A showcase of Afrobeats, Rap, R&B and Soul live performances and DJ sets by emerging artists, part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe.
Northern Roots are taking over Pilgrim on Friday 16 October, with a night of Afrobeats, Rap, R&B and Soul. It's a showcase of artists at different stages of their journey, and it's part of the 2026 Mercury Prize Fringe, which runs from 15 to 22 October across Newcastle.
The line-up is a long one: Te'Kiah, Maniko, Chloe Castro, TMJ, Kay Greyson, Mcxxne, Shakk, Sisi, DJ Miss Bundz, Jamal G and Look Left, with Sushi Sound hosting. You'll get live performances and DJ sets throughout the night, so it's as much about the stage as it is about the decks. Northern Roots has been doing this for over 40 years, supporting performers from their first live shows through to established careers, and this night sits right in that tradition of giving artists space to grow, collaborate and connect.
The whole thing is powered by Generator, the region's leading music development organisation. The fringe they've put together is mostly free, with more than 30 events across the city celebrating the North East's emerging musical talent. Alongside showcases like this one, there are lyric and album-producing masterclasses with music legends, workshops, listening parties and in-conversations, all leading up to the Mercury Prize event at Utilita Arena on 22 October.
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It runs from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Pilgrim, 54 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SF. Tickets are pay-as-you-feel, from £0 to £10, and the minimum age is 14, with under-18s needing to be accompanied by an adult.
