Some will say jazz is dead. The non-violent response to that is: oh yeah, well get your arse to London’s Brick Lane right now and then make that statement!
Well, the sun is out and it is that time again; for the annual Brick Lane Jazz Festival, now in its fifth year – which deffo kills that lame ‘jazz is dead’ theory stone dead.
Having established itself as a cornerstone of East London’s musical landscape, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for spotlighting local artists and emerging trailblazers from the city’s thriving underground scenes, whilst honouring the jazz legends that have come before them.
In a bid to support the next generation of talent, the 2026 festival debuted new conference programme with a range of talks, workshops, exhibits, and exclusive performances.
They boasted an impressive roster of eclectic speakers and for the festival itself, a superb line-up of circa 120 bands and artists; growing the festival from four stages in 2022 to today’s 12 venues stage spanning Brick Lane and Shoreditch in just five years.
Speaking on the conference, the festival’s founder, Juliet Kennedy says, “Our aim is to empower artists and music professionals by connecting people across the industry, encouraging meaningful exchange, and helping create sustainable opportunities within London’s grassroots music ecosystem.”
Reflecting on this fifth birthday edition Juliet says, “From day one, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has been about shining a light on the incredible talent in London’s jazz scene. Five years on, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has grown into a landmark celebration of the UK’s underground music community.
“It’s been incredible to see the festival become a space where artists and audiences connect so powerfully – and this is only the beginning. Our ambition is to keep pushing boundaries and championing the next wave of talent for many years to come. We’re only just getting started!”
Since 2024, the festival has also amplified its impact with the launch of BLJF Presents – a year-round series of events showcasing the UK’s most exciting artists, record labels, and parties. After sell-out shows in Manchester, Brighton, London and more, BLJF Presents is heading to new heights with more regional stops in Bristol and Glasgow, as well as two international shows in Brussels.
All the festival venues are within a short walk from the central hub at the iconic Truman Brewery space on Brick Lane, transforming the site and surrounding area into a vibrant hive of gig-hopping excitement for three days every April.
This year headlined by multi-award-winning London rising star Joe Armon-Jones, jazz-funk legend and Gil Scott-Heron collaborator Brian Jackson, and anaiis & Brazil’s Grupo Cosmo.
Joe has earned widespread acclaim both as a solo artist with records on Brownswood and his own label AQUARii, and as a founding member of the Mercury Prize-winning band Ezra Collective, who sold-out Wembley Arena. He has also appeared on albums by Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, and SEED Ensemble, through to Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela. He headlines Village Undgerground on Sunday night. Brian Jackson tops the bill at the same venue on Saturday.
Don’t be fooled into thinking thinking it is jazz or nothing across the three days. Nope.
The roster spans jazz, alt-rap, neo-soul, R&B, neo-classical, electronic music and more.
Friday’s Village Underground headliner anaiis (stylised lower case) & Grupo Cosmo, turned in a fine performance last night. Their appearance marked the new collaborative project’s UK live debut.
French Senegalese singer anaiis recently released the collaborative album, “anaiis & Grupo Cosmo”, which saw her collaborating with the Brazilian outfit Grupo Cosmo who flew in for this show, the UK debut for them and anaiis. Their genre twisting blend of R&B, soul, and Brazilian music is quite addictive.
On Friday, our hot picks of the night:
- Emerging nu-jazz/soul artist MADELEINE (stylised upper case) on the Jazz re:freshed Stage @ Ninety One. The singer, songwriter and producer has recently been performed in Texas. She brought vibey keys and synths and a drummer.
- Tawiah who opened the Rough Trade East Stage. Singer and songwriter with sublime and soulful vocals; her music inspired by her family and “the human journey.” She closed her set with a captivating cover of Whitney’s classic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, which had the whole crowd harmonising with her.
- anaiis & Grupo Cosmo at Village Underground. Their debut London show with Grupo Cosmo flying in from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The string quartet drafted in for this set added huge value.
- Saiming at 93 Feet East (Live Room). A promising young fusing nu jazz with rap rhymes,and a sprinkling of Bosa Nova vibes. Highlight was their song “Phineas” (that touched on current affairs and featured a top notch sax’ solo.
- Aby Coulibaly on the Rough Trade East stage left everyone wanting to see her live again and soon. One to watch and we will do that. She brought plenty of energy and great chat as the headliner for this stage, with some emotive tracks, including multiple unreleased songs including “I Don’t Want To Let You Go” and the reggae-infused “It’s Too Late”. One young woman in the crowd was heard described Aby to her friend, as “the perfect pop star, really talented and very likeable”. We concur.
Check back soon to see our Saturday and Sunday coverage…
Photos by Fran Parry
Words by Steve Best & Fran Parry
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