Joshua Idehen

On 10 November 2026 at New Century, Manchester, British-Nigerian poet and vocalist Joshua Idehen brings his blend of spoken word, contemporary jazz and club sonics to the stage. First noticed with the trio Benin City, he has since moved fluidly between the UK jazz scene and electronic production, crossing paths with Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming and Daedelus. His delivery is talk-sung and precise, phrases falling like percussion as he shifts from everyday observation to social reflection and more intimate narratives.

The live set builds around that voice: supple electronics, house and broken beat pulses, brass-tinged textures and arrangements rooted in jazz, all responsive to his cadence. Recent releases sketch the contours of the show, from Learn To Swim with Swedish producer Ludvig Parment to his 2024 EP Mum Does The Washing, where text and groove sit side by side, blurring the lines between a poetry set and a club night. Special guests join for the date, opening the pieces to fresh exchanges and new directions.