Southbank Centre announces expanded lineup for Meltdown Festival 2025 curated by Little Simz

The Southbank Centre in London has announced an expanded lineup for the 2025 edition of the Meltdown Festival, curated by British rapper Little Simz. The festival, featuring a diverse array of international artists, is scheduled to run from 12^th to 22^nd June at the Centre’s prestigious venues, including the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Among the newly revealed artists are Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Mahalia, who will perform on 13^th June, and Tiwa Savage, the celebrated Nigerian afrobeats singer, scheduled for 14^th June. Canadian instrumental band BADBADNOTGOOD, known for their jazz and hip-hop fusion, will take the stage on 16^th June.

James Blake, an Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize Award winner, is slated for a solo piano performance on 20^th June. His involvement is notable given his contributions to some of the most influential albums of the 21^st century. Other artists scheduled to perform include the London-born saxophonist Nubya Garcia on 19^th June, and Illinois singer-songwriter Kara Jackson on 17^th June, who is recognised for her blend of emotional folk and alt-country music.

The festival will also feature performances by MEGA aka Megaishername and rising star Jon Poppii on 20^th June, alongside other previously announced acts such as Ghetts, Jon Batiste, Lola Young, Sasha Keable, The Streets and Yukimi with support from BINA.

Little Simz expressed her enthusiasm about the festival, stating, “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 at the Southbank Centre, commented on the festival’s lineup, saying, “Little Simz’s 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 lineup of both renowned legends alongside the creators of the future, this is going to be London’s go-to festival this summer.”

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

Tickets for the newly added shows will be available to members from 9^th April and to the general public from 11^th April. The Southbank Centre also plans to announce details of a free cultural programme that will run alongside the festival, reflecting its mission to support London’s diverse creative communities. The Meltdown Festival, known for its unique artist-curated format, continues to be a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, offering a platform for both legendary and emerging artists across various genres.

The editorial unit
Photo: Jeff Hahn

For further information and future events, visit Meltdown Festival 2025’s website here.