Review: Cross The Tracks 2026
REVIEW – CROSS THE TRACKS 2026 Another year, another incredible edition of Cross the Tracks [2027 Ticket Link] By Caitlin Taylor 28 May 2026 It was over 30 degrees on the morning of Sunday 24th May as we prepared ourselves for a long day of standing in the sun in Brockwell Park. Cross the Tracks is one of the first festivals I went to after moving to London, and still one of the closest to me. I often recommend it as a good ‘starter’ festival as no matter who’s playing you’ll have a good time, and this year was no different. The first act of the day was Charlotte Dowsson on the Main Stage. Dressed like a kind of mermaid princess (a big compliment), she took to the stage with grace as she gazed over the gathering crowd. Her voice is soft and sultry, drawing an audience that she later shared with us was much larger than she’d expected due to how early her slot was but was clearly a testament to her talent. Ama Louise Next was Ama Louise, an RnB singer with a clear adoration for the genre. Despite performing in the incredibly hot D-Railed tent, she blessed her audience with beautiful vocals both when it came to her own songs as well as her cover of the much beloved Jazmine Sullivan track ‘Bust Your Windows’ which saw multiple people sprint into the tent from outside. Lady Wray Lady Wray boasts a decades long career and has definitely learned how to entertain an audience. Having previously played in 2024, she’s a Cross the Tracks veteran who provided a performance full of joy. Not at all an up and coming artist, War are the band who brought us long-lasting hits such as ‘Lowrider’ and ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’, songs that had the hundreds of people packed in to see them singing and dancing along. It was one of those sets that feels quintessentially ‘Cross the Tracks’ – full of warm nostalgia that triggers a strong sense of community. War I hadn’t heard of Australian Don West before arriving (my fault, as he has over 3 million monthly listeners), but I seemed very much in the minority on the day. People ran to the Terminal stage to get a good view as he strutted around in a tight vest top and sunglasses, followed closely by a cameraman. I first caught Obongjayar at We Out Here in 2024 where he made it clear that he’s an excellent performer. Shirtless and with muscles flexing, he paraded around the stage well aware he had the audience in the palm of his hand. He’s truly electric and in future years is a definite contender for headliner. Joy Crookes South London’s finest, Joy Crookes has been a TNAM team favourite for many years. Playing a string of unreleased tracks as well as some old favourites (the entire crowd seemed to sing along to ‘When You Were Mine’), her voice was warm and welcoming to the sun-stroked crowd. Playing a mix of her new album and major hits, Little Simz took to the stage for a blazing finale. There was a heavy pro-Arsenal energy in the air the entire day, and her set was no different as she revealed a football shirt under her jacket. At one point she brought back out Obongjayar and the two danced around each other, their styles blending beautifully. An excellent sendoff. There’s no doubt we’ll be in attendance next year. You Might Also Like Recent Posts You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Cross The Tracks 2026 Festival Picks
Festival Playlist : Cross the Tracks 2026 Neo Soul,R&B,Soul A playlist featuring our TNAM staff picks from Cross the Tracks Festival 2026. TNAM.UK Playlist {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Ones to Watch: Cross the Tracks 2026
Ones to Watch: Cross the Tracks 2026 The end of May marks another edition of the Brockwell Park favourite. Here’s who we think you shouldn’t miss: By Caitlin Taylor 6 May 2026 BEL COBAIN We’ve been writing about Bel since the start of TNAM. She’s a consistent talent who continues to put out beautiful music year by year, as evidenced by her new EP ‘Kizzy‘. Listen to – ‘Am I Dumb’ & ‘Fucking City’ CHARLOTTE DOWSSON Her new single ‘Siren Song’ is fittingly titled, Charlotte Dowsson has the kind of voice that could lure lost souls out to sea. Her alluring style of R&B should be able to entice a crowd later this month. Listen to – ‘Siren Song’ & ‘Come to Me’ DEMAE Demae’s smooth voice is clearly influenced by classic R&B, but with an innovative edge demonstrated through creative instrumentation. Listen to – ‘Mystical Approach’ & ‘Don’t Play the Fool’ SHOLTO Sholto appears to do a bit of everything as a drummer/instrumentalist/composer/producer who’s influences stem from jazz and soul to Krautrock. His recent collaboration with Phoebe Coco is a must-listen. Listen to – ‘Everything is Stolen Away’ & ‘Electric Soup’ Find our review of the previous Cross the Tracks here – Buy tickets here –
Songs from South Africa
Songs from South Africa Staff picks of some of the best new music and artists living in or from South Africa. People’s Playlist by Caitlin Taylor {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Women of Modern UK Jazz
Women of Modern UK Jazz Playlist highlighting a new wave of female jazz artists. People’s playlists by: Ivana Pintaric You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival
Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival Love was in the air, along with some great jazz, funk and soul By Caitlin Taylor The last time I was at Cross the Tracks, I remember running towards Khruangbin just as the summer rain started. It was a top ten magical experience and this year had a lot to live up to, at least in my eyes. Last year saw Erkyah Badu controversially pull out at the last minute, and the recent drama about whether all Brockwell park festivals would be allowed to continue meant that I entered this year cautiously. Lynda Dawn was one of the first artists we encountered. She actually played last time I was here back in 2022 and it was nice to see her get a main stage upgrade. Her stage presence was incredibly impressive and she attracted a large and unexpectedly engaged crowd for such an early slot. It’s always nice to watch people who genuinely seem to be having fun while performing, and her dancing along with her backup singers put a smile on my face. We began wandering around, and were promptly pulled in by Nala Sinephro’s siren song. She and her band were a wonder to watch, her talent was completely captivating and what was meant to be a quick stop-off ended up with us staying for her whole set which involved her seamlessly moving between a harp and synthesiser. Fun fact: she also recently composed the soundtrack for the new Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson film ‘The Smashing Machine’ – definitely someone to keep on your radar. © Khali Ackford After a short group discussion about who to see next, we decided it was time to dance. Last Nubian were playing at the Funk Junction, featuring vocals from Achanté, who kept the crowd moving the entire time. It was a smaller stage but absolutely swarmed by people and we quickly became enveloped in the crowd, no complaints though! They worked perfectly together the entire time, definitely a standout. Luke Dyson @lukedyson http://www.lukedyson.com It’s undeniably amazingly curated, wherever you end up you’ll be hearing something great which is something I haven’t truly experienced at any other festival. It should also receive praise for being open to all generations, with such a variety of artists that both parents and kids will all have heard of at least someone – JGrrey to Gilles Peterson, Cymande to Jordan Rakei. It’s a festival that feels right at home on a Sunday, with the only caveat being the unfortunate fact that the grass has been stomped grey by the Dr Martens mosh pits at Wide Awake the previous Friday. The evening closed out with some mind-blowing sets from Last Nubians and Ezra Collective, two of the best performances I and the people I was with had ever seen. As the sun set and I looked back across the past few festivals I’ve attended, I couldn’t help but feel this one felt the most ‘right’. Stood in the centre of a massive group of people, spanning a large range of ages, everyone was smiling, laughing, singing along. When times are hard, this is what it feels we should hold on to, magical moments like these. Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography
Our CROSS THE TRACKS 2025 Top Picks:
Our CROSS THE TRACKS 2025 Top Picks: Can’t wait for Cross The Tracks on Sunday? These are our must-sees. By Caitlin Taylor I still count Cross the Tracks 2022 as maybe my favourite festival experience ever so here’s hoping this year is more of the same. I’m not sure where else you’ll find a lineup this talented – Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, Michael Kiwanuka and Free Nationals all in one place. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites you should give a listen to before the headliners, maybe you’ll find a few new favorites. ESSENCE MARTINS – 12:05 pm @ The Caboose Stage We were early fans of Essence Martins here at TNAM, and she’s only grown greater as time has progressed. Her new album Sleeping On It showcases her talent as a singer/songwriter with relatable lyrics that’ll leave you reminiscing about your last breakup. Delicate and peaceful, perfect for a Sunday afