The tribute will feature adaptations of Jules Buckley’s original arrangements and showcase two of the finest modern vocalists inspired by Nina Simone: Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula, along with China Moses, Ni Maxine, and Tony Njoku.
On Saturday, February 1, musician, historian, and political commentator Soweto Kinch will take the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, premiering music from his new album, “Soundtrack to the Apocalypse,” while offering thought-provoking social commentary. That evening, the Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer will host a jam session featuring Peng Femme Jam, the Southbank Centre’s house band of all female and non-binary musicians.
The residency concludes on Sunday, February 2, with Lucy-Anne Daniels and Peter Edwards leading the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in “The Fire Inside,” a tribute to writer and political activist James Baldwin. Baldwin and Simone shared a profound friendship, united by their passion for justice, art, and the liberation of African American people. Both were pioneers in the civil rights movement, using their platforms to challenge racism and advocate for change, embodying the spirit of resistance, resilience, and Black joy.
Throughout the three-year partnership, the residency will offer opportunities for artist exchange and skills development among young British and Swiss jazz artists. The public can also engage in various educational activities, including workshops, listening sessions, and a networking event focused on artists’ mental health, hosted by the Harvey Parker Trust.
This educational and musical program is at the core of the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation’s mission to support and promote emerging jazz talent through similar initiatives worldwide. Additionally, the Southbank Centre will have a presence at the Montreux Jazz Festival’s 2025 edition.
Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this extraordinary artistic partnership with Southbank Centre, uniting two cultural institutions with a shared passion and values for music, inclusivity and creative freedom. The Montreux Jazz Festival has always been a platform for innovation, and this collaboration allows us to extend that spirit of discovery to new audiences in London. Together, we aim to not only celebrate the rich legacy of jazz but also explore the meaning of jazz today in order to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers through cross-cultural exchanges and talent development. What better way to showcase the incredible diversity of the modern jazz scene than through the lens of Nina Simone. Few artists have shaped the history of music and the Montreux Jazz Festival as profoundly as she has. Her legacy of resilience and artistic brilliance remains a source of inspiration for us all.”
Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, Mark Ball, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the first names participating in the Montreux Jazz Festival x Southbank Centre Residency. The event will open with two British icons, Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae, as they celebrate Nina Simone, 26 years after she performed at the Royal Festival Hall. We are also committed to showcasing new and emerging creatives who are defining jazz today, including the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Peng Femme Jam. As we continue to explore the question, ‘What is Jazz Today?’, this partnership aims to strengthen the genre’s vibrant future.”
Event details:
Friday 31 January -Mississippi Goddam: A Celebration of Nina Simone Royal Festival Hall, 8pm – 10 pm
Saturday 1st February -Soweto Kinch: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse Queen Elizabeth Hall Main, 8 pm – 10 pm
Montreux Jazz Festival & Southbank Centre Jam Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, 10 pm – 1 am
Sunday 2nd February -National Youth Jazz Orchestra: The Fire Inside
For further information, please visit the Southbank Centre website.
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/
Images- Laura Mvula photographed by Pete Woodhead
China Moses, photographed by Sylvain Norget
Soweto Kinch Photographed by Iza Korsak
Images provided courtesy of Southbank Centre
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