Cross The Tracks 2025: Where Soul, Jazz & Funk Collide
- Bonded
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
If your ideal festival experience blends jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop with a vibrant community atmosphere, then Cross The Tracks 2025 is your destination. Set to light up Brockwell Park on May 25, this one-day celebration brings together a diverse lineup of legendary icons, contemporary trailblazers and emerging talents across multiple stages. Beyond the music, attendees can indulge in gourmet street food, artisan markets, thought-provoking talks and immersive workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience.
A Lineup That Resonates
Cross The Tracks has curated a lineup that honours the rich tapestry of jazz, funk, soul and beyond. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics or contemporary innovations, there's something for every music aficionado.
Headliners
Michael Kiwanuka – With his soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, Kiwanuka's performance is set to be a heartfelt journey through contemporary soul.
Ezra Collective – Fresh off their Mercury Prize win, this dynamic jazz ensemble infuses Afrobeat rhythms with modern jazz, embodying the vibrant spirit of the UK jazz scene.
Notable Acts
Jordan Rakei – A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist known for blending jazz, soul and R&B influences into a smooth, captivating sound.
Free Nationals – Best known as Anderson .Paak's backing band, they deliver a fusion of funk, soul and R&B that's both timeless and contemporary.
Cymande – This British funk group from the 1970s brings their unique blend of funk, soul and Caribbean rhythms, promising a nostalgic yet fresh performance.
Nala Sinephro – A composer and musician who intertwines ambient electronics with jazz improvisation, creating ethereal soundscapes.
Sinéad Harnett – With her silky vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Harnett's R&B-infused tracks have garnered a dedicated following.
Bashy – An influential figure in the UK grime scene, Bashy's energetic performances are both engaging and thought-provoking.
Gilles Peterson – The esteemed DJ and broadcaster brings his deep knowledge of global music, curating a set that traverses genres and cultures.
Skinshape – Combining elements of psychedelic rock, funk and soul, Skinshape's music offers a laid-back yet immersive experience.
Bilal – Known for his wide vocal range and genre-defying style, Bilal's performances are a journey through neo-soul and jazz.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – Carrying the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti leads Egypt 80 in delivering powerful, politically charged performances that resonate globally.
Naomi Sharon – With her enchanting vocals and soulful melodies, Naomi Sharon is an emerging artist to watch.
Baby Rose – Her distinctive, raspy voice and emotive delivery have made Baby Rose a standout in the contemporary soul scene.
Lynda Dawn – With her fusion of funk, soul and R&B, Lynda Dawn's performance is set to be a groove-filled experience that harks back to the golden era of these genres.
Jaz Karis – South London's own brings soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of contemporary R&B.
Fabiana Palladino – Known for her ethereal vocals and synth-driven soundscapes, Palladino offers a fresh take on electronic soul.
Aba Shanti-I – A legend in the dub and reggae scene, Aba Shanti-I's sound system will immerse festival-goers in deep basslines and uplifting rhythms.
Channel One – Renowned for their powerful reggae sound system, Channel One brings deep roots and dub selections to the festival.
Shaé Universe – Blending R&B with soulful melodies, Shaé Universe's performances are both captivating and dynamic.
Egyptian Lover – A pioneer in the electro and hip-hop scenes, Egyptian Lover's sets are energetic and nostalgic.
JGrrey – With her distinctive voice and candid songwriting, JGrrey's set promises to be both intimate and impactful.
RUBII – An emerging artist known for her unique blend of soul and electronic music, RUBII is set to make waves at the festival.
The Experience Beyond Music
Cross The Tracks isn’t just about the music – it’s about culture, creativity and community. Here’s what else is in store:
🌱 Independent Food Stalls – A handpicked selection of the best eats in London, covering everything from Caribbean flavours to plant-based delights.
📀 Record Fair & Art Exhibitions – Dig through crates of vinyl from independent record stores and check out work from local visual artists.
🎤 Talks & Panels – Engaging discussions on music, culture and activism featuring thought leaders and industry insiders.
🛍 Wellness & Market Areas – Explore a selection of Black-owned businesses and wellness spaces, offering everything from handmade goods to holistic experiences.
Why Cross The Tracks?
In a world where festivals can feel repetitive, Cross The Tracks offers something soulful, fresh and deeply rooted in culture. It’s a place where music lovers, crate diggers, and groove chasers come together for a day of unparalleled vibes. Whether you’re here for the legendary acts, the underground gems, or just the pure energy of the crowd, this is one festival that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
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