Jordan Rakei

Sydney — Thursday 10 October 2024

Grammy-nominated soul and R&B singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei will make his highly anticipated Sydney Opera House debut in February, performing his breathtaking new record The Loop in the Concert Hall for one night only.

Jordan Rakei says: "What an honour to play the Opera House. I still remember the day we did a school trip when I was 11. I remember just walking around the venue, inside and out, in silence taking it all in, shooting pics on my disposable. To play my own show there is going to be pretty mind blowing! I can't wait. It's going to be a celebration of music and the story of how my music has changed over the past 10 years."

The New Zealand-born, Australia-raised artist has enthralled critics and audiences across five acclaimed studio albums with his soulful vocals and seamless transition between funk, jazz, reggae and alternative R&B. His stunning new opus The Loop (2024) marks a fresh chapter in his career, with bold production, spectacular orchestral arrangements, haunting choirs and hypnotic beats. Rakei draws from his earliest influences – Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield and D’Angelo – for a soulful epic that charts a course through times of darkness and hope.

Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall, says: “Masterfully versatile and boundlessly talented, Jordan Rakei is a singular voice striking a chord with fans all over the world. With his effortless, honeyed vocals and gloriously affecting and timeless blend of neo-soul, Rakei possesses an artistry that is as rare as it is captivating. His music has an enchanting way of leaving you absolutely spellbound.” 

Born in Tokoroa and raised in Brisbane, Rakei had released two EPs and was nominated for the prestigious Australian Music Prize by the age of 21. He relocated to London, signing with legendary label Ninja Tune and becoming a fixture – via his dance-music alter ego, Dan Kye – on the soul-electronic scene. Rakei has collaborated with artists such as Disclosure, Loyle Carner and Bonobo and garnered admiration from heavyweight producers like Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin and Chic’s Nile Rodgers. Rakei has recorded live sessions for NPR's Tiny Desk and BBC 6, amassed over 1 billion streams and has recently been announced as the inaugural ‘Artist in Residence’ at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios.