Eat Your Own Ears presents Shabaka at Village Underground.

Shabaka is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who came to prominence within the London scene playing bands Sons of Kemet, the Comet is Coming and Shabaka and the Ancestors. At the start of 2024, he announced a hiatus from the saxophone, and since then has been composing material for the various flutes he is engaged in studying. Collaboration and the idea of developmental change being central to artistic practice is the driving force behind Shabaka’s live sets, which are constantly evolving and striving to reflect an up-to-date account of a creative mind in flow.

Description

Village Underground, situated on Holywell Lane in Hackney, stands as a vital cultural asset within East London, far exceeding the remit of a mere commercial enterprise. Its operational model sees all commercial revenue directly reinvested into community and artistic programming, solidifying its position as a cornerstone for creative expression and local engagement.

The venue occupies a meticulously renovated turn-of-the-century warehouse, its industrial heritage evident in the soaring high ceilings and exposed brickwork that define the space. A palpable energy permeates the main hall, often accompanied by the subtle hum of a finely tuned sound system awaiting activation, while the raw concrete floor underfoot speaks to its robust, adaptable nature.

Capable of accommodating up to 1000 standing guests or 250 for seated configurations, the venue offers a dedicated bar area for patrons. Village Underground is committed to welcoming all, with comprehensive accessibility information readily available to ensure a broad audience can experience its offerings.

Throughout the year, Village Underground hosts a diverse calendar of events, ranging from live music performances spanning indie, electronic, and experimental genres, to immersive club nights, theatrical productions, art exhibitions, and various other live artistic showcases.