Hackney Empire has announced that Kurupt FM will headline the inaugural edition of Empire Nights, a new live series launching at the East London venue on 22 October 2026 as part of its 125th anniversary programme.
Curated and hosted by comedian Jamali Maddix, Empire Nights aims to reimagine Hackney Empire’s variety heritage for contemporary audiences, bringing together leading names from comedy, music and culture for unique one-off events.
Best known as the pirate radio crew at the heart of the BAFTA-winning BBC comedy People Just Do Nothing, Kurupt FM will close the evening with a headline set from Seapa, MC Beats and Steves, blending UK Garage, Drum & Bass and Grime.
The opening edition of Empire Nights will also feature comedian and actor Guz Khan, creator and star of Man Like Mobeen; comedian, actor and writer Michelle de Swarte, creator and star of Spent; stand-up comic Kyrah Gray; acclaimed Grime MC Manga Saint Hilare; and DJ Lex Blondin, founder of Church of Sound and co-founder of Total Refreshment Centre.
Known for appearances on Taskmaster, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Live at the Apollo, Maddix has personally selected the line-up to reflect the energy, voices and culture of modern London.
Jamali Maddix said, “Hackney Empire is a place I’ve always loved, so I’m excited to be curating a night there and bringing together a bunch of artists I appreciate and am inspired by.”
Hackney Empire has also confirmed that Lou Sanders will headline the second Empire Nights on 29 January 2027, with further artists and full line-up details to be announced.
The new series forms part of Hackney Empire’s landmark 125th anniversary celebrations and its wider Hackney:Central strategy under Chief Executive Chris Sudworth.
Becca Thomason, Head of Programme & Executive Producer at Hackney Empire, said, “Hackney Empire has an immense legacy as a Variety House, and with Empire Nights we wanted to take that history and reimagine it for today.
“We invited artists and producers across art forms we admire to help workshop the series, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than East Londoner and Hackney Empire regular Jamali Maddix to curate the first night.
“Each instalment of Empire Nights will be a window into the tastes and influences of our brilliant hosts, bringing together the artists, performers and things they love to create a completely unique experience every time.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
