M.I.A. to curate Meltdown 2017

M.I.A. has been announced as the curator for the 24th Meltdown festival from 9 – 18 June 2017.

The event gives one artist the opportunity to curate a series of events at London’s Southbank. Past curators include Patti Smith, David Bowie, Yoko Ono, David Byrne, Ray Davies, Morrissey.

Speaking about the role to Southbank Centre website, M.I.A. said, “For me this Meltdown will be about putting on a musical week that shows different types of music which have inspired each other to exist. Genres that support other genres, redefining the concept of a melting pot. Respect the history, don’t live in it. I plan to bring together music’s best forward thinkers who have contributed to all our lives. When music acts as inspiration, it’s boundary-less.”

The centre’s Artistic Director, Jude Kelly said of the announcement, “It’s not often that we encounter such an unbridled creative force, excelling in whichever field they try their hand. M.I.A. has not just broken barriers as a musician, creating music that is embraced the world over, but she has made art her rallying cry – and has stayed true to her conviction, as an artist, woman and citizen of the world.”

The lineup for the festival is yet to be announced. Find out more about the series and this year’s edition here.