African Heritage & Culture events in Sheffield 

Sheffield has a wide range of ‘African Heritage’ themed cultural events on offer throughout the year. Whether you want to be empowered, educated or entertained, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From fascinating talks, thought-provoking words and images, to music that will get your blood pumping and feet tapping – Sheffield has it all!

Events listed here are collated by the African Heritage Culture Forum, who work in partnership with organisations across Sheffield to help raise awareness, educate and support the recognition of the city’s diverse history and African heritage culture.

For more information visit their website here: www.africanheritage.org.uk

 

African Heritage & Culture events

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The Swamp Dwellers

Written by Wole Soyinka and directed by Utopia Theatres’ Mojisola Kareem (Crown of Blood, Death and The King’s Horseman, Here’s What She Said To Me, All Our Goals), The Swamp Dwellers will run at Utopia Theatre from 29 June to 11 July 2026.

29 Jun 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

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A rare chance to see a live recording of Radio 4's weekly music programme, where Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe explore the rich web of connections in music, from Beyoncé to Beethoven.

05 Jul 2026 12:00
BBC ident with images of the DJs Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe.

Drumming Workshop

Experience the energy of traditional West African drumming with Mr Culture, performer and drummer in The Swamp Dwellers.

08 Jul 2026 13:30
Orange poster promoting a drumming workshop. Large white text reads “Join Mr Culture for a hands-on drumming workshop.” On the right, a person in patterned blue clothing holds a traditional drum with a shoulder strap. Additional text at the bottom reads “Utopia Theatre Creative Hub, 11 Rockingham Street, S1 4JD.”

Miles' and Ferg's Tribute to Hermeto Pascoal

Inspirational musicians and band-leaders Miles Pillinger and Fergus Quill bring a 7 piece line up to celebrate the 90th birthday of legendary Brazilian musician and composer, and an inspiration to them both, Hermeto Pascoal.

08 Jul 2026
Split-screen performance image showing two musicians on stage. On the left, a bassist in a dark short-sleeved shirt plays a white electric bass guitar against a backdrop of clouds and sky. On the right, a drummer in a red shirt performs at a drum kit under warm stage lighting, with cymbals and spotlights creating a dynamic live music atmosphere.

Shoot the People

Shoot The People is a documentary capturing photographer and activist Misan Harriman’s journey documenting global protest movements that drive social change.

10 Jul 2026 - 16 Jul 2026
Black-and-white photograph of a man wearing glasses and a dark hoodie, seated beside a waterfront. He holds a camera in both hands and looks thoughtfully across the water. Large rocks line the shoreline in the foreground, while buildings and the distant waterfront appear softly blurred in the background, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere.

501 Not Out

Exploring Brian Lara’s remarkable ascent in 1994, the film celebrates his development in Trinidad and features interviews with iconic names from the world of cricket.

17 Jul 2026 - 23 Jul 2026
A cricketer in a white long-sleeved shirt celebrates on the field with both arms raised high. Red wristbands are visible on each wrist, and a blurred crowd and players form the background. The close-up image captures a moment of triumph and achievement during a cricket match, with the athlete’s expression conveying pride and determination.

Ubunye

Ubunye bring together two powerful vocalists from South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal region combined with a dynamic rhythm section; unique and goose-bump inducing music from a brilliant 6 piece band.

22 Jul 2026
Ubunye bring together two powerful vocalists from South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal region combined with a dynamic rhythm section; unique and goose-bump inducing music from a brilliant 6 piece band.

I Saw the TV Glow

Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own.

23 Jul 2026 20:00
A still from the film "I Saw The TV Glow": two young people are sat on a sofa in a dimly lit room.

Mr Vegas

Sheffield, UK – Get ready for an electrifying night of reggae and dancehall as global hitmaker Mr Vegas brings his high-energy live show to Network, Sheffield.

25 Jul 2026 23:00 - 3:00
Promo image for the event with a picture of Mr Vegas in his shades.

Sheffield Festival of Reggae

After the huge success of ‘The Sheffield festival of Reggae 2025’, the event returns on Saturday 15th August 2026.

15 Aug 2026 13:00 - 0:00
Promotional poster for Sheffield Festival of Reggae on 15th August 2026. Features a stylized lion head in yellow, red, and green against a textured background with diagonal stripes in reggae colors. Text highlights: “Sheffield Festival of Reggae,” “All Day Saturday,” “3 Stages,” “Food Vendors,” and “Network Sheffield” at the bottom. Bold yellow date text stands out on the right side.

Luther Live & Velvet Voices

Step into a world of soul, romance, and unforgettable grooves with Luther Live & Velvet Voices, the ultimate live theatre experience celebrating the golden era of R&B.

10 Sept 2026 19:30
Four performers stand on stage holding microphones, dressed in sparkling and stylish outfits, including a sequined jacket and a bright red shirt. They are positioned in front of an ornate theatre interior with multiple balconies and glowing lights, creating a vibrant concert atmosphere with purple and blue stage lighting and mist in the foreground.

Jazz Voyage

Virtuoso composer, pianist, improviser, broadcaster, Julian Joseph is a jazz polymath. Acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over, he returns to Sheffield to promote his first studio album in 29 years.

18 Sept 2026 19:30
Julian Joseph playing piano.

A Night To Remember: Motown Show

A Night To Remember: Motown Show takes you back in time to 1960’s Detroit. Be prepared for a high energy show, packed with the greatest Motown hits of all time.

25 Sept 2026 19:30
A promo image for the event.

A Sound is Still a Sound

Open Works Festival Presents a rehearsed reading of A Sound is Still a sound.

01 Oct 2026 13:00
Promo image for the event.

Kalakuther: Queen of Fela's Republic

Open Works Festival Presents a work in progress, KalakutHER: Queen of Fela's Republic.

02 Oct 2026 14:00
Three people acting on stage.

Seven Magic Birds: An African Panto

Open Works Festival presents a work in progress performance of Seven Magic Birds: An African Panto.

03 Oct 2026 n/a
A traditional round building with a large thatched roof stands in a sandy landscape. Its walls are painted with bright geometric patterns in red, blue, yellow, green and black, creating a striking decorative design. A person sits on a low wall to the left of the building. The words “WORK IN PROGRESS” appear in large yellow text across the bottom of the image.

ÌLỌ́YÁ

Open Works Festival presents ÌLỌ́YÁ.

07 Oct 2026
A person seated on a stage holding a small wooden-framed box, with large speakers behind them and a patterned fabric panel beside them, under low stage lighting.

Ijakadi (The Wrestle)

Open Works Festival Presents a work in progress performance of Ijakadi (The Wrestle).

10 Oct 2026 12:00
A promo image featuring a man in flowing white robes.

Orchestra Baobab

Founded in 1970 in Dakar, Orchestra Baobab is more than just a band—it is an institution, a cornerstone of African music.

12 Oct 2026 20:00
A group of nine musicians pose together in front of a large Senegal flag featuring green, yellow and red vertical stripes with a green star at the centre. Most wear matching white tunics with black trim, while one person in the middle wears a sleeveless white outfit. The group stands closely together, smiling and facing the camera, creating a warm and unified portrait.

Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel

Music in the Round’s Singer-in-Residence Roderick Williams returns with a programme of heartrendingly beautiful English song, including Vaughan Williams’ glorious cycle Songs of Travel.

17 Oct 2026 14:00
Roderick Williams

Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro

Kiell Smith-Bynoe (star of Ghosts, Taskmaster and Stath Lets Flats) is bringing his smash hit improv comedy show to Sheffield.

21 Oct 2026 20:00
Person wearing a plain white short-sleeved T-shirt, beige trousers, and gold jewellery including a necklace and bracelet, standing on a stage. The background features a colourful, abstract mural with geometric shapes in warm tones and several small red lights. The scene is warmly lit, creating a theatrical atmosphere.

Crush

A clinic waiting room. Two Somali teens. One awkward meet-cute. Najma has been in treatment for years. Zakariya’s just starting out. She sketches. He writes poems. Neither of them is ready to talk. Until they meet each other.

23 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
A close up of two people lying on the floor listening to music on a set of shared headphones.

Soul II Soul

Soul II Soul are set to bring their iconic and legendary sound back to Sheffield City Hall in October 2026.

