In a landscape often dominated by soundbites and polarised debate, few voices cut through the noise with the precision, intellect, and raw honesty of Akala. As we move through 2026, a year already marked by shifting political tides and cultural introspection, the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning artist and best-selling author is returning to the stage.
This April, Akala embarks on his “State of the Nation” speaking tour, a nationwide run of dates that promises to be one of the most essential cultural events of the year. From the Royal Festival Hall in London to the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow, Akala is set to take the country’s temperature, offering an unflinching audit of where we are, how we got here, and—crucially—where we might go next.
More Than Just a History Lesson
For those who have followed Akala’s trajectory—from the grime scene to the Oxford Union, from Shakespeare workshops to the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list—the “State of the Nation” tour represents a critical evolution.
His seminal book, Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, changed the conversation on British identity. It forced a mirror in front of the nation, linking the micro-aggressions of daily life to the macro-structures of colonial history. But this tour is not simply a re-treading of Natives. It is an urgent update for 2026.
Promising a night of “truth, history, and hope,” Akala will address a Britain that is still wrestling with the ghosts of its imperial past. He will unpack the structural inequalities that continue to define the Black British experience, while also broadening the lens to examine class divisions that affect us all. The rigorous analysis he brings to these subjects is needed now more than ever.
Why We Need This Conversation Now
The timing of this tour is no accident. As we navigate the mid-2020s, questions of identity and belonging are as fierce as ever. Akala’s unique gift lies in his ability to make history feel dangerous and immediate. He dismantles the “sanitised” version of British history often taught in schools, replacing it with a narrative that acknowledges the contributions, struggles, and resistance of Black people in the UK over centuries.
But “State of the Nation” is not just about looking back. It poses a vital question for the future: Is Britain capable of reimagining itself?
Attendees can expect the trademark Akala experience: a fusion of academic rigour and lyrical storytelling. This is the man who can seamlessly weave a thread between the Haitian Revolution, the Windrush generation, and the modern music industry, all while keeping a theatre audience on the edge of their seats.
A Champion of Independent Thought
To his supporters, Akala represents more than just a celebrity speaker. He is a testament to the power of independent thought and self-education. Whether through The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company or his fiery appearances on Question Time, he has consistently championed the idea that knowledge is not the preserve of the elite.
This tour is an invitation to engage with that knowledge. It is a space for the curious, the sceptical, and the determined. It is a chance to gather in community and confront the uncomfortable truths that, once acknowledged, can lead to genuine liberation and social change.
Catch the Tour
Tickets are selling fast, with several venues already reporting limited availability. Do not miss the chance to witness one of the most formidable intellects of our generation live on stage.
2026 Tour Dates:
- London: Royal Festival Hall — Tuesday, 7 April
- Glasgow: Pavilion Theatre — Friday, 10 April
- Brighton: Brighton Dome — Sunday, 12 April
- Bristol: Beacon Hall — Monday, 13 April
- Birmingham: Town Hall — Tuesday, 14 April
- Salford: The Lyric Theatre, The Lowry — Monday, 20 April