Chaka Khan To Curate This Year’s Meltdown Festival
Chaka Khan will celebrate 50 years of a pioneering career by curating this year’s Meltdown Festival, held at London’s Southbank Centre in June.
“Get ready to experience the heart and soul of Meltdown 2024, where the magic of music meets the warmth of community. I’m beyond excited to be a part of this legacy, bringing everyone together, young and old, for a summer celebration like no other,” Khan said in a press release.
“This festival isn’t just about music, it’s a feast for all your senses, a gathering of hearts and souls. The Southbank Centre’s about to light up! We’re going to funk it up, rock every crowd, and touch every soul. It’s a community celebration, an all-ages bash. Join us and immerse yourself in a world that’s vibrant, diverse, and absolutely unforgettable.”
Adem Holness, Head of Contemporary Music at Southbank Centre commented: “Whoever said ‘never meet your heroes’ clearly never met Chaka Khan. I’ve learnt how important community, activism, love and care are to her so these ideas, along with brilliant music, will be the foundation of Meltdown.
“I can’t believe we get to celebrate 50 years of her legendary career together. Imagine ten nights of her fabulousness, wicked sense of humour and iconic genre-defying music spread across the Southbank Centre. I personally can’t wait!”
The announcement makes Khan the 29th artist to curate the annual contemporary music festival. First held in 1993, Meltdown has grown to become one of the UK’s most anticipated annual music events, with curators including David Bowie, Scott Walker, Yoko Ono, MIA, Massive Attack, Grace Jones, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt and Morrissey.
The first names for Chaka Khan’s Meltdown are due to be revealed in spring. The festival will take place from Friday 14 to Sunday 23 June.