This summer, the Southbank Centre’s Meltdown Festival—celebrating its landmark 30th edition—brings together a stellar roster of British and international artists for the UK’s longest-running artist-curated music event. Among the highlights is London-born saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Nubya Garcia, taking the stage on Thursday, 19th June 2025 at 7 pm.
Garcia’s journey is rooted in her formative years studying under the acclaimed pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. Her signature sound is a tapestry woven from curiosity, self-discovery, and a fearless desire to blur genre boundaries. Whether exploring jazz, R&B, broken beat, or dub, Garcia’s music radiates technical mastery and emotional depth.
Her latest album, Odyssey, is a testament to her innovative spirit. Majestic orchestral arrangements intertwine with soulful grooves, creating a record that feels both airy and celestial while never losing its pulse. The result is a nuanced sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Garcia’s 2020 debut, Source, catapulted her into the international spotlight. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning her a coveted NPR Tiny Desk (Home) concert, a Pitchfork ‘Best New Music’ review, and a Rolling Stone ‘Album of the Month’ mention. Source was also shortlisted for the Mercury Prize—one of the UK’s most prestigious music awards.
Garcia’s live performances are as dynamic as her recordings. She has toured the US alongside Khruangbin, lighting up iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall (New York), the Ryman (Nashville), and the Met (Philadelphia). Her own headline tours in the UK and US have seen her grace the stages of renowned festivals including Glastonbury, Love Supreme, Pickathon, and Newport Jazz.
Supporting Garcia at Meltdown will be Oreglo, a four-piece collective hailing from London. The group’s roots can be traced back to Tomorrow’s Warriors and Kinetika Bloco—organisations known for nurturing young musical talent. Oreglo’s sound is a vibrant fusion of jazz, rock, and reggae, reflecting the rich cultural backgrounds and eclectic influences of its members.
Don’t miss this chance to experience Nubya Garcia’s visionary artistry and Oreglo’s genre-blending energy, as Meltdown’s 30th anniversary promises to be a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the ever-evolving landscape of music.
For further information, please visit the Southbank Centre’s website.
Image Credit Danika Lawrence, provided courtesy of the Southbank Centre
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