For centuries, African drums have done more than accompany music. They have preserved history, announced celebrations, mourned losses, and connected generations through rhythm. Few contemporary percussionists embody that tradition quite like Darey Conga, whose mastery of indigenous African percussion has earned him recognition on stages across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Now, audiences in Sheffield will have the opportunity to experience his artistry up close as he presents Tales & Rhythm, an intimate storytelling and live percussion event hosted by Heritage Sound Collective CIC.
Scheduled for Friday, July 31, the event promises far more than a musical performance. It is designed as an immersive cultural experience where storytelling, African heritage and live rhythm converge in a setting that encourages conversation and participation.
Described as “a storytelling and rhythm experience where culture speaks and rhythm connects,” the session will see Darey Conga guide attendees through stories rooted in African traditions while demonstrating the power of indigenous percussion as a language that transcends borders.
Unlike conventional concerts, Tales & Rhythm has been deliberately limited to just 20 guests, creating an environment where participants can interact directly with the performer, ask questions, and gain deeper insight into the history and cultural significance behind the rhythms.
Tickets are priced at £10, with organisers encouraging early booking due to the limited capacity.
Over the past few years, Darey Conga has established himself as one of the leading ambassadors of traditional African percussion in the diaspora. His performances blend technical mastery with cultural education, introducing audiences to the richness of Yoruba rhythmic traditions while demonstrating how indigenous music continues to influence contemporary performance around the world.
His work has taken him to festivals, cultural showcases, educational institutions and international events where he has consistently championed African musical heritage through the talking drum, bata, conga and other traditional percussion instruments. Beyond performance, he has become known for using rhythm as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation and community engagement.
That philosophy sits at the heart of Tales & Rhythm, which seeks to create meaningful connections between performer and audience through shared stories and interactive musical experiences.
Whether attending as a musician, creative professional, student or simply someone curious about African culture, guests can expect an evening that blends education, entertainment and authentic cultural expression.
The event will take place in Sheffield, United Kingdom, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the exact venue shared upon booking.
With only 20 seats available, organisers say the evening is intended to be less of a performance and more of a conversation, where every beat tells a story and every story finds its rhythm.
