Little Simz curates this year’s Meltdown Festival from 12-22 June at Southbank Centre, showcasing diverse acts including The Streets, Ghetts, and Jon Batiste. The festival will feature her headlining performance with Chineke! Orchestra and highlight emerging talent from youth clubs across London.
Little Simz has announced the first acts for this year’s Meltdown Festival, which she is curating at London’s Southbank Centre from 12-22 June. This marks the 30th edition of the festival, where a different musical figure directs the programme each year. As part of the event, Simz will headline the final day at the Royal Festival Hall alongside the Chineke! Orchestra.
Simz’s upcoming sixth album, ‘Lotus’, will be released on 9 May, following her acclaimed works, including ‘No Thank You’ (2022) and ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ (2021). The festival will kick off with performances by The Streets, known for their impact on the UK grime scene since their 2002 debut.
Further diverse acts will include MOBO Award winner Ghetts, acclaimed jazz pianist Jon Batiste, British-Colombian singer-songwriter Sasha Keable, and Little Dragon co-founder Yukimi. Simz aims to highlight the youth clubs that aided her musical beginnings through a project showcasing young creatives in the lead-up to Meltdown.
Mark Ball, Artistic Director at Southbank Centre, expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s inclusive line-up featuring both local and global artists. Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music, noted that the acts reflect the varied influences in Simz’s work, blending genres like jazz, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. Meltdown has been held annually since 1993, featuring influential figures like David Bowie and Grace Jones over the years.
Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival promises an exciting array of artists reflecting various genres and backgrounds. The event, held at London’s Southbank Centre, will not only celebrate established acts but also highlight emerging talent. With Simz’s personal touch as curator, this year’s festival is set to be a vibrant cultural highlight this summer.
Original Source: www.euronews.com