The line-up also includes BADBADNOTGOOD, The Streets and Tiwa Savage. 

Southbank Centre's Meltdown Festival has been curated by cultural icons from around the world, from David Bowie to Yoko Ono. Now, it will be curated by the Mercury Prize-winner, Little Simz. Running from 12 to 22 June, additions to the line-up have been announced, and they include James Blake and Mahalia. 

Meltdown Festival is famous for bringing together musicians from around the world. The event is also the world's longest-running artist-curated festival. Previous curators have included David Bryne, Grace Jones, MIA, Nile Rodgers, Ray Davies and Robert Smith.

On 20 June, James Blake will play a solo piano show. The singer hails from London and his music combines electronic, bass, R&B and soul influences. His hit songs include Don’t Miss It, Godspeed, King’s Dead and Retrograde. His albums include Assume Form, Friends That Break Your Heart, and Playing Robots Into Heaven. Over his career, he has worked as a songwriter and on production for other artists, including Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Travis Scott. He has also won two Grammy Awards and the Mercury Prize and has been nominated for three BRIT Awards. 

On 13 June, the R&B singer and songwriter Mahalia will perform. The British singer-songwriter known for her fusion of R&B, neo-soul, and contemporary pop. With a knack for storytelling and emotional honesty, Mahalia rose to prominence with tracks like “Sober” and “I Wish I Missed My Ex.” In recent years, she’s collaborated with artists like Burna Boy, Ella Mai, and Kojey Radical, continuing to push the boundaries of modern R&B.

On 14 June, the Afrobeats legend Tiwa Savage takes to the stage. Known as the "Queen of Afrobeats," she blends Afrobeat, R&B, pop, and hip-hop into a sound that’s bold, vibrant, and unapologetically global. Born in Lagos and raised in London, her breakout came with hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “All Over,” leading to critically acclaimed albums including Once Upon a Time and Celia.

On 16 June, Canadian instrumentalists BADBADNOTGOOD come to London. Formed in Toronto, the band initially gained attention with their jazz-infused reinterpretations of hip-hop tracks by artists like MF DOOM and Odd Future. BADBADNOTGOOD evolved from internet buzz to critical acclaim with albums like III, Sour Soul (a collaboration with Ghostface Killah), and Talk Memory. The group has worked with a diverse range of artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Kaytranada, and Charlotte Day Wilson.

On 19 June, catch the London-based saxophonist, Nubya Garcia. On 20 June, see the soul singer MEGA and Jon Poppii. On 17 June, watch the singer-songwriter Kara Jackson. Plus, the line-up already includes Ghetts, Lola Young, Sasha Keable and The Streets. 

Little Simz explains: "I'm super excited to be the 2025 Meltdown festival curator! 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."

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GO: Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.