An Interview with Thando Zulu, Experiences Director at Hackney Church
Hackney Church is a place where history, culture, and community come together. We spoke with Thando Zulu, the venue’s Experiences Director, to learn about his journey, the magic of the space, and what makes Hackney Church a standout destination for live music in London.
A Journey Rooted in Live Music and Connection
Thando’s love for live music started at an early age. “My parents took me to church as a child, and I guess my love for live music was born out of seeing the level of impact a room full of people singing the same lyric could have,” he shares.
After working with Sofar Sounds and hosting intimate shows across unique spaces, Thando pursued roles that connected music with community. His experience as a youth worker in Nottingham highlighted how live music could unite young people, even strangers, through shared experiences.
In 2020, Thando moved to London to complete an MA in Music Business. Shortly after, he joined Hackney Church just as it was reopening for gigs in 2021, helping transform it into one of London’s most exciting music venues.
What Makes Hackney Church Unique?
For Thando, Hackney Church’s magic lies in its balance of the historic and the modern. “Having a space that feels both new and historic is the magic of the venue for me. The simplicity of the design creates something of a canvas that each artist can make their own, whilst still maintaining the authenticity of the building,” he explains.
With a capacity of 1,800, the venue can host large crowds but still feels intimate during performances – a quality that sets it apart from other spaces in London. Hackney Church has hosted an eclectic mix of genres, from jazz and electronic to indie and classical, welcoming audiences who return time and again for the unique experience.
One standout moment was Sampha’s album launch for Lahai. “It was his first live performance in six years. He performed in the round and even closed the bar during the performance, which created an incredibly immersive experience,” recalls Thando.
Music with Purpose: Community and Diversity
Hackney Church isn’t just about live music, it’s deeply rooted in its local community. The team volunteers monthly at The Lighthouse Project, serving food and offering care to those in need.
“Our work there reminds us that there’s more to our venue than music alone. We’re about giving back to Hackney,” says Thando.
The venue also reflects Hackney’s vibrant culture through its diverse programming. “We work with a broad spectrum of promoters and showcase a wide range of genres. Diversity is woven into the fabric of our team and culture,” Thando explains.
Partnering with Ticketmaster
Hackney Church’s collaboration with Ticketmaster has been instrumental in the venue’s success.
“Having a dedicated team at Ticketmaster willing to help with the marketing of events to the right audiences has had a huge impact,” says Thando. “Our allocation of tickets sells quickly, making us a more desirable venue for promoters and agents.”
The team also uses Ticketmaster’s Universe Box Office app to streamline event-day operations, from scanning tickets to managing queue surges.
Looking to the Future
Thando has big plans for Hackney Church. “I’d love to do more Amapiano shows at the venue – hopefully our first one will be in 2025. That show will feel like a moment for me!” he shares.
Beyond expanding its programming, Hackney Church aims to maximise its community impact through partnerships with local organisations. The venue is also exploring the possibility of opening another space in East London to further its reach.
Ultimately, Thando hopes Hackney Church can play a vital role in supporting the UK’s grassroots and mid-sized music venues. “Our hope is that these venues don’t just survive the current climate in the UK but thrive in a way that creates a platform for future arena-level artists,” he says.
