Kokoroko Announce ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ Australian Tour for November 2025

London-based jazz collective Kokoroko have announced their highly anticipated return to Australia and New Zealand with the Tuff Times Never Last tour, set for November 2025. The tour follows the release of their acclaimed second studio album of the same name, out now via Brownswood Recordings.

The Afrobeat-inspired eight-piece will headline shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, alongside a sold-out appearance at Strawberry Fields Festival in Tocumwal. Pre-sale tickets go live Wednesday 23 July at 11am local time, with general sales starting Thursday 24 July at 11am.

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Kokoroko—led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey—have been captivating global audiences since their breakout hit Abusey Junction featured on Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here compilation. With over 75 million streams, their sound blends West African highlife, 80s Brit-funk, bossa nova, and neo-soul, reflecting London’s vibrant cultural melting pot.

Their latest album expands this palette with themes of community, resilience, and joy, making their live shows unmissable celebrations of togetherness. Special guests Setwun & the Soulstranauts and Romi Wrights & The Commotions will join on select dates.

Don’t miss your chance to experience Kokoroko’s dynamic energy live.

Tour and ticket details at Astral People and Handsome Tours.

KOKOROKO TUFF TIMES NEVER LAST AUS & NZ TOUR

Presented by Astral People and Handsome Tours

Pre-sale starts Wed 23 July at 11am (local)

General on-sale starts Thu 24 Jul at 11am (local)

Sign up for pre-sale access HERE.

General sale HERE.

TOUR DATES 

Thu 20 Nov – Princess Theatre – Meanjin/Brisbane^

Fri 21 Nov – Forum – Naarm/Melbourne^

Sat 22 Nov – Strawberry Fields Festival – Yorta Yorta/Tocumwal (SOLD OUT)

Mon 24 Nov – Metro Theatre – Eora/Sydney^

Wed 26 Nov – Powerstation – Auckland/NZ*

^with Setwun & the Soulstranauts

*with Romi Wrights & The Commotions

Tuff Times Never Last LP is out now, buy/stream here.