Tuesday 7 July 2026
Legendary Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil gave a landmark performance at the Roundhouse, the iconic multi-arts venue and youth charity, on 7 July 2026, marking one of the highlights of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025–26.
Gilberto Gil said: “It is so natural to perform in London with a marvellous Brazilian audience, getting together with the local people and all of them enjoying and relating to the historic journey. It is more than pleasure.”
Jenny Mollica, CEO of the Roundhouse, said: “We are incredibly proud to host the legendary Gilberto Gil at the Roundhouse as part of this vibrant cultural season. His landmark performance perfectly reflects our own mission to use the universal power of music to inspire and connect.”
Ambassador Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom, said: “Gilberto Gil in concert at the Roundhouse in London, on July 7th, is a brilliant way to close the UK/Brazil Season of Culture. Gil stands out as one of the most talented and influential Brazilian musicians of his generation. He has translated the Afro-Brazilian heritage, from his native state of Bahia, into a remarkable repertoire of nationwide and international resonance. Beyond his musical career, Gil has been an active public intellectual, as recognised by his election to the Brazilian Academy of Letters. As Minister of Culture, from 2003 to 2008, Gil highlighted the role of culture as a fundamental right of the entire Brazilian citizenry and helped to promote all creative industries. London played a part in his personal and artistic journey, as an exile during the 1970s. His return to the UK allows us to celebrate the cultural dialogue and mutual artistic fertilisation between Brazil and the UK.”
Scott McDonald, CEO of the British Council, said: “The UK/Brazil Season of Culture has been a year-long cultural exchange, showcasing the diverse and vibrant arts sectors of both nations. It has marked 200 years of diplomatic relations and was designed to strengthen and build cultural connections between the UK and Brazil. And what better way to close it than to have Gilberto Gil perform at the Roundhouse. He is an artist and politician of enormous stature, so we are honoured that he is present at the Season’s conclusion.”
The concert, presented by Como No, was part of UK / Brazil Season of Culture 2025-26, a year-long cultural programme between the two countries led by the British Council and Brazil’s IGR designed to strengthen and build cultural connections. The Season has included partnerships with arts venues across the UK, including Edinburgh International Festival, Royal Ballet and Opera, Hay Festival, South London Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Arts and BFI Southbank.