24 Oct 2026 20:00
A stylised gold graphic on a black background featuring a bold Roman numeral II with the word “SOUL” written vertically on both sides. At the centre is an illustrated face wearing round sunglasses and sporting spiked hair and a pointed beard, creating a distinctive logo design. The artwork has a strong, iconic look with contrasting colours and symmetrical composition.

Mariam Sings Amadou & Mariam

Mariam returns to the road, still accompanied by her faithful musicians, to play the melodies that made Amadou & Mariam a success, as well as songs that make up the new album, L’Amour à la folie.

05 Nov 2026 20:00
Stylised promotional image featuring a woman wearing sunglasses, a headwrap and traditional patterned clothing. The portrait is rendered in blue tones against a pink background. Beside her, bold white text on a dark blue geometric shape reads “MARIAM CHANTE AMADOU & MARIAM”, surrounded by decorative motifs. The design has a vibrant, retro poster aesthetic.

Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party

Legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles is one of the UK’s most beloved Funk and Soul DJs.

06 Nov 2026 19:00
Craig Charles looking dapper in a hat and shades.

Michael Akadiri: Don't Call Me Uncle

Following two hit UK tours, Biggest Award in Comedy nominee and resident (junior) Doctor Michael Akadiri prescribes Sheffield with a potent dose of his latest offering, Don’t Call Me Uncle!

21 Nov 2026 19:00
Michael Akadiri: Don't Call Me Uncle

Aurie Styla: Maverick

Aurie Styla is one of the most naturally charismatic and hilarious comedians around. Following his acclaimed 100+ date worldwide tour, he’s back on the road with his brand new show, Maverick.

26 Feb 2027 19:30
headshot of Aurie Styla smiling broadly and laughing

Never Look Back

Uganda, 2020. Veteran Komakech ‘Abba’ Ogwang is haunted by dreams of battle. His granddaughter, Anena, urges him to share his long-buried story.

27 Feb 2027 - 13 Mar 2027
Promo image for 'Never Look Back' with a man surrounded by smoke and explosions.

Kemah Bob: Love Child

Love Child is an intimate yet rowdy, personal yet electric, high-energy stand-up show from the “chest-achingly funny” Kemah Bob.

27 Mar 2027 19:00
Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with vibrant curly red hair, looking to the side. She wears dramatic eye make-up, dark lipstick, large dangling earrings and an ornate gold necklace. Warm red and pink lighting illuminates her face, while a sparkling, out-of-focus backdrop creates a glamorous and festive atmosphere.

Mo Gilligan - the Mo You Know

Triple BAFTA winning stand up sensation Mo Gilligan has announced his biggest ever World Tour with The Mo You Know in 2026.

09 Apr 2027 20:00
Promo poster with a head-shot of Mo Gilligan

Johannes Radebe - Finally Home

Johannes Radebe is back! 2026 has been an extraordinary year for JoJo. He has become a British citizen, made his West End debut and started his dream role as presenter of Strictly Come Dancing. But one thing will never change: Johannes was born to dance.

22 May 2027 19:30
A smiling person stands confidently with hands on hips, wearing a white sleeveless outfit with a cut-out detail at the chest. Sheer white fabric billows behind them like wings, creating a dramatic effect. The background features a soft grey-blue sky with subtle sparkling highlights, giving the image a theatrical and uplifting feel.

12 Letters To My Name

Tobi and Jay, the only two Africans in the class, are lambs to the slaughter. Newly arrived to England, Sheffield, they are forced to navigate a new life alongside the quiet ache of home.

12 Jun 2027 - 26 Jun 2027
Poster for the event with a picture of a young woman with a background picture of blocks of flats.

Sheffield Stories: Caribbean Footsteps

This new exhibition celebrates the many ways that people of African Caribbean heritage have contributed to Sheffield life.

10 May 2024 - 02 May 2027

In Conversation: On the Border of my Peaceful Home

This new exhibition, curated by artist Kedisha Coakley, brings together artworks, objects and specimens from Sheffield’s collection to explore the relationship between Empire and the trade in fruit and flowers.

24 Jun 2025 - 23 Dec 2026
In Conversation: On the Border of my Peaceful Home © the artist
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