Jacob Banks, photo Grace Rivera
Music
Outdoor

Jacob Banks + special guest Ray BLK

Somerset House Summer Series with American Express

Sun 14 Jul 2019
Doors 19.30
£31.25 (includes £3.75 booking fee)

For telephone bookings call 0333 320 2836 (choose option 1)

The Edmond J. Safra
Fountain Court

Jacob Banks possesses one of the most talked about singing voices right now, a raw, expressive baritone which weaves its way through a mesmerising mix of musical styles and richly textured beats with a contemporary, soulful disposition.

Approximate timings are as follows:

Doors: 19.30
Ray BLK: 20.00
Jacob Banks: 21.00
Curfew: 22.30

Please note these times are subject to change

Ray BLK takes to the Somerset House stage as a very special guest, joining Jacob Banks on the opening weekend for what will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year’s Summer Series.

Born in Nigeria, Banks moved to Birmingham when he was 13 and was hit full-force by Western music. While at university, Banks summoned the nerve to try his hand at open mic nights at clubs, and while he soon cut his teeth supporting Emeli Sandé, Alicia Keys and Sam Smith, it was only a matter of time before he claimed the headlines for himself.

His latest record, Village, takes its title from the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and those dual influences of African and British youth culture, wrapped up in soul, gospel, jazz and emotive storytelling celebrate the magic in both.

The first unsigned act to appear on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, this young artist had the confidence to allow his music time to evolve and percolate. The latest tracks carry an emotional, expressive heft and honesty that resonate with live audiences everywhere. 

Following knockout appearances at SXSW, Lollapalooza and Coachella plus sell-out performances throughout Europe, we look forward to welcoming Jacob’s spellbinding voice to Summer Series for what’s sure to be a very special night.

If you require access to our platform for wheelchair users please call 0333 320 2836.

Please note that tickets are subject to availability.

A future-soul man, his command of blues grit and electronic spell-casting is borderless

The Guardian
Jacob Banks, Slow Up

RAY BLK

Ray BLK is a singer, songwriter and artist with a knack for super catchy hooks and a refreshingly empowering perspective that saw her crowned as the first unsigned artist to win the BBC's prestigious Sound of 2017 poll. 

Her debut EP featuring Stormzy celebrated her upbringing and neighbourhood with an honesty and sure-footed style that made everybody sit up and take notice, as well as making her a heroine for young women everywhere. Subsequent collaborations with artists including Gorillaz, Naughty Boy and RAYE, and a string of sold out headlining dates established the south London native as one of the most powerful and affecting performers in the UK.

Ray BLK has earned a spot at the top of the R&B heap. Hand her the crown.

PopMatters

Ray’s recently released, and hugely acclaimed project Empress is a wonderfully diverse eight-track collection of songs, revealing an artist unafraid to address difficult and complex issues with genuine understanding, depth, humour and candour. Truly authentic, relatable and always honest, Ray BLK is here for the long run. 

Ray BLK, Run Run