Erykah Badu’s return to Australia in April 2026 is set to be one of the most significant live music events of the year, bringing one of contemporary music’s most influential artists back to local stages for a rare run of performances. A five-time GRAMMY Award winner and the defining voice of neo-soul, Badu’s live shows are celebrated for their depth, unpredictability and emotional pull.
Emerging in the 1990s alongside artists like D’Angelo and Maxwell, Badu reshaped modern Black music with her genre-defining debut Baduizm, followed by era-shaping albums Mama’s Gun and New Amerykah. Drawing from soul, jazz, funk and hip hop, her work blends spiritual, political and deeply human themes, creating music that continues to resonate across generations.
Far from resting on legacy, Badu remains creatively active. Recent years have seen acclaimed collaborations including the Grammy Award-winning track “3:AM” with Robert Glasper, alongside features with artists such as The Alchemist. Her approach to live performance remains central to her artistry, with new material often introduced on stage and allowed to evolve in real time.
Renowned for intuitive and improvisational shows, no two Erykah Badu performances are ever the same. Each appearance is shaped by the room, the audience and the moment, making her return especially compelling for Australian fans.
As part of the tour, Badu will also make a landmark return to Byron Bay Bluesfest, performing on Good Friday in a historic back-to-back bill before Earth, Wind & Fire. Last appearing at the festival in 2014, she returns in 2026 as a living, evolving cultural force whose influence continues to expand.
She’ll play a Melbourne show at Margaret Court Arena on 1 April 2026.
Presale begins Friday 23 January at 11am AEDT, with general tickets on sale Tuesday 27 January at 11am AEDT.
