner, love and laughter in the air — this is Carnival. The songs you know, the rhythms you feel, the night you’ll never forget.

More than a concert, it’s a celebration of life, of love, of the beautiful chaos that makes us dance together. Come dressed in colour, bring your best energy, and surrender to the rhythm.

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Earl Sweatshirt
2026-02-14 19:00 | Albert Hall, 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
We host the globally acclaimed rapper on Valentines day.

Earl’s new album, Live Laugh Love, is as thoughtful and surrealist, and embarks on a contemplation of the chaos of existence. What started as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the irony in the phrase developed into a genuine examination of the nostalgia of joy and the simplicity of genuine connection. LLL charts Earl’s path to growth, one that demands a constant wrestling with the past and aspires to return to such moments. “I named it before I wrote it,” he says. “And then everything started clicking.”

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The Cavemen
2026-02-17 19:30 | Band On The Wall, 27 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JZ, United Kingdom
The Cavemen is a Lagos, Nigeria-based ‘Afrocentric influenced’ duo comprising of Kingsley Chukwudi Okorie and his brother Benjamin Chukwudi James.

Filled with a desire to make the kind of music they grew up listening to, the Cavemen have undertaken a journey to bring the sounds of the past into the future, positioning themselves as a bridge between generations.

The Cavemen developed a genre called ‘Highlife Fusion’ which combines Highlife, Afrobeat, Jazz, and Soul music. They are the modern torch bearers for Highlife music.

Since their debut, the band have released two studio albums – ‘Roots’ and ‘Love and Highlife’ grossing over 90 million streams and winning multiple awards along the way.

The Cavemen are not only a display of masterful musicianship, but the brothers are also a vibrant representation of the importance of celebrating our past heroes through music.

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Talib Kweli
2026-02-23 19:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom
I’m really pleased to be warming up for Kweli again, he was really gracious about my set last time so expect to hear choice reggae, hip hop and soul for the opening slot. He absolutely smashed it with Yasiin for their Manchester Black Star date too in November.

This February, we welcome hip-hop legend Talib Kweli to The Blues Kitchen.

Renowned for his sharp and politically insightful lyricism, the Brooklyn MC stands as one of the most influential voices in hip-hop over the past two decades.

His resume includes work with Black Star and Reflection Eternal, alongside a critically acclaimed solo career. This will be one unforgettable night with one of the genre’s true greats.

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Fabiano do Nascimento
2026-02-26 19:00 | Band On The Wall
Fabiano do Nascimento is a Rio de Janeiro-born, Los Angeles and Tokyo-based guitarist, composer, arranger, and producer, known for his stunning tapestry of intricately woven, multi-string performances. Fabiano is a singular voice in contemporary music, blending the deep traditions of Brazilian jazz with an adventurous, genre-fluid approach. His music effortlessly moves between hypnotic ambient soundscapes, intricate acoustic-electronic textures, and the infectious rhythms of bossa nova.

Rooted in the rhythms of Afro-samba and choro, his compositions fuse elements of American jazz, experimental electronica, and orchestral arrangements, creating a sound that is expansive by nature. His unique voice in contemporary music has led to collaborations with world-class artists such as Airto Moreira, Arthur Verocai, Sam Gendel, Carioca Freitas, Beirut, Aloe Blacc, Daniel Santiago, Itiberê Zwarg, and Vittor Santos, among many others.

Fabiano’s musical journey began in Rio de Janeiro, where he grew up in a family deeply connected to music. His great-grandfather, Ladario Teixeira, was a blind virtuoso saxophonist who helped shape the instrument’s role in Brazilian music. Though initially trained in classical piano, Fabiano’s passion was ignited when he picked up the guitar at age ten. His devotion to the instrument led him to study intensively under the mentorship of his late uncle, Lucio Nascimento, a revered bassist, composer, and arranger.

In 2001, Fabiano moved to Los Angeles, where his distinct artistry quickly gained recognition. He first made waves as a founding member of the critically acclaimed Latin jazz group Triorganico before launching a prolific solo career. His discography spans nine full-length LPs, released on esteemed labels including Now-Again Records (Dança dos Tempos, Tempos dos Mestres, Prelúdio, Ykytu, Lendas), Far Out Recordings (Mundo Solo), Leaving Records (Das Nuvens), and Real World Records (The Room). His music has been celebrated by major media outlets, with highlights including a feature on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.

A seasoned live performer, Fabiano has toured extensively across North America and Asia, and his debut European tour in 2024 saw multiple sold-out shows, including a standout performance at London’s ICA. His versatility extends beyond intimate solo and ensemble performances—he has also played with a symphony orchestra in Brazil, further showcasing the depth and adaptability of his artistry.

With a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking, Fabiano do Nascimento continues to carve out a unique space in global music, seamlessly bridging past and present while captivating audiences worldwide.

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The Free Label + Bare Jams
2026-02-27 19:30 | YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7DB
The Free Label is a six-member band from Toronto, Canada, blending 70s disco, 90s R&B, and high-energy funk into an electrifying, dance-driven experience. Their 2019 single “All Night” led to international tours across Europe, North America, and Australia, gaining a loyal following.

They’ve played major Canadian festivals, including Mariposa Folk Festival and the Calgary Stampede, and opened for T-Pain, Aqua, and Lupe Fiasco. The band has also toured the U.S., opening for various artists and performing at universities across the country.

In 2024, Songs for Sienna, their highly anticipated album, earned them a spot on the Amazon Music Billboard in Dundas Square, Toronto. Tracks like “Crimes of Passion” have gained global attention.

With over 15 million views of their live performances in the last year, The Free Label’s energetic shows and natural chemistry continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Sol And The Gang (additional date)
2026-03-04 19:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom
Due to overwhelming demand and the first show selling out, we’re thrilled to announce a second date. Sol and The Gang have lit up stages across the country with their high-energy shows – seamlessly fusing R&B, hip-hop, soul, and afrobeats.

They are by J-Sol, whose career has seen him win acclaim from some of the biggest names in music like Simon Cowell and Nile Rodgers. His powerhouse collective brings together some of the UK’s finest musicians for a live experience that’s impossible to sit still through.

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Sol And The Gang
2026-03-05 19:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom
Sol and The Gang have lit up stages across the country with their high-energy shows – seamlessly fusing R&B, hip-hop, soul, and afrobeats.

They are by J-Sol, whose career has seen him win acclaim from some of the biggest names in music like Simon Cowell and Nile Rodgers. His powerhouse collective brings together some of the UK’s finest musicians for a live experience that’s impossible to sit still through.

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Egyptian Lover + Atiké + DR. MYSTERY
2026-03-06 23:00 | Band On The Wall, 27 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JZ, United Kingdom
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Wu Tang pre-show: Inspectah Deck Q&A
2026-03-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St W, Manchester, M1 5WW
Read more here.

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BexBlu With Paul Stephan
2026-03-21 19:00 | The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester, M1 7HE
BexBlu has been celebrated for his fusion of grime vocals with mellow, jazz-inflected production.

Positioning himself as a key figure in the new wave of UK rap, he has racked up millions of views and streams in the process.

Embarking on a UK wide tour with esteemed rapper and vocalist Paul Stephan, BexBlu will be arriving at The Deaf Institute this March.

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Oscar Jerome
2026-03-25 19:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom
Welcoming Oscar Jerome to The Blues Kitchen Manchester this March. The songwriter, guitarist, vocalist and producer has recently released his third solo album, The Fork – an introspective and richly layered record that blends his lyrical guitar style with sophisticated, nuanced storytelling. A former member of the acclaimed collective Kokoroko, Jerome has continued to refine his original and genre-bending sound.

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Freddie Gibbs
2026-04-07 19:00 | Albert Hall, 27 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
After redefining the rapper–producer duo format with Bandana (2019) and the GRAMMY-nominated Alfredo (2020), Gibbs and The Alchemist pushed their chemistry even further on Alfredo 2, a record hailed for its cold precision and Gibbs’s most commanding performances to date. The album powered a fully sold-out U.S. tour, reinforcing Gibbs’s status as a top-tier live performer with one of the most competitive catalogues in rap.

Now, Gibbs brings that momentum overseas. “The Last Rabbit” marks his first Euro/UK headline tour since releasing Alfredo 2, offering fans a rare chance to see one of hip-hop’s most consistent and electrifying artists at the height of his powers. Known for his breathless delivery and no-frills stage presence, Gibbs continues to set a standard few can match, whether on record or in the room.

With a résumé that includes collaborations with Pusha T, Killer Mike, Anderson .Paak, Yasiin Bey, Tyler, The Creator, Gucci Mane, Jay Rock, Young Thug and more—and music featured across major franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Max Payne, and NBA2K—Freddie Gibbs stands alone as a generational technician with worldwide influence.

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Lloyd Banks (G-Unit) + Agent J
2026-04-23 19:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom

Mungo's Hi Fi & Chunky
2026-05-03 22:00 | The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN, United Kingdom

Open Mike Eagle & Video Dave
2026-05-31 19:00 | The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester, M1 7HE
