SPECIAL THANKS PACK GROUP - WORDS MAISIE JANE DANIELS
This May Bank Holiday, Brockwell Park opens its gates for Cross The Tracks—an extraordinary celebration of jazz, funk, and soul at its finest. With a stellar lineup for 2025, the festival returns stronger than ever, headlined by the Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective and the ever-soulful Michael Kiwanuka.
At F Word, what we love most about Cross The Tracks is its masterful curation—a seamless blend of legendary icons, contemporary stars, and thrilling emerging talent. To help you make the most of it, we’ve highlighted 10 unmissable acts this year. See you in Brockwell Park!
EZRA COLLECTIVE
Dust off your dancing shoes! Fresh off their Mercury Prize win and a critically acclaimed album, Dance, No One’s Watching, Ezra Collective returns to Cross The Tracks as headliners. Known for their ability to seamlessly blend jazz with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and funk, their live performances are nothing short of transformative. If you’re looking for a set that’s equal parts joy and mastery, you’ll find it here. Their headline slot is well-deserved, and trust us—you won’t want to miss a second of it.
MICHAEL KIWANUKA
From dancing shoes to tissues, Michael Kiwanuka’s ability to craft music that feels both personal and universal makes him a standout headliner. His soulful vocals and introspective songwriting have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Expect to hear hits like “Cold Little Heart” and “Home Again” alongside new material that’s sure to captivate the Cross The Tracks audience.
NIA SMITH
Emerging talent Nia Smith has been making waves with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Her performance is one to watch, as she brings raw emotion and undeniable charisma to the stage. If you’re looking to discover the next big thing, we think Nia might just be it!
BASHY
A true pioneer of UK rap, Bashy is set to bring his unmatched energy and lyrical prowess to the Cross The Tracks stage. Bashy has a legacy of storytelling that speaks to the heart of British culture, his performance promises to be both powerful and dynamic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, Bashy’s set will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
JAZ KARIS
Regular readers might remember our Introducing feature on Jaz Karis, where we highlighted her as one of R&B’s most exciting voices. Since then, she’s only grown in stature. Jaz’s sultry vocals and honest storytelling make her live sets an intimate, almost ethereal experience. Her performance at Cross The Tracks is bound to be a festival highlight.
CYMANDE
Legends in every sense of the word, Cymande’s influence spans decades and genres. The early ’70s group’s music is a masterclass in blending funk, soul, reggae, and Afrobeat. For anyone who appreciates the roots of modern music, Cymande’s set will be both nostalgic and timeless.
NAOMI SHARON
Dutch-Caribbean artist Naomi Sharon is a voice you’ll want to remember. Her velvety tones and deeply emotional lyrics have drawn comparisons to icons like Sade, but her artistry is uniquely her own. With an album in the works, this performance might offer a glimpse into her next chapter.
FREE NATIONALS
Best known as Anderson .Paak’s band, Free Nationals bring a groove-heavy sound that’s sure to keep you moving. Their fusion of R&B, funk, and soul creates a rich tapestry of sound that’s irresistible live. Whether they’re playing hits from their self-titled debut or diving into their collaborations, this set will be pure magic.
DARGZ
Genre-bending and utterly captivating, Dargz is an artist on the rise. Blending elements of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music, his live performances are a testament to his versatility and creativity. If you’re a fan of innovative sounds to have you feeling euphoric, make sure to catch his set.
NALA SINEPHRO
Nala Sinephro’s experimental jazz compositions are a breath of fresh air. Her use of modular synths alongside traditional instrumentation creates an immersive sonic experience that’s equal parts meditative and mind-expanding. Perfect for those moments when you want to be transported somewhere entirely new.
SEE THE FULL LINE UP AND BUY TICKETS HERE
