Multi-million selling maverick music icon Tanita Tikaram announced that she will make her long-awaited return to the London stage, with a rare performance, at the Royal Festival Hall for this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival on 15 November 2025.
Tanita Tikaram shot to fame at just 18 years old with a unique string of hit songs that showcased her remarkable voice and reflected the independence of the late 1980’s/early 90’s, defying previous female music stereotypes and defining her in the eyes of music history.
Tikaram’s debut album ‘Ancient Heart’ sold over 4 million copies and generated a legion of loyal fans across the world that still remain today. Nine studio albums later her cultural standing is reflected not only in her music and poignant creative collaborations, but also in her deeply personal interest in humanity and politicism.
Tanita Tikaram said: “I am beyond thrilled to be performing at the Royal Festival Hall at this year’s ‘London Jazz Festival’! It is my home city and as a music fan the home of some of my most treasured memories. I can’t wait to share new music and sounds, and take a fresh look at classics with my wonderful band of all ages and different backgrounds, blending contemporary classical, folk, indie, pop and electronic music.”
This significant return to performing in her hometown will see her explore her extraordinary back catalogue in new ways and also feature new material, for the first time allowing the audience the chance to get to know the woman behind the voice. With a specially created 21st century chamber band featuring Helen O’Hara (Violin, The Charlatans/Dexys midnight Runners), Marc Pell (Drums, Mount Kimbie), Andy Monaghan (Bass, Frightened Rabbit), Zosia Jagodzinska (Cello), Midori Jaeger (Cello), Chris Roberts (Guitar), Bartek Glowacki (Accordian) Tanita Tikaram will bring to life the songs that have shaped her.
From the 73 million streamed Twist In My Sobriety from breakthrough album ‘Ancient Heart’ to the Philip Glass inspired Glass Love Train, Tanita Tikaram will unveil the deeply personal and political lyricism that can only come from a brown gay woman originally from middle England. This is a rare chance to see that woman who Pete Paphides recently proclaimed “a national treasure in waiting.”
Tanita Tikaram will perform on Saturday 15 November 2025 at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
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