Empire Nights with Jamali Maddix

Hackney Empire launches Empire Nights, an unmissable new live series bringing together some of the most exciting names in comedy, music and culture, curated by a special guest host.

The first edition of Empire Nights is hosted by Jamali Maddix (Never Mind the Buzzcocks), who has handpicked a stacked line-up featuring Guz Khan (Man Like Mobeen, Taskmaster), Michelle de Swarte (Spent), Kyrah Gray (Mo Gilligan’s Black British Takeover), Manga Saint Hilare (BBC 1Xtra), DJ Lex Blondin (Church of Sound, Total Refreshment Centre).

From West to East, the legends of the UK Garage scene, Kurupt FM, will headline the night. Seapa, MC Beats and Steves bring a headline finale of UK Garage, Drum & Bass and Grime. Expect big tunes, big personalities and a proper Kurupt FM takeover.

Best known as the pirate radio crew at the centre of BAFTA-winning BBC comedy People Just Do Nothing, Kurupt FM have grown from cult comedy phenomenon into an acclaimed live and recording act in their own right, taking their unmistakable blend of UK Garage, Grime and comedy to stages across the UK and internationally.

Empire Nights celebrates the artists shaping contemporary British culture, with this first edition blending stand-up, grime and underground culture.

Presented by Hackney Empire

Empire Nights forms part of Hackney Empire’s National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported anniversary programme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, celebrating and exploring the venue’s extraordinary 125-year heritage and its future.