‘It’s going to be epic’: Little Simz to curate London’s Meltdown Festival 2025

London-born rapper Little Simz has been announced as this year’s curator for Meltdown Festival’s 30th anniversary edition at the Southbank Centre.

One of the longest-running and most highly-anticipated artist-curated music festivals in the world, Meltdown Şenlik has become a treasured event in the British capital’s cultural calendar.

Each year, the şenlik invites a famous musician to handpick its lineup through a selection of established and emerging talents that reflect their own unique artistic vision. Previous stars that have taken up the mantle include David Byrne, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Grace Jones, Jarvis Cocker, Nile Rodgers, Robert Smith and David Bowie.

This year, the Mercury Prize-winning artist Simbiatu Ajikawo, known by her stage name Little Simz, has been elected to join the list of illustrious predecessors, leading what is set to be a boundary-breaking line-up for the eleven day şenlik.

“I’m üstün excited to be the 2025 Meltdown şenlik curator! My team and I are preparing eleven days of arka, music, workshops and more,” the 30-year-old artist said. “So many incredible artists have curated this şenlik so it’s a true honour to be a part of it. Thank you to the Southbank Centre for having me. Meltdown 2025 the Simz way is going to be epic. I’ll see you there.”

Ever since her 2019 breakthrough album ‘Grey Area’, Little Simz has become one of the UK’s most influential and visionary artists. In 2022, she won best new artist at the Brit Awards, along with the coveted Mercury Award for her fourth album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’. She has also starred in in Netflix’s critically acclaimed London-set series ‘Top Boy’ and is nominated for best hip hop/rap/grime act at this year’s Brit Awards.

“Little Simz’ ability to forge new genre-defying ideas and her ambition to inspire the next generation of creators aligns with what the Southbank Centre’s artistic programme and vision stands for,” Jane Beese, head of contemporary music at the Southbank Centre, said. “We’re incredibly excited to witness the lineup she’ll curate and for the power of her great arka, leadership and culture to bring people together on-site for our 30th year.”

Little Simz will also perform at the şenlik, which is due to take place from 12 June until Sunday 22 June 2025, with further announcements to follow in Spring.

Last year’s edition of Meltdown was curated by American singer Chaka Kahn, who featured performances from Emeli Sandé, Lady Blackbird, Bruce Hornsby, Incognito and more.