Afel Bocoum
Mali’s celebrated musical storyteller Afel Bocoum brings the soulful sounds of the Niger River to the Howard Assembly Room, highlighting traditional Malian music and cultural heritage.
A veteran of Mali’s music scene for more than thirty years, Bocoum was a longtime collaborator of the legendary Ali Farka Touré and has become a key figure in preserving the country’s rich musical storytelling. Born in Niafunke on the River Niger, he now tours with a trio: Ali Bounaly Traoré on solo guitar and Mahalmadane Bountel Traoré on percussion. Their stripped‑down approach focuses on voice, rhythm and the spaces between, delivering an authentic sound rooted in their Songhoy heritage.
While preparing his forthcoming album Harber, Bocoum continues to champion endangered instruments such as the njarka fiddle and njurkle lute. Audiences can expect an intimate journey into the heart of Malian tradition, with rare instruments brought to life by a true master.
More Events
Lucy Rose live at Howard Assembly Room
26th February 2026 - 26th February 2026
Lucy Rose arrives at the Howard Assembly Room with a remarkable story of musical and personal transformation. Following a challenging period after the birth of…
Manchester Collective: Sky with the Four Suns
6th February 2026 - 6th February 2026
Manchester Collective invites audiences on an extraordinary sonic expedition that traverses expansive musical landscapes, from the crystalline horizons of Alaska to otherworldly sonic territories. John…
Jens Lekman
13th March 2026 - 13th March 2026
Jens Lekman is an accidental wedding singer. But he’s also a wedding singer for a reason. Ever since his 2004 song “If You Ever Need…
Hera Hyesang Park with Joseph Middleton
15th February 2026 - 15th February 2026
Soprano Hera Hyesang Park brings an intimate song recital to the Howard Assembly Room, showcasing her vocal talents alongside pianist Joseph Middleton. Fresh from her…
Aladdinsane – The Sound & Vision of Bowie tribute . Sat 7th Nov 2026 . Howard Assembly Room Leeds
7th November 2026 - 7th November 2026
Aladdinsane – The Sound & Vision of Bowie tribute . Howard Assembly Room Leeds Sat 7th Nov 2026 7.30pm till 10pm Howard Assembly Room –…
A Night in Havana ft. Omar Puente & Raices Cubanas + DJ Yersin Rivas
7th February 2026 - 8th February 2026
Enjoy a taste of Cuba in the heart of Leeds with A Night In Havana – an unmissable celebration of Cuban music, dance and culture.…
Explore The Neighbourhood
FROM IRELAND SWEET SORROWS in concert | The Barn Coffee Shop Meanwood | Leeds 25 6 26
Every month The Barn Coffee Shop welcomes the best performers to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. “Loving these Acoustic Nights” “super food, excellent coffee” “such a…
Learn MoreThe Songs of Joni Mitchell
Celebrating one of the greatest songwriters of all time, through the unique voices of the artists she continues to inspire. Following a revered debut at…
Learn MoreSwing That Music with Down for the Count All-Stars
Join the UK’s hardest swinging band Down for the Count All-Stars for ‘one hellova celebration of vintage music’ (TimeOut London) – it’s time to Swing…
Learn MoreFlo & Joan: With Feeling
The time has come for critically acclaimed musical comedy duo Flo & Joan to write another bio as they make their highly anticipated return to…
Learn MoreThe history of Briggate – Leeds walking tour
Starting in the south of the city centre beside the old Tetley Brewery, this three-hour tour is run by It’s The Beer Talking, and features…
Learn MoreHeritage Tour of Leeds Central Library
Join us for an entertaining trip behind the scenes of our magnificent Grade II* listed building. Find out about the architecture, history and famous visitors,…
Learn MoreLa Stazione
La Stazione is a bustling, friendly cafe bar located in the heart of Ilkley next to the railway station. Providing coffee, panini, pastas and fresh…
Learn MoreThe Ivy Victoria Quarter
Located in the historic, listed building on Vicar Lane in the heart of Leeds, The Ivy Victoria Quarter offers something for everyone, with an all-day…
Learn MoreSela Bar & Pizzeria
Sela opened in 2004 with an idea to provide quality imported beers from around the world, fun cocktails to compliment the beer selections and a…
Learn MoreMy Thai, Lower Briggate
Thai food, cooked fast and fresh. A menu of nearly one hundred dishes, you can tuck into the likes of Gra Pow Moo Sub (wok…
Learn MoreNorth Bar Social
Spanning two floors, North Bar Social boasts the same commitment to providing the very best beers in the world in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.…
Learn MoreAire Bar
Aire Bar, situated in the heart of Leeds City Centre in the fashionable Calls area & located in the basement of a stunning brick vaulted…
Learn MoreScholes Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreThe Woolpack Music Studios
The Woolpack Studios is a community music studio and rehearsal space in the centre of Otley, run by Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh. As well…
Learn MoreGuiseley Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreEast Street Arts
East Street Arts was established in Leeds in 1993 to facilitate the development of visual artists and to provide studios, services, resources, opportunities and support.…
Learn MoreLeeds Beckett University The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, Portland Way, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HB
Learn MoreThe Old Woollen
500-capacity venue in Farsley, presenting the finest music, comedy and performance. Run by Trouble at Mill Events, within Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley.
Learn MoreProject House
What do you get when you bring together some of the greatest names in the worlds of music, culture, food and drink in Leeds? Project…
Learn MoreCATCH, Ark
CATCH stands for ‘Community Action To Create Hope’. They are a registered charity based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. They have been working with adults and…
Learn MoreBroad Gate
Broad Gate is an exceptional mixed-use development, renowned for its unparalleled quality and featuring premier Grade A office spaces in a landmark building in Leeds…
Learn More