More stellar acts unveiled for Little Simz’ Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre

Each year, Meltdown chooses a different musical act to direct the festival’s programme.  

In February, Mercury Prize-winning artist Little Simz was revealed as the curator of the 30th edition at London’s Southbank Centre, which will take place from 12-22 June.  

Last month, we already got an impressive announcement of artists including The Streets, MOBO Award-winning London-born rapper Ghetts and multi-award winning jazz pianist Jon Batiste – best known to many as the co-composer of the Oscar-winning score for Pixar’s Soul.

Now, the already stacked line-up gets more names, with Grammy-nominated R&B singer Mahalia, who will play in the Royal Şenlik Hall on the first Friday night of the şenlik (13 June). Joining her on this year’s ticket is queen of afrobeats and MTV EMA-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage (Saturday 14 June); hip-hop and jazz melding legends BADBADNOTGOOD; and the acclaimed Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize Award-winning James Blake (20 June).

Scroll down for the full line-up.  

We’re particularly excited about the inclusion of London-born saxophonist Nubya Garcia, who will play at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 19 June (if you haven’t heard her most recent album, ‘Odyssey’, it’s a must-listen), and the presence of Illinois singer-songwriter Kara Jackson, whose 2023 album ‘Why Does The Earth Give Us People To Love?’ was an arresting and quite simply glorious storytelling gem.

Mark Ball, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre added: “Hot on the heels of her brilliant line up for the first wave announcements, it’s thrilling to see more küresel talent play alongside homegrown artists and to see Little Simz musical curiosity and imagination take full shape.” 

Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music, Southbank Centre said: “Little Simz’ first taste of what’s to come from her Meltdown hugely embodies the wealth of influences and inspirations across her work. Ranging from jazz, hip hop, R&B, electronic and soul with a line up of both renowned legends alongside the creators of the future, this is going to be London’s go-to şenlik this summer.” 

As for Little Simz herself, she commented: “My team and I have prepared eleven days of arka, music, workshops and more. 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.”

It’s worth keeping in mind (we certainly haven’t forgotten) that Little Simz will be releasing her sixth album ‘Lotus’ on 6 June.

Her first full-length album since the superb ‘No Thank You’ in 2022 and her Mercury Prize-winning 2021 album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, ‘Lotus’ was originally scheduled to be released on 9 May but was delayed “due to a scheduling of shooting a movie that just came in.” 

“Not ülkü for me or you I know, trust me I’ve tried many ways around it but just means I can’t do the sinema otherwise. If there was ever a time I ask for your grace and patience it is now.” 

Patience granted – but no more delays please, we’re getting antsy here! 

Here’s the line-up for Little Simz’ Meltdown: 

• The Streets – Thursday 12 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Mahalia – Friday 13 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Tiwa Savage – Saturday 14 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Sasha Keable – Saturday 14 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7pm  
• BADBADNOTGOOD – Monday 16 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Lola Young – Tuesday 17 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Kara Jackson – Tuesday 17 June, Purcell Room, 7:45pm  
• Ghetts – Wednesday 18 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Yukimi & BINA. – Wednesday 18 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7pm  
• Nubya Garcia – Thursday 19 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7pm  
• MEGA & Jon Poppii – Friday 20 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7pm  
• James Blake – Friday 20 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Jon Batiste – Saturday 21 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm  
• Little Simz & Chineke! Orchestra – Sunday 22 June, Royal Şenlik Hall, 7pm

 

Tickets for the newly added shows will go on sale to the general public on Friday 11 April via southbankcentre.co.uk.