The internationally acclaimed London African Gospel Choir will bring their celebrated reimagining of Paul Simon’s Graceland to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival as part of a world tour marking the album’s 40th anniversary.

Since debuting their interpretation in 2016, the choir has sold out major venues across the UK, Europe and beyond, winning praise for their joyous and authentic performances.

Their concerts restore African voices to the heart of one of the most influential albums of the 20th century, combining soaring harmonies, pulsating rhythms and powerful stage presence.

Each performance will begin with a specially curated first set showcasing the choir’s own repertoire — a vibrant journey through African gospel music that spans traditional hymns and contemporary Pan-African compositions.

The second half of the evening sees the choir perform Graceland in full, breathing new life into classics such as Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Homeless and You Can Call Me Al.

The choice to celebrate Graceland at 40 is particularly resonant. Released in 1986 at the height of apartheid, the album introduced South African sounds to a worldwide audience while raising questions of ownership and recognition.

For the London African Gospel Choir — a collective of musicians and singers from across Africa and its diaspora — the project is both a tribute and an act of reclamation, placing African artistry centre stage.

This event takes place in a licensed venue; therefore, admission to the performance is limited to guests aged 18+.

This is a mostly seated event. For accessibility information and access requests, please visit the Mandela Hall website.  https://www.mandelahall.com/accessibility