Mercury Prize-winning rapper Little Simz takes the reins as curator for the 30th edition of London’s iconic Meltdown Festival. With an 11-day lineup of art, music, and workshops, the event promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of creativity and culture at the Southbank Centre.
BeatCurry Team
Little Simz to Lead Meltdown Festival’s 30th Anniversary Edition: London’s Southbank Centre has announced that British rapper and singer Little Simz will curate the 30th edition of the Meltdown Festival, set to take place from June 12 to June 22, 2025. Known for its unique artist-curated lineups, Meltdown has become a cornerstone of London’s cultural calendar, with past curators including legends like David Bowie, Grace Jones, Patti Smith, and Robert Smith.
Little Simz, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, “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.”
A Rising Star with a Visionary Touch
Since her breakthrough album Grey Area in 2019, Little Simz has cemented her place as one of the UK’s most influential and innovative artists. Her 2021 album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert earned her the prestigious Mercury Prize, and she has also won accolades at the Brit Awards. Beyond music, Simz has made waves as an actress, starring in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series Top Boy and appearing in Marvel’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music at the Southbank Centre, praised Simz’s creative vision, saying, “Little Simz’s ability to forge new genre-defying ideas and her ambition to inspire the next generation of creators align perfectly with the Southbank Centre’s artistic programme and vision. We’re incredibly excited to witness the lineup she’ll curate and for the power of her great art, leadership, and culture to bring people together on-site for our 30th year.”
What to Expect from Meltdown 2025
The 11-day festival will feature a diverse lineup of established and emerging artists, reflecting Little Simz’s eclectic taste and commitment to pushing creative boundaries. In addition to music performances, the event will include art installations, workshops, and free weekend events, making it accessible to a wide audience. Little Simz will also take the stage herself, adding her electrifying presence to the festival’s lineup. Fans can expect a mix of her chart-topping hits, such as Venom, Woman, and Point and Kill, alongside surprises that showcase her versatility as an artist.
A Legacy of Iconic Curators
Meltdown Festival has a rich history of groundbreaking curators who have left their mark on the event. From David Bowie’s avant-garde selections to Grace Jones’s bold performances, each edition has brought something unique to the table. Last year’s festival was curated by soul legend Chaka Khan, who featured performances by Emeli Sandé, Lady Blackbird, and Incognito. Little Simz’s appointment as curator marks a new chapter for Meltdown, as the festival continues to evolve and embrace fresh perspectives. Her ability to blend genres and inspire audiences makes her the perfect choice to lead the 30th-anniversary celebration.
A Festival for the Future
As Meltdown enters its third decade, it remains a platform for innovation and cultural exchange. Little Simz’s curation promises to highlight the next generation of talent while honoring the festival’s legacy of artistic excellence. With her passion for music, art, and community, the 2025 edition is set to be a landmark event in London’s cultural landscape.
All information and images sourced from various sources purely for factual reporting purposes only. Got a story to share? Looking to get featured? Write to us at hello@beatcurry.com
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