Toleka Events is a London-based artist management and cultural production company representing both contemporary and legendary African artists for international touring, festivals, concerts, workshops and cultural showcases – celebrating Congolese Rumba and Soukous, Zouk and South African Jazz while promoting new artists.
Toleka connects African talent and excellence with the global stage – producing bold experiences that honour legacy and centre African and African-Caribbean artists.
Founded and directed by Ziyah – the sole British-Zimbabwean woman leading a UK company of its kind – Toleka advances creative export and licensing across music and media, ensuring that the voices and stories of African and diaspora artists are celebrated.
Toleka champions visibility, representation, and the preservation of African cultural heritage — appreciating that legacy is the blueprint for connecting artists, audiences and generations worldwide.
“Toleka,” meaning “Let’s go” in Lingala, is an invitation to move forward together through culture, connection and live music.
Built on legacy, we carry forward the strength and wisdom of those who came before us — inspiring artistic creation with grounding and purpose.
Legacy is our foundation — carried forward through music, beats, performance, and meaning.
Toleka is about connection: cultivating relationships, igniting passion, and creating the space for creativity to thrive for artists, audiences, and clients worldwide.
Our work spans African music, dance, and live performance — from stage to screen. We curate and produce live experiences and bespoke events, from concerts and tours to private and corporate celebrations, building lasting pathways for touring, cultural representation, and the preservation of African heritage, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide.
Ziyah is the British-Zimbabwean Founder and Director of Toleka — the sole British African woman leading a UK company of its kind dedicated to representing both contemporary and legendary African artists through touring, cultural production and artist management across the UK, the diaspora and Southern and Central Africa.
With over 25 years of experience in music and live performance, her work champions African excellence through music, performance and cultural production — producing unforgettable experiences for audiences, while carrying legacy forward across generations.
She is also a presenter, curator, lyricist/vocalist, and former touring dancer with artists including Kanda Bongo Man, Awilo Longomba and Magic System. She exemplifies women’s leadership and advancement across the music sector — creating visibility and promoting what women can achieve in the music industry at all levels.
Toleka Events presents rumba royalty Nyboma — the golden voice of Congolese rumba — back in London by popular demand to open Toleka’s celebration of Africa’s legendary and emerging musical voices.
Toleka exists between legacy and new creation — working with both legendary and contemporary artists. With over 25 years of experience, we spotlight music and performance from Central and Southern Africa — including Congolese rumba and South African jazz, both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Our focus is on visibility, quality, and connection — presenting African diaspora artistry alongside African and global talent, with a timeless quality reflected across every element — from our artists and performances to bespoke events.
