THE SOUTHBANK Centre have announced the first names for Chaka Khan’s Meltdown, taking place this summer, June 14 until June 23. 

Khan, the 29th curator of Meltdown, will be taking to the Royal Festival Hall stage for two very special performances. Opening the festival, the musical legend will play a set of hits from her mighty 50-year career, which features instantly recognisable songs such as ‘Ain’t Nobody’, ‘I’m Every Woman’ and ‘I Feel For You’ (June 14). 

Closing out her Meltdown curation, Khan will perform with the Black-led, genre defying Nu Civilisation Orchestra for the first-ever live performance of 2004’s ClassiKhan, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios (June 23). 

A celebration of the great American songbook, featuring classic jazz standards and iconic film anthems, including  ‘Hey Big Spender’, ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, this show will join a long list of truly unique, unmissable performances that have characterised Meltdown throughout its 29-year history.

In the Royal Festival Hall, Khan’s Meltdown will also feature TV and Broadway star, campaigner and ‘Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels’ singer Todrick Hall (June 16) and Brixton’s Speakers Corner Quartet (June 17), whose 2023 Further Out Than the Edge received huge critical acclaim, in a special collaboration with the Guildhall Orchestra. Meanwhile, prodigious acid jazz group Incognito (June 18) celebrate 45 years of their debut album Jazz Funk, while one-to-watch Lady Blackbird (June 20) is expected to soar as audiences can expect new songs from her forthcoming record this fall. 

Trip hop duo Morcheeba (June 22) showcase their signature organic electronic sound, which has been border-hopping ever since the London-based band emerged as a household name with 1998’s Big Calm, with support from Cardinal Black.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall will be rocked throughout the festival with the awesome power of soul and R&B with special appearances from Rahsaan Patterson (June 16), Mica Paris (June 18), Judi Jackson (June 20) and the House Gospel Choir (June 23). Meanwhile, hotly-tipped West African ensemble Balimaya Project (June 21) will stage a high energy show in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer.

In addition to the main acts, Khan invites London-based Black and Black mixed heritage female and non-binary young people aged 18-25 years to apply to be part of the festival’s unique choir, led by multidisciplinary artist and musician Tawiah. 

Performance opportunities will take place across the festival, giving participants the chance to work closely with internationally renowned artists both on and off stage. 

Full details on how to apply can be found here.

Commenting on the first names for the festival, Khan said: ‘It’s an honour to share with you some of the brilliant artists that will be celebrating the diversity and legacy of Meltdown!  We are all family. Get ready to sing, dance, and feel the love.’

Southbank Centre Head of Contemporary Music Adem Holness, added: “People always ask me, ‘how involved do the Meltdown curators actually get?’ 

“Chaka has been in every detail with us, and we’ve had so much fun pulling this first selection of artists together. 

“Chaka’s taste, influences and love of music are as expansive as her voice and discography, so getting the balance and breadth right has been our biggest task. 

“Whether it’s Todrick’s Fabulosity, Balimaya Project’s groove or Lady Blackbird’s soul, we’re so excited to have such special artists join the festival and reflect different parts of her 50 year career.”   

Further names for Chaka Khan’s Meltdown, including the full free programme, club nights and more will be announced in the coming months.

EVENT LISTINGS

Chaka Khan
Friday 14 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Todrick Hall
Sunday 16 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Rahsaan Patterson
Sunday 16 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7:00pm

Speakers Corner Quartet
Monday 17 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Incognito
Wednesday 19 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Mica Paris
Wednesday 19 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7:00pm

Lady Blackbird
Thursday 20 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Judi Jackson
Thursday 20 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7:00pm

Morcheeba
Saturday 22 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

Balimaya Project
Friday 21 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, 7:00pm

Chaka Khan & the Nu Civilisation Orchestra
Sunday 23 June, Royal Festival Hall, 7:30pm

House Gospel Choir
Sunday 23 June, Queen Elizabeth Hall, 7:30pm