Mercury Prize-nominated rapper Pa Salieu will play his debut Australian headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne this December.
The British-Gambian artist has become one of hip hop’s most exciting voices since breaking through with Frontline in 2020. His recently released album Afrikan Alien earned him a Mercury Prize nomination and critical acclaim for its genre-blending approach that draws from his dual heritage. The album tackles themes of identity and resilience, written during a period where Pa Salieu navigated mental health challenges and systemic barriers while embracing both his Gambian roots and British upbringing.
Pa Salieu will perform at Sydney’s Metro Theatre and Melbourne’s 170 Russell, presented by I OH YOU and MG Live.
Pa Salieu
- 4 December, Metro Theatre, Sydney
- 9 December, 170 Russell, Melbourne
Check out our gig guide here.
The shows follow his appearance at Meredith Music Festival and mark his first headline performances in Australia. His live reputation has grown significantly, with genre-fluid collaborations alongside FKA Twigs, Ghetts, Mura Masa, Aitch and Disclosure cementing his status as a sonic innovator.
Supporting Pa Salieu across both shows is Melbourne producer C.FRIM, whose drum-driven sound blends bass, gqom, jungle and global club styles. Drawing on her Ghanaian-Filipina heritage, C.FRIM has become a key figure in Australia’s dance music scene following her acclaimed Boiler Room set.
Pa Salieu’s breakthrough mixtape Send Them To Coventry earned him an Ivor Novello nomination for Best Album in 2021. That same year, he was named BBC’s Sound of 2021 and received a Brit Rising Star nomination. His raw lyricism and boundary-pushing production have established him as a fearless storyteller whose work reflects lived experience and cultural duality.
Tickets go on sale 20 October at 10am local time. Presales begin 16 October at 10am local time.
For more information, head here.
