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Bristol's R&b Scene

Headfirst brings you the best R&B events in Bristol. Whatever kind of R&B you're into - from cheesy classics to contemporary tearjerkers - Bristol has everything you need. Many of the biggest R&B acts regularly tour the city, if you're looking for a live gig. Key venues like Colston Hall, Trinity Centre and the O2 Academy host concerts from larger international acts.

Or if you're a less discerning R&B head, clubs like Popworld and Bunker and nights like Bump N Grind at Thekla cater to locals and students who just want to hear the hits (think Destiny's Child, Blu Cantrell, Sisqo and all the classics). These places are heaving all week round so you need never go without your R&B fix (or listen alone in your room).

Bristol is a great city for all music so it's no surprise your R&B tasts will be well catered for.

Buy tickets for r&b events in Bristol

What our editors say

“Journey Through Life marks a new chapter, balancing sharp commentary with deeply personal reflections on family, growth, and resilience. From his beginnings in Fela’s Egypt ’80 to founding Positive Force in 1986, Femi has forged a unique Afrobeat style enriched with R&B, rock, and hip-hop, powered by his activism work.”
From: Femi Kuti & The Positive Force

“Amber Mark is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. Her multifaceted style implements sounds from hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul, and bossa nova. She released her first album, 3:33am, in May 2017, followed by her EP Conexão in 2018. Her second album, Three Dimensions Deep, was released in January 2022.”
From: Amber Mark

“Joash (Joash Oswe) is a Bristol-based Kenyan-Italian R&B/Afro-R&B artist, blending Afro-inspired sounds, smooth R&B, and hip-hop influences. His music is strongly shaped by his visual art, which remains a central theme across his work.”
From: Joash + guests

“The Foo Birds are an independent five-piece band whose unique musical partnership has been evolving for over a decade. Their sound blends the warmth and groove of nu-soul / R&B with the improvisational elements of jazz and catchy hooks of modern pop. It is characterised by the powerful voice of Kate Lister, with lyrics exploring the joys and vulnerabilities of being human in an ever-changing world.”
From: The Foo Birds - EP Launch

“Here, soul-stirring vocalist Kirris Riviere and his exceptional band bring the night alive with their intoxicating drive and deep grooves. They effortlessly lay claim to their own style of swaggering Louisiana blues, strongly influenced by jazz and old-style R&B, weaving together evocative modern originals with signature vintage songs that pay homage to the legends who paved the way.”
From: KIRRIS RIVIERE & THE DELTA DU BRUIT