BADBADNOTGOOD and Mahalia: Major new headliners added to Meltdown line-up
Just when you thought one of the biggest festivals of the summer couldn’t get any better, a fresh wave of talent has been announced for its line-up.
Little Simz has added some major names to the mix for her Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre in June.
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, June 13, followed by queen of afrobeats and MTV EMA-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage on the Saturday night.
Also billed for the line up will be BADBADNOTGOOD, the two-time Grammy-winning Canadian instrumental band blending jazz and hip-hop on June 16, before one of the biggest names of the set, James Blake, takes to the stage on June 20.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall will play host to a rich selection of artists including the London-born saxophonist Nubya Garcia and MEGA aka Megaishername supported by rising star Jon Poppii.
These artists join a knockout first wave of artists including Lola Young, Ghetts, Jon Batiste, Sasha Keable and Yukimi.
The festival’s curator, Little Simz, will also be performing on the festival’s closing night in the Royal Festival Hall alongside the Southbank Centre’s Resident Orchestra Chineke! Orchestra.
The British artist is the youngest to take on the role of curator, following stars such as David Bowie, Chaka Khan and Patti Smith.
Mark Ball, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre said: “It’s hugely exciting to see a lineup that stretches from our home in London, with multiple artists from across the city, to global names coming to the Southbank Centre for one of our true highlights of the summer.
“Little Simz’ passions and curation showcase the Southbank Centre as an engine of creativity and a cultural playground. I can’t wait to see what else Little Simz has in store.”
Meltdown Festival 2025 will be hosted by the Southbank Centre from June 12 to 22.
Tickets are on sale via southbankcentre.co.uk.
Pictured top: From left, Tiwa Savage, James Blake and Mahalia (Picture: Daniel Essien/Thibaut Grevet/ ZADATSTUDIO)