Seven people wearing dark coloured outfits stood together against a blue wall

futuretense x SRA: Sofia Gillani + Naia

Discover the sounds of the future with avant-garde pop, jazz and funk from rising stars Sofia Gillani and Naia at our free, twice-monthly gigs.

Part of futuretense

More details for Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer

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For your visit

Sofia Gillani began her musical career at just 9 years old; starring as a lead in the musical Evita where she sang ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’, which ran for four nights at the Olivier Awards.

Since then, she has devoted herself to her music through writing, producing, directing and promoting music videos.

With an impressive collection of singles to her name, including ‘Water Run Dry,’ and ‘Levels’ – both featured on BBC Introducing – her bold and invigorating avante-garde pop sound is making waves worldwide.

With hundreds of thousands of plays and streams across multiple platforms and performances on the main stage at Haslemere Fringe Festival and Surrey Pride, her live performances and music continues to leave a mark wherever she treads.

Naia is a dynamic force in the music scene, with electrifying live performances and captivating songwriting that leaves audiences exhilarated and wanting more.

Rooted in jazz but unbound by tradition, Naia breathes new life into the genre with a distinctive sound that fuses elements of neo-soul, funk, and Latin rhythms. The band’s unique sonic identity is a reflection of their diverse backgrounds, with members originating from Palestine, South America and the UK, each bringing a rich tapestry of influences to the mix.

Since winning the emerging artist competition that earned them a spot at Glastonbury Festival 2022, Naia has continued to build momentum, selling out iconic grassroots venues like The Jago and Pizza Express Soho. Wherever they perform, Naia effortlessly brings together a community of music lovers, united by their love for the band’s infectious energy and innovative sound.

Need to know

Age guidance

For all ages

Sofia is holding a white light against a blue backdrop, strands of hair frame her face

For your visit

This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre

The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.

Queen Elizabeth Hall building at Southbank Centre

The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.

Getting here

Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.

The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.

We’re cash-free

Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.

We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.

All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.

All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.

From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.

Places to eat and drink whilst you’re here