The Southbank Centre has announced more artists performing at Little Simz’ Meltdown. Taking place this summer from Thursday 12 – Sunday 22 June, Little Simz has curated an electrifying programme of internationally acclaimed artists that celebrate fearless expression and defy musical genre.
The GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Mahalia will play a simmering set in the Royal Festival Hall on the first Friday night of the festival, 13 June, encapsulating
self-confidence and embracing her new music era with her signature ‘luvergirl’ energy. The queen of afrobeats and MTV EMA-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage will continue the party atmosphere on Saturday 14 June, with a set that will celebrate her legacy as one of Africa’s most influential artists in recent years.
BADBADNOTGOOD, the two-time GRAMMY-winning Canadian instrumental band joins the bill with their seamless blend of jazz and hip-hop on 16 June. Long term collaborators of Tyler the Creator, Daniel Caesar and Kendrick Lamar, the band’s rich, soulful grooves continue to push the parameters of jazz and hip-hop music.
The acclaimed Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize Award-winning James Blake will bring his untouchable musicianship to the Royal Festival Hall stage in a solo piano performance (20 June). Recently releasing his CMYK 002 – Let Her Know EP Blake has operated as the enigmatic engine behind some of the most influential albums of the 21st century including Beyoncé, Dave, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar and Rosalía.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall will play host to a rich selection of genre-bending artists including the London-born saxophonist Nubya Garcia on 19 June who will share her magnetic compositions, melding jazz, classical, dub and R&B. Garcia’s most recent album, Odyssey, is a majestic feat garnering acclaim for her staggering versatility.
MEGA aka Megaishername will unleash a captivating vocal performance in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 20 June. Her powerful Chariot spirit boldly explores the depths of vulnerability and the heights of newfound empowerment. Rising star Jon Poppii will support MEGA having become a viral sensation with his soful rendition of “Past Lives” by BØRNS.
In addition, performing in the Purcell Room on 17 June will be the Illinois singer-songwriter Kara Jackson, known for her rich, cavernous vocals and her seamless blend of emotional folk and poetic alt-country music.
These artists join an already outstanding line-up at Little Simz’ Meltdown. Alongside Little Simz’ one-off performance with Chineke! Orchestra, this year’s lineup includes Ghetts, Jon Batiste, Lola Young, Sasha Keable, The Streets and Yukimi with support from BINA..
Details will be announced in due course on the free cultural programme taking place across both weekends of the festival, further reflecting the Southbank Centre’s ongoing mission to support London’s diverse creative communities and open the doors to everyone to enjoy.
Commenting on curating this year’s Meltdown, Little Simz said: “My team and I have prepared eleven days of art, music, workshops and more. So many incredible artists have curated this festival 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.”
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 festival this summer.”
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 global talent play alongside homegrown artists and to see Little Simz musical curiosity and imagination take full shape.”
