Shabaka

A Manchester concert by Shabaka, the British multi-instrumentalist and producer, drawing on the solo album Of The Earth, at Band On The Wall in the Northern Quarter.

Shabaka Hutchings is a British bandleader, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose work moves between jazz, electronic, spiritual and diasporic traditions. Earlier projects centred on collective improvisation, whereas the solo work turns towards breath, embodiment and personal authorship.

The 2026 album Of The Earth was written, performed, produced and mixed entirely by Shabaka. It combines the dance-driven energy associated with Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming with the quieter, breath-led language of the solo explorations gathered under Perceive It's Beauty Acknowledge It's Grace. Much of it was made while travelling, using portable instruments and production tools: looping rhythms support expansive choral melodies, played mainly on alto flute and, alongside it, saxophone.

Band On The Wall is a concert and performance venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter, and this evening places Shabaka's music in that setting.