Nigerian Afro-Soul singer Lawal "Kayefi" Olufunmilayo has put Nigeria’s culture in the spotlight in Sheffield. She mixed music, fashion, and other forms of art to showcase the country’s heritage.
The Ogun-born artist highlighted Nigeria's rich traditions at the 2026 edition of Tales & Tunes. This event included live performances, African fashion, dance, DJ sets, and delicious food.
The programme kicked off with a lively fashion show featuring designs inspired by Africa and modern styles. Brands like Utana Stitches, Hope 4 Sheffield, All Things Kayefi, Grei Linage, and Everything Coloured took part in the runway display.
Their collections featured bright patterns, bold fashion choices, and stylish looks that wowed the crowd.
Performances
Music and dance created a vibrant atmosphere, with Kayefi delivering one of the most emotional performances of the night.
In a moving moment, she played a voice note from her late father, which touched many attendees. She also read a letter her grandmother wrote to her father in the early 1970s. This letter, filled with themes of family, love, and memories, became one of the night’s key highlights.
Guests noted that the playback of the voice note and the reading of the letter were some of the event’s most emotional parts. Kayefi shared the stage with Eyinju Eledumare, iPraiz, Mitchyx, Surayi Dancers, and Ehi. Dancers Oyidamola Timothy Fagbamigbila, known as Damodance, and Abigail Tonade, also known as Dancewithabby, performed as well.
DJs Àrònì, DJ Lorna T, and DJ Pee supplied the music, while Nigerian producer ID Cabasa led the event’s direction.
Storytelling
After the event, Kayefi Kafeyi told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that Tales & Tunes was created to unite people through shared cultural experiences. She compared the initiative to a modern village square, where people come together to connect and celebrate their heritage.
She always wanted a space that combined music, fashion, dance, food, storytelling, and other aspects of African culture. Kayefi said this year was especially memorable. The significance came from her family’s story, making it feel personal and 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 said that Tales & Tunes will continue to be a meeting point for African culture and modern British life. It will give young artists, designers, and other creatives a chance to show their work. She added that this platform will promote cultural exchange and strengthen connections among people from different backgrounds and generations.
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