Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Oumou Sangaré confirmed for UK fest

The announcement coincided with news about the passing on of LBM founding member Joseph Shabalala, who had been ill for some time.

Other confirmed artists include Baaba Maal (Senegal), Grace Jones (Jamaica/US), Meshell Ndegeocello (US), Solange (US), Lee Fields (US), Peaches (Canada), Jimmy Cliff (Jamaica), Skunk Anansie (UK), Lee Scratch Perry (Jamaica) and Adrian Sherwood (UK).

Grace Jones, who curated the line-up, said the selection represents something unique to her career.

“As everyone knows, I’m a collector, and I collect people, amongst other things,” Jones said. “This is what I have done for Meltdown. These wonderful artists I have chosen represent something unique to me personally and to my career. From Baaba Maal, Skunk Anansie to Solange.

“Each one of these artists has a little bit of me in them, and now I am proud to present them all to you,” she said. “By the time I close the festival with my performance on the 21st of June, everyone who has attended any one of these shows will have had an incredible live concert experience, given to them with love from me.”

Southbank Centre head of contemporary music Bengi Ünsal said: “We’re so excited to welcome such a diverse and powerful line-up of artists at Southbank Centre for Grace Jones’ Meltdown. Grace has always been a champion of the bold and unexpected and her Meltdown will be no exception. I’m looking forward to a daring, fierce and unforgettable ten days.”

Meanwhile, LBM manager Xolani Majozi told local media that Shabalala’s public funeral will be held in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, on 22 February. Majozi also said details for the Johannesburg and Cape Town memorial services will be announced in due course.