Riverside Sounds is an all-day celebration of Nigerian music and culture, bringing afrobeat and highlife to Barking Riverside with live music, workshops, food, drinks and DJs, taking place at The Exchange 1-7pm. 

This will be headlined by Dele Sosimi, the Nigerian-British Afrobeat Ambassador, Musician and Educator, who has been at the heart of the global Afrobeat scene since relocating to the UK in1995. Having started his musical career with Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 band in his teens, he then teamed up with childhood friend Fela's son Femi Kuti (back in the late eighties) to kick start the Positive Force - touring, recording and performing worldwide. 

The drumming workshops will be run by One-Drum, the UK's leading service provider of authentic interactive African drumming workshops, led by master drummer Abass Dodoo. These are suitable for all ages including children and families and drums will be provided. 

2:00pm – 3:00pm - Rhythms of the Yoruba Talking Drums and Cultural Storytelling 

This session explores the iconic Yoruba talking drum (Gangan) and its role in communication, ceremony, and oral tradition.  

3:30pm – 4.30pm - Beats of Celebration – Nigerian Percussion in Festivals and Dance 

A vibrant, high-energy session centred on the percussion styles used in Nigerian celebrations, including Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba traditions 

6.00m – 7.00pm – Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Experience 

Expect a strong influence of jazz and shades of deep funk and latin music, but all underpinned by the heavy grooves of Afrobeat’s Yoruba rhythm. 

This concert is part of EFG London Jazz Festival’s programme in Barking Riverside, celebrating the music and culture of Nigeria and West Africa. Taking place 23rd November, all events are free of charge and available to all.

Barking Riverside is one of Europe’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, providing East London with thousands of new homes.