This month, Liverpool will host one of the most exciting cultural events of the year: the African Routes Festival 2025, a two-day, free celebration of African and diasporic dance, music and heritage at The Black-E — the vibrant culture and arts centre located at Chinatown.

Bringing together internationally acclaimed artists, pioneering choreographers and community voices, the festival offers masterclasses, workshops, discussions and world-premiere performances that honour African cultural roots while spotlighting innovation in contemporary dance.

Day one: Saturday, September 27

Day one launches with a rich programme of talks, workshops, and performances, including a fascinating talk from artistic director of Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica, Marlon Simms, and a Masterclass workshop from Michael Jackson and Beyonce’s choreographer LaVelle Smith Jnr. The exciting programme of events culminates in the spectacular UK premiere of Keha Seebii by IRIE! dance theatre.

Schedule

  • 10.30am – 12pm: Arrivals, Welcoming remarks and Black Dance Lecture – Marlon D Simms — enjoy an enlightening talk from the artistic director Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica!
  • 12.15pm – 1.15pm – Masterclass 1 – LaVelle Smith Jr. — One of the highlights of the festival, LaVelle Smith Jr. is a world-renowned choreographer and dancer who worked alongside Michael Jackson for 23 years and has created iconic moves for Beyoncé, Usher, Janet Jackson, Destiny’s Child and more. Festival-goers will have the rare chance to learn from the artist behind some of pop culture’s most iconic dance moments
  • 1pm — Free Lunch — Enjoy a free lunch at The Black-E and indulge in delicious and nutritious African Caribbean cuisine
  • 2pm – 3.15pm – Panel Discussion – In Slavery’s Wake: Healing & Repair through African Dance and Music (Chair: Dr Leona Vaughn)
  • 3.30pm – 4.30pm – Workshop 1 – Ubuntu: Response to Wellbeing
  • 4.30pm – 5.15pm – Workshop 2 – Singing with IRIE! Dance Theatre
  • 5.30pm – 6.30pm – Untold Stories of a Carnival Queen – Ithalia Johnson
  • 7.30pm – 9pm – Main Event: UK Launch of Keha Seebii by IRIE! Dance Theatre (Doors open 6.30pm)

Keha Seebii is a profound new work motivated by the tragic loss of lives in the New Cross Fire of 1981.

Through the universal language of movement, IRIE! dance theatre honours memory, resilience and community, weaving prayer, gesture, and rhythm into a performance that transcends time and space.

Day two: Sunday, September 28

Day two continues the celebration with a focus on community, creativity and cross-generational exchange.

Whether you’re looking to learn how to breakdance, Afro Dance, try your hand at drumming or witness the spectacular Main Event performance, there’s a wide range of things to get involved in.

Schedule

  • 10.30am – 12pm – Welcoming / Inspirational Keynote – Wanjiku Nyachae & Karen Gallagher
  • 1215pm – 1.15pm – Breakdance Workshop – Dockside Breakers
  • 1.15pm – 2.30pm – Black Dance Forum – Louise Katerega (with Gerrard Martin, Karl C. Newsam, Bernard Pierre-Louis & Keisha Grant)
  • 2.15pm — Free Lunch — Enjoy a free lunch at The Black-E and indulge in delicious and nutritious African Caribbean cuisine
  • 3.30pm – 4.30pm – Drumming Workshop – Felix Ologbosere
  • 4.45pm – 5.45pm – Afro Dance Fusion Workshop – Wendy Okoli
  • 5.45pm – 7pm – Bend Down Low Community Showcase – Curated by Maxine Brown
  • 7.30pm – 8.30pm – Main Event: UK Launch of Keha Seebii by IRIE! Dance Theatre (Doors open 7pm)

Andrea Vaz, CEO, The Black-E, said: “This is another opportunity to continue to position The Black-E as a hub for black dance development and to ensure the global majority can engage with and experience all forms of ART in our magnificent building.

“As we move forward to celebrate our 60 anniversary in 2027, we strive to ensure The Black-E continues to be that hub.”

A festival for everyone

The African Routes Festival 2025 is more than a dance event — it is a gathering of communities, a recognition of history and a joyful celebration of movement as a force for healing, connection and transformation.

With all sessions free to attend, the festival invites dancers, musicians, students, families and curious newcomers alike to share two days of energy, artistry and culture in the heart of Liverpool.

Event details:

  • What: African Routes Festival
  • When: Saturday, September 27 – Sunday, September 28
  • Where: The Black E, 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW

For tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-routes-2025-equal-measures-tickets-1559385687569?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, visit The Black-E’s website: www.theblack-e.org/event/african-routes-2025-day-1/

Follow The Black-E on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBlackELiverpool and Instagram: www.instagram.com/theblack_e_liv/

Location: Liverpool