Chaka Khan announces first names for her Meltdown Festival curation at the Southbank Centre

A rich selection of artists spanning jazz, R&B, soul and more, the line-up reflects the iconic influence of Chaka Khan and the global impact of her 50-year career. She will also play two specially performances to open and close the festival. During her closing show,Chaka 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.

At the Royal Festival Hall, Chaka Khan’s Meltdown will feature TV star and Broadway singer Todrick Hall (16 June) and Brixton’s Speakers Corner Quartet (17 June), in a special collaboration with the Guildhall Orchestra. Acid jazz group Incognito (19 June) celebrate 45 years of their debut album Jazz Funk, while one-to-watch artist Lady Blackbird will play on 20 June. Trip hop duo Morcheeba will perform with support from Cardinal Black on 22 June.

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The Queen Elizabeth Hall will have special appearances from Rahsaan Patterson (16 June), Mica Paris (19 June), Judi Jackson (20 June) and the House Gospel Choir (23 June). Meanwhile, West African ensemble Balimaya Project will perform on 21 June.

In addition to the main acts, Chaka 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.