Little Simz is officially running the show at next year’s Meltdown Festival, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that she doesn’t do things by halves. The Southbank Centre has tapped the UK’s most effortlessly cool rapper, actor, and all-around creative force to curate the 30th edition of its long-running music festival, and yeah, it’s going to be a big one.
If you don’t know what Meltdown is, think of it as one of the world’s longest-running artist-led music festivals, where legends get to handpick the entire lineup. Previous curators include David Bowie, Grace Jones, Robert Smith, and last year’s icon-in-charge, Chaka Khan. Now, it’s Simz’s turn to put her stamp on the festival, and she’s promising 11 days of music, art, workshops, and good times.
“My team and I are preparing eleven days of art, music, workshops, and more,” Simz said. “So many incredible artists have curated this festival, so it’s a true honour to be a part of it.”
The festival runs from 12–22 June 2025, with free programming, local grassroots collectives, and one-of-a-kind performances taking over the Southbank Centre. The first lineup announcement drops in spring, but you already know it’s going to be fire.
From handing out mixtapes in school to headlining Glastonbury and dropping critically acclaimed albums like Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and NO THANK YOU, Simz has never been about playing it safe. She’s always pushed boundaries, and Meltdown 2025 is looking like the perfect playground for her to shake things up.
Check those calendars because this is one takeover you don’t want to miss.
Visit southbankcentre.co.uk/events/meltdown/ for more.
