JAZZ, FUNK, AND SOUL COLLIDE: CROSS THE TRACKS 2025 IS READY TO ROCK BRIXTON!

Darnell Richards
Feb 7, 2025
2 min read

Cross The Tracks returns with a stellar second-wave lineup, featuring Mercury Prize-winning headliners Ezra Collective and LA’s own Free Nationals. With exciting additions like Naomi Sharon, Dargz, and more, Brixton’s premier neo-soul and jazz festival is set to make waves once again.

Debuting in 2019, 'Cross the Tracks' has slowly garnered international recognition, for celebrating and uniting jazz, neo-soul and alternative hip-hop lovers globally in London’s Brockwell Park. In previous years, we have seen artists such as, Masego, Nubya Garcia, and Etta Bond, grace their stage setting a precedent for debuting legends and new acts alike, creating a diverse and immersive experience for festival goers.

The announcement of UK-based, Mercury Prize-winning group Ezra Collective as co-headliners, alongside Michael Kiwanuka, cements Cross The Tracks 2025 as a standout event in the festival calendar. Famed for their genre-blending sound, which fuses jazz, Afrobeat, and hip-hop influences, Ezra Collective has captivated audiences worldwide with its high-energy performances and dynamic musicianship. Their latest album, 'Dance, No One's Watching', is a celebration of movement, joy, and musical freedom, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts today. Following their historic Mercury Prize win in 2023, the band has continued to ascend, earning four BRIT Award nominations and widespread critical acclaim. Their headline performance at Cross The Tracks promises to be an unmissable moment, bringing their signature electrifying energy and unique blend of jazz and hip-hop to Brockwell Park.

Joining the bill are Anderson .Paak’s live band Free Nationals who gained widestream recognition with their reggae, hip-hop and jazz fusion 2019 self-titled album, as well as, Naomi Sharon, Touching Bass, and a Handson Family Heritage Stage takeover. With renowned musicians like Jordan Rakei, experimental jazz talent Nala Sinephro, the legendary Cymande, and rising star Sinéad Harnett also on the lineup, Cross The Tracks 2025 is shaping up to be truly unforgettable.

This festival continues to be the go-to destination for music lovers, offering a unique mix of groundbreaking new sounds and timeless classics. Whether you’re drawn to electrifying live performances or the vibrant atmosphere, there’s no doubt that Cross The Tracks will be an unmissable highlight of the 2025 festival season. Get ready, Brixton, with 9 music stages, food vendors, craft beer, artisan stalls, workshops and panel talks, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are already flying off the shelves, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Find tickets here - https://www.xthetracks.com/

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OCULATE UK - DIGITAL COVER 004 - JUNE 2025
P-RALLEL: " I WANT TO CONSTANTLY BE RELEASING AND DJING, HAVING FUN WITH WHAT I’M DOING."
MONDAY 2ND JUNE 2025

WORDS BY BEN BROYD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARRY MCCULLOCH

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