Cross The Tracks has announced Mercury Prize-winning artist Little Simz as the headliner for its 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday, May 24th at Brockwell Park. The announcement marks the first wave of acts for the jazz, funk and soul festival, with presale ticket registration now available through the festival’s website. This will be Little Simz’s first-ever headline festival performance, following her biggest live shows to date at Manchester’s Co-op Live and London’s The O2.
The British rapper and artist is entering the next chapter of her career with her sixth studio album, Lotus, building on the critical acclaim of her back-to-back releases Sometimes I Might be Introvert (2021) and NO THANK YOU (2022). Her previous albums established her as a singular voice in British music, with both records ranking among the most critically acclaimed of recent times. Cross The Tracks organisers have crowned her as one of the most exciting voices to have emerged from Britain, describing her as an unstoppable force whose creative ambition continues to grow and expand.
Joining Little Simz on the bill is London-based Afrobeat collective KOKOROKO, alongside Nigerian-born, London-based artist Obongjayar, celebrated neo-soul musician Lady Wray, and rising Scottish soul star Brooke Combe. Genre-blending Irish hip hop band Bricknasty also features in the first wave announcement. The festival continues to showcase both emerging and established talent across its lineup.
The 2026 edition will feature multi-instrumentalist SHOLTO, London-based singer-songwriter Bel Cobain, soul and R&B trio The Womack Sisters, and legendary reggae sound system Channel One. Brighter Days Family member Reek0, respected rapper Sonnyjim collaborating with artist and producer Goya Gumbani alongside Franky Bones Ensemble, and genre-blending electronic duo 2fox performing live are also confirmed. London two-piece ZENA, who draw inspiration from their Ethiopian roots, complete the first wave announcement, with more acts to be announced.
Cross The Tracks has established itself as an innovative space where community, culture and music unite to celebrate everything jazz, funk and soul. The festival has maintained a 50/50 mix of genders on its lineups since inception, cementing its reputation as a diverse platform for emerging and homegrown artists alongside international talent. The Brockwell Park event features nine stages showcasing the very best of jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop, alongside artisan traders, workshops, panel talks, and over 70 street food vendors.
The 2025 edition set a high bar with a stellar lineup including headliners Ezra Collective and Michael Kiwanuka, alongside Jordan Rakei, Free Nationals, Cymande, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Lynda Dawn, RUBII, BexBlu and Olympia Vitalis. With this standout first wave of acts for 2026, Cross The Tracks is positioning itself as an unmissable event in the festival calendar.
Cross The Tracks 2026 First Wave Lineup
- Little Simz (Headliner)
- KOKOROKO
- Obongjayar
- Lady Wray
- Brooke Combe
- Bricknasty
- Bel Cobain
- Sholto
- The Womack Sisters
- Channel One
- Reek0
- Sonnyjim & Goya Gumbani w/ Franky Bones Ensemble
- 2fox (live)
- ZENA
Image credits:
Luke Dyson
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