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Yussef Dayes sat at his drum kit with glasses on, in an interesting flat landscape of rocks
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Yussef Dayes

+ Céline Dessberg
Sat 20 Jun 2026, 7.30pm

The South London-raised producer, composer and drummer brings emotion, intensity and rhythmic, spiritual energy to his electrifying live performances.

The Brit Award-nominated artist Yussef Dayes is a tour de force behind the drums who brings an exhilarating combination of technical prowess and deep feeling.

Dayes’ Ivor Novello-winning debut solo studio album, Black Classical Music, propelled him into the musical spotlight. The record featured on multiple 2023 ‘best of the year’ lists from the likes of Spotify, NPR Music, Rough Trade, BBC Radio 6 Music, the Boston Globe, PopMatters and AllMusic.

Just a quick glance at the collaborators on the album serves as a clear testament to Dayes’ work: Masego, Chronixx, Jamilah Barry and Tom Misch all feature, to name a few.

Dayes’ sold-out tours have taken his music across the UK and around the world. Online, his popularity is clear – he became the first-ever solo drummer to headline a viral A Colors Show performance, amassing over 3.2 million views in three weeks.

Support comes from Céline Dessberg, a singer, songwriter and harpist of French and Mongolian heritage. She draws from a wide array of influences, including jazz legends like Chet Baker, the eclectic sounds of David Byrne, and the traditional melodies of the Mongolian steppes. Dessberg’s sound is defined by her powerful, emotive voice and the haunting tones of her yatga, a traditional Mongolian harp she plays alongside guitar and piano, merging the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia with indie and pop sensibilities.

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Event information

There is a purchase limit of four tickets per person for this event.

Box package
You can buy an exclusive box package for this event. More details of our Royal Festival Hall exclusive box package.

Please check final stage times here on the day of the event.

Times & tickets

Dates, times and prices

Dates & times

20 Jun 2026, 7.30pm

Run time

2 hours and 30 minutes (approx)

All timings are approximate and subject to change

Standard entry

from £47 + £4 booking fee

Ticket prices may be adjusted without notice to reflect demand.

Concessions

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Refunds and exchanges

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For your visit

This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre

The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.

Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.