For telephone bookings call 0333 320 2836.
The legendary, hardworking collective that embodies the spirit of hip, soul and funk joins us for an exclusive Summer Series date.
Approximate timings
Doors: 19.30
Little Simz: 20.00
The Roots: 21.00
Packed into a hectic touring schedule which includes a regular nightly slot as the house band on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, it’s our privilege to welcome The Roots to Somerset House. Formed in 1987 in Philadelphia, over the course of 14 studio albums, countless collaborations and picking up four Grammy wins on the way, The Roots have gained a reputation as one of the best live acts around.
Their extraordinary musicality, expansive mix of sounds and strident social commentary is at the core of a lineage that connects the Soulquarians (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common, J Dilla and co) to contemporaries such as Kendrick Lamar and Kamasi Washington. As the official house band on The Tonight Show, The Roots have played with pretty much anyone who’s anyone in contemporary US music, not to mention slow jamming the news with Barack Obama.
Don’t miss these legendary musicians live for what is sure to be one of the highlights of Summer Series.
Simbiatu Ajikawo (aka Little Simz) is a young vocalist, actress and rapper from north London who doesn’t sound like any other British MC. Choosing to ignore the major label route, she has released tracks through her own label, made two strikingly fresh albums and contributed vocals on Gorillaz’s latest longplayer.
Her verses freewheel from skippy, breathless flows that pack an impossible number of syllables per bar, to stop-start rhymes so tight to the beat they could’ve been superglued there
A select number of Enhanced tickets are available for an additional £25.00. Ticket holders will be given access to the private East Wing Bar with a free drink on arrival and exclusive entry to The Influence Project, a photography exhibition featuring portraits of the pioneers of R&B, Funk, Soul, Afrobeat and Hip Hop. Please note the East Wing Bar sits alongside the courtyard but does not offer a clear view of the main stage. The bar is open throughout the concert and your drinks can be taken into the main courtyard.
American Express is the headline sponsor of Summer Series at Somerset House
theroots