By Colin 
Little Simz has been announced as the curator of Meltdown 2025, marking the 30th edition of the Southbank Centre’s legendary music festival. Running from 12 to 22 June, the festival will feature an innovative and boundary-pushing lineup, personally selected by the acclaimed rapper, songwriter, and actor.
As one of the most forward-thinking artists of her generation, Little Simz follows in the footsteps of previous curators, including Chaka Khan, Grace Jones, David Bowie, and Massive Attack. Her vision for the festival extends beyond music, incorporating workshops, grassroots collaborations, and interactive experiences that celebrate creativity in all forms.
“I’m super excited to be the 2025 Meltdown festival curator!” Simz shared. “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 part of it. Meltdown 2025, the Simz way, is going to be epic. I’ll see you there.”
A Visionary Artist Leading an Iconic Festival
Little Simz has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most dynamic and thought-provoking artists. From her breakout EPs to critically acclaimed albums like Grey Area and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, she has consistently pushed boundaries in music and storytelling. Her 2022 album NO THANK YOU was accompanied by a short film directed by Gabriel Moses, further cementing her status as a multidisciplinary artist.
Her ability to blend genres, forge new sounds, and inspire the next generation aligns with Meltdown’s long-standing tradition of artistic innovation. Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music at Southbank Centre, described Simz as an artist who “forges new, genre-defying ideas” and “brings people together through her music and leadership.”
What to Expect from Meltdown 2025
While the full lineup is yet to be revealed, the festival is expected to feature a mix of legendary performers and rising talents across multiple genres. The Southbank Centre will transform into a cultural hub for eleven days, featuring performances, workshops, and interactive experiences curated by Simz and her team.
Meltdown has long been a highlight of London’s music calendar, with past editions featuring Blur, Radiohead, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, and The Cure. The 2024 edition, led by Chaka Khan, brought together Emeli Sandé, Lady Blackbird, and Bruce Hornsby in a joyous celebration of music and community.
The first names for Meltdown 2025 will be announced in the spring. Fans can expect an electrifying, genre-blurring lineup that reflects Little Simz’s creative vision.