Lola Young, Jon Batiste and Ghetts: Knock-out line up released for Meltdown Festival
The Southbank Centre has announced the much-anticipated first wave of artists performing at its flagship Meltdown festival, curated by Little Simz’.
Mike Skinner’s The Streets, Lola Young, Ghetts, Jon Batiste, Sasha Keable and Yukimi, are all set to take the stage for the festival’s 30th edition.
Spanning a range of genres from R&B, pop and rap to jazz, the first names form a lineup of art, music and workshops which will run for 11-days from June 12 to 22.
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 thirty-year-old, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, said: “My team and I are preparing 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.”
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.”
Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 10:00am via southbankcentre.co.uk.
Further artists performing at Little Simz’ Meltdown will be announced in due course, along with details of the free public programme during the festival.
Pictured top: Lola Young has been announced as part of the first wave of artists set to perform at Meltdown 2025 (Picture: Sophie Jones)