Kayefi Brings Nigerian Culture to Sheffield with Tales & Tunes Performance

Kayefi, the Afro-Soul singer from Nigeria, has recently drawn increased attention because of his impressive performance at the 2026 Tales & Tunes event in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

The event combined music, fashion, dance, food, and storytelling, giving visitors the chance to experience African cultural traditions in various forms of artistic expression.

As stated by 'Premium Times', the singer from Ogun, whose full name is Lawal Olufunmilayo, was one of the main performers at the event, which also included other musicians, dancers and DJs.

A particularly moving moment during the evening occurred when Kayefi played a voice message from her late father and read a letter that her grandmother had written to him in the early 1970s. By including this personal tribute, Kayefi brought the subjects of family, love, memory and legacy into her performance, which in turn gave the event a more profound emotional appeal.

##What Tales & Tunes Is About

Tales & Tunes is a cultural event which brings people together by means of music, storytelling and other expressions of African heritage.

The programme included a fashion show with African influences which highlighted designs by various creatives such as Utana Stitches, Hope 4 Sheffield, All Things Kayefi, Grei Linage and Everything Coloured.

Music and dance also played important roles, with acts by Eyinju Eledumare, iPraiz, Mitchyx, the Surayi Dancers and Ehi. The DJs Àrònì, DJ Lorna T and DJ Pee gave musical entertainment, and the Nigerian music producer ID Cabasa oversaw the event's music.

##Kayefi’s Role at Tales & Tunes

For Kayefi, the event meant more than just an opportunity to perform; it reflected her idea of establishing a place where people could come to connect with African culture while at the same time enjoying modern entertainment.

In an interview with Premium Times, the singer said that the event was an opportunity for people to come together through common cultural experiences, comparing it to a modern-day village square at which people from all different backgrounds could gather, interact, and celebrate their heritage.

She also thanked the performers, the designers, the volunteers, the vendors and all the other people who helped to make the event a success.

##Why Fans May Be Interested

The fact that Kayefi attended Tales & Tunes might appeal to fans of music which blends contemporary sounds with traditional African influences.

In an interview that was published by Now Then Sheffield in November 2025, the singer talked about the way in which Yoruba oral poetry, specifically ijala, influences her music. She stated that she includes Yoruba in her compositions in order to keep the depth and richness of the language while at the same time producing a modern sound.

She also draws upon her experience in theatre and storytelling. Instead of concentrating only on songs, she strives to produce experiences which enable the audience to feel a variety of emotions, such as laughter and dancing as well as reflection.

The most recent Tales & Tunes performance shows this method. When Kayefi included her personal family memories as part of her performance, she offered the audience a view of the stories and experiences which influence her artistic expression.

For those who are listening to her music for the first time, the event in Sheffield provides a chance to become acquainted with an artist whose music links up contemporary Afro-Soul with cultural heritage.

It also points out the opportunities open to Nigerian creatives who are working abroad, especially those who use music and storytelling to link African communities with broader audiences.

The fact that Tales & Tunes still combines music, fashion and cultural expression means that Kayefi's participation highlights the importance of live performances in preserving heritage and at the same time provides scope for new artistic experiences.

This is yet another indication that Nigerian music can extend its reach across borders while keeping the stories, languages and traditions which give it its unique character, for fans who are keeping up with 'Kayefi Sheffield' and the increasing interest in 'Tales and Tunes'.