Surfacing from a 2-year hiatus, Adam Gibbons aka Lack of Afro, returned in 2023 to reclaim his crown as the king of modern funk and soul. His album Square One saw him in a triumphant & defiant mood, with lead single Loving Arms finding its place on the BBC 6 Music playlist - an impressive, if not a ‘surprising-it-took-so-long' first in a career spanning close to 18 years. Off the back of that success, Lack of Afro now sets his sights on a return to the stage, announcing a 17-date UK tour this November.

“I consider myself a musician first and foremost – that's where it all began for me, so to have the opportunity to play the songs live with some killer players is an exciting prospect - I can’t wait! It’ll also be amazing to be able to connect with so many people who’ve been waiting for Lack of Afro live shows since way before the pandemic. There was a time when I thought I’d never play live again, so I’m incredibly grateful for that.”

Released via his own label Bastion Music Group, Square One, an album full of hope, optimism and good times, was Lack of Afro’s eighth studio album (not including releases as The Unity Sextet, The Damn Straights, LUSTRE and Adam Gibbons). Featuring the singles Wide Open, All Night and Let It All Out, fans and media instantly connected with the LP, with Record Collector declaring it “his best album yet…”, and Clash Music gushing about “how much fun you’ll have with this joyful record” and Lauren Laverne declaring it “a rebirth, a fresh start and an absolute triumph!”

Lack of Afro burst onto the scene in 2006 with the ferocious cut & paste funk of Wait A Minute, his debut single that quickly became one of the hottest 12-inch singles of the UK funk scene. This set up a template for his debut album, 2007’s Press On, recently given ‘classic’ status by Future Music Magazine and still loved by fans 17 years on.

Now, Lack of Afro is ready to return to the live arena with an upcoming UK tour this November and a growing number of live and DJ festival shows across the summer.

The Square One Live Tour 2024 – UK Edition

Sam Tompkins

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