Jane Beese, head of contemporary music at the Southbank Centre where Meltdown is held, said: “Little Simz’ ability to forge new genre-defying ideas and her ambition to inspire the next generation of creators aligns with what the Southbank Centre’s artistic programme and vision stands for.”.
Little Simz has become the youngest artist to curate London’s Meltdown festival, overseeing the lineup for the 11-day event in June.
Thirty-year-old Simz, real name Simbiatu Ajikawo, has become one of the most acclaimed rappers in the UK, winning the Mercury prize for her fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.
British rapper is the youngest artist to take on the mantle of curator, following stars such as David Bowie and Patti Smith.
In the festival’s 30th edition, she takes over the baton from Chaka Khan, who brought the likes of Incognito, Lady Blackbird and Les Amazones D’Afrique to Meltdown in 2024.
