Nigerian Afro-Soul musician Lawal “Kayefi” Olufunmilayo has brought Nigeria’s cultural heritage to the fore in Sheffield, combining music, fashion and other forms of artistic expression.
The Ogun-born artiste showcased the country’s rich traditions at the 2026 edition of Tales & Tunes, an event featuring live performances, African fashion, dance, DJ sets and food.
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The programme began with a lively fashion show highlighting African-inspired designs and modern styles. Utana Stitches, Hope 4 Sheffield, All Things Kayefi, Grei Linage and Everything Coloured featured in the runway showcase.
Their collections featured eye-catching patterns, bold fashion statements, and sophisticated silhouettes that captivated attendees.
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Performances
Music and dance added to the atmosphere of the night, with Kayefi delivering one of the event’s most emotional performances.
In a particularly moving moment, the singer played a voice note from her late father, leaving some attendees deeply touched.
She also read a letter her grandmother had written to her father in the early 1970s. The letter, which reflected on family, love, memories and legacy, became one of the evening’s defining moments.
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Some guests described the playback of the voice note and the reading of the letter as the event’s most touching parts.
Kayefi shared the stage with Eyinju Eledumare, iPraiz, Mitchyx, Surayi Dancers and Ehi. Dancers Oyidamola Timothy Fagbamigbila, popularly known as Damodance, and Abigail Tonade, known as Dancewithabby, also performed.
DJs Àrònì, DJ Lorna T and DJ Pee provided the music, while Nigerian producer ID Cabasa directed the event.
Storytelling
Reflecting on the event, Kayefi Kafeyi told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that Tales & Tunes was conceived as a platform to bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
She likened the initiative to a contemporary village square, where people gather to connect and celebrate their heritage. She said she had always envisioned a space that would bring together music, fashion, dance, food, storytelling and other aspects of African tradition.
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Kayefi described this year’s edition as particularly memorable, noting that its personal significance came from her family’s story, which she said made the experience feel close to home.
“I have long wanted to create a space where music, fashion, dance, food, storytelling and the entire African Traditions would corroborate and stay in the minds of the people, where they will particularly enjoy themselves.
“Seeing that happen in Sheffield was incredibly beautiful. I’m deeply grateful to every artist, designer, musician, dancer, DJ, model, vendor, volunteer, partner and everyone who became part of our village.”
She explained that Tales & Tunes would remain a meeting point for African culture and modern British life, giving budding artists, designers, and other creatives a chance to showcase their work.
She added that the platform would encourage cultural exchange and strengthen connections among people from diverse communities and generations.
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