London African Gospel Choir bring 40th anniversary 'Graceland' tour to Leeds

The tour serves as a powerful cultural reinterpretation of the 1986 masterpiece, which is widely considered one of the most iconic records in rock history.

By drawing on gospel, African choral traditions, and spiritual rhythms that predate the album itself, the choir aims to breathe new life into hits like ‘You Can Call Me Al’ and ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.’

Co-founded in 2002 by Crystal Kassi, the choir was built on a mission to celebrate a shared African musical heritage and contemporary Black British identity, with the group’s diverse membership being a key part of their sound, featuring performers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Zaire, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, and the Congo.

"What makes us different is that we all come from different countries in the African Diaspora," Kassi explains. "We all come from different churches as well. The common denominator is our faith, although we welcome everybody."

This rich blend of backgrounds allows the choir to infuse Simon’s South African rhythms and melodies with an authentic, spiritually uplifting energy.

The choir’s journey from performing at small London church events to international stages has been nothing short of meteoric. Over the years, they have performed at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, worked with Idris Elba on a tribute to Nelson Mandela, and shared the stage with stars like Annie Lennox, Emeli Sandé, and Mumford & Sons.

The 'Graceland Reimagined' project originally began in 2016 as a commission for Camden’s Jazz Café, where it sold out six consecutive nights.

At the core of the current touring production is a phenomenal ten-piece band, featuring a full brass section, two guitarists, and dual keyboards, supporting some of the finest vocalists in the UK and Africa.

When and where are the London African Gospel Choir performing ‘Graceland’ in Leeds?

The London African Gospel Choir will bring their acclaimed ‘Graceland Reimagined’ show to the O2 Academy Leeds on September 13.

When and where can I get tickets to see the London African Gospel Choir performing ‘Graceland’ in Leeds?

Tickets for the Leeds date are on sale now, with prices starting from approximately £47.15, which includes the booking fee.

You can secure your tickets by visiting the London African Gospel Choir website or directly through the O2 Academy Leeds website.