State of the Nation – An Evening With Akala

If you’re looking ahead at the cultural calendar for spring, mark down Sunday, April 12, 2026. That’s when Akala is bringing his tour, State of the Nation – An Evening With Akala, to the city, setting up shop at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall on New Road. This event is part of his wider 'State of the Nation' tour, which runs for two weeks in April, spanning from the 7th to the 20th.

Akala is known for wearing many hats—he’s a BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, but also a respected historian and social entrepreneur. Many will know him best as the author of the critically acclaimed bestseller Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire. This background gives him a unique platform to discuss complex issues, and the Brighton event is positioned as a powerful cultural act within the Dome's 'Talks & Debate' series.

The core focus of the evening is delivering "truth, history and hope," exploring the current state of British culture and politics. Akala plans to dive deep into subjects like the legacy of colonialism, structural inequality, and the persistent divisions of class. The format is designed to be engaging, blending his signature lyrical storytelling with sharp historical insight and analysis. The goal is to offer what the event description calls "urgent calls to solidarity" regarding these issues. It’s worth noting that this isn't just a solo presentation; the evening is set to feature special guests joining Akala on stage.

If you are considering attending, the event is recommended for older teens and adults, specifically those interested in social change and cultural critique, with a suggested minimum age of 12+. The total running time is scheduled for an hour and a half, which includes a 20-minute interval. For those ready to secure a spot at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall, tickets are priced starting at £25.00 and go up to £59.50, plus any applicable booking charges.