Meltdown 2026: Yussef Dayes

London’s own jazz maestro Yussef Dayes took to the Royal Festival Hall for a stunning performance on the final weekend of Harry Styles’ Meltdown. Fronting a band of all-star musicians, he slowed the Hall down for an evening of light, smooth drumwork and beautiful jazz instrumentation.

Support artist Céline Dessberg brought out the first unconventional instrument of the night: the yatga, a traditional Mongolian harp. As she played, her band performed laid-back summery grooves — a slow, peaceful performance that set the stage for Yussef’s cool jazz.

Hailing from London himself, this show seemed incredibly special for Dayes. He walked on to a piano intro courtesy of Elijah Fox before launching straight into ‘Black Classical Music’, the title track of his last album. This song featured gorgeous saxophone from Malik Venna, known for his solo work as well as collaborations with rappers like Knucks and Loyle Carner. This group surrounded the stage with Dayes in the centre, performing complex, intricate rhythms that seemed a breeze to him. Alongside groovy basslines, he showed his speed and dexterity through extended drum solos and masterful licks, playing melodies with rototoms that were echoed speedily by Fox’s electronic keyboard.

There were, of course, some special guests for a special show. Japanese musician Minami Kizuki sang while playing the sanshin, the band slowing things down to emulate a traditional Japanese folk sound. Last to take to the stage was prodigy Justin Lee-Schultz. Only 19, he carries talent far beyond his years. His stunning guitar solos dazzled the audience, and it wasn’t long before he nudged Fox off the keyboard to play himself, taking the forefront and stealing the show. Lee-Schultz played with the skill of a seasoned musician and reminded everyone that the future of jazz is in safe hands.

The entire band were simply sublime, their grooves sparkled alongside a stunning rendition from virtuoso Yussef Dayes. Through Meltdown, he continues to make his name as one of the premier jazz drummers across the globe.