M.I.A Meltdown Festival (9-16 June)

Features Music Previews June 4, 2017 Tayo IDOWU

This July, Sri Lankan rapper and model M.I.A. brings together to London’s Southbank Centre emerging and established artists from across the world to create a fusion of global culture.

South London grime superstar Giggs brings his hard hitting lyrics and flow to the Royal Festival Hall in a night packed with special guests (12 June). Don’t miss the Hip-Hop Karaoke night , where budding rappers will have the chance to show off their rhyming skills live on stage (14 June).

M.I.A.’s Meltdown also celebrates London’s many diverse communities with an eclectic programme of free activity including a Carnival Party bringing the spirit of the Caribbean to the Thames with live music, costumes and dance classes.

Radio station Rinse FM will also be bringing urban flavas with their Block Party featuring DJ’s and performances. Also on the bill will be Meltdown Mela, a day of outdoor entertainment for all the family celebrating art and culture from South Asia.

Additionally Meltdown celebrates the start of Refugee Week with an afternoon of free live music featuring musicians of refugee backgrounds.

Highlights of the Festival include:

Saturday 10 June

MUSIC INDUSTRY TALKS – 1pm, 2:30pm & 4pm – Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall

CARNIVAL PARTY – 2-8pm, Riverside Terrace

SOULWAX – 9:30pm, Royal Festival Hall

AFRIKAN BOY – 10:30pm, Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall

Sunday 11 June

RINSE FM BLOCK PARTY – 1pm-7pm, across Southbank Centre’s site

MHD + ABRA CADABRA + 67 – 7:30pm, Royal Festival Hall

Monday 12 June

GIGGS – 8pm, Royal Festival Hall