Erykah Badu to Perform as Blue Note Opens First UK Venue in London

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu is among the headline acts set to perform during the opening season of Blue Note’s first-ever UK venue, as the world-renowned jazz club brand prepares to make its London debut.

The new 250-capacity club, located in Covent Garden, will officially open its doors on September 23, a date chosen to coincide with what would have been jazz legend John Coltrane’s 100th birthday.

Joining Badu in the venue’s inaugural line-up are Grammy-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper, British jazz star Jamie Cullum, acclaimed saxophonist Nubya Garcia, drummer Yussef Dayes, Afrobeat collective KOKOROKO and east London singer and rapper Hak Baker. Organisers said additional performers will be announced in the coming months.

Glasper will launch the venue with performances on September 23 and 24 before returning for a seven-date residency between November 13 and 27. He has also been appointed Creative Ambassador for Blue Note London, a role that will see him help shape the club’s artistic direction.

Speaking about the new venue, Glasper said London has played a significant role in his musical

“London has been a big supporter in my career from the very beginning, and I’ve always had so much respect for the musical culture of the U.K.,” he said.

Blue Note is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic jazz club brands, and its arrival in London marks a major milestone for the city’s thriving live music scene.