Get ready to be lifted, high, by the soothing vocals of Tunde Baiyewu this autumn. The talented singer, a member of the multi-platinum-selling duo Lighthouse Family, will step into the spotlight under the historic nave roof of Manchester Cathedral on October 4. You can count yourself among the audience who will dance and sway the night away to his hits from the 90s and a collection of newer songs inspired by the singer-songwriter era of the 1970s – you basically get to travel through time via music. With the help of two fantastic support acts, who will get the event in full swing, Tunde will ensure it’s a night to remember.
Tunde Baiyewu, a British singer-songwriter of Nigerian descent, was attending university in Newcastle in the 1980s when he met keyboard player Paul Tucker. They both worked in the bar scene – with music as a shared passion and no doubt the rhythmic soundtrack to their shifts – and very soon they were writing and recording demos together under the name Lighthouse Family.
Their debut album ‘Ocean Drive’ was released in 1995 and sold over 1.8 million copies in the UK alone, with the lead single ‘Lifted’ reaching the top 5 on the UK Singles Chart. They soon gained popularity in the music scene with their smooth, soulful melodies and spiritual lyrics; going on to sell over 15 million albums over the course of their career and having multiple sell-out UK tours.
Baiyewu has also pursued a solo career. He released his debut self-titled album back in 2004 and followed it up with a second solo album ‘Diamond In a Rock’ in 2013. More recently, he has taken his unique vocal prowess and set his sights on recordings inspired by the acclaimed singer-songwriter era of the 1970s. Among the collection are songs written by the likes of Elton John, Cat Stevens, Leon Russell, Crosby and more.
This October, you will get to experience Tunde Baiyewu’s velvet vocals first-hand among the striking interiors of Manchester Cathedral. The gothic cathedral will provide a mesmerising backdrop and elevate the acoustic experience with its cavernous hallowed halls. Plus, the ornate misericord carvings, stained glass windows and fascinating angel sculptures are sure to add an extra dash of magic to the night. The concert will kick off at 6pm, with two talented support acts getting you grooving on the marble dance floor from 7pm-8.45pm before Baiyewu takes to the stage for the last hour from 9pm-10pm. Make sure to get your tickets now if you want to count yourself among the crowds on the day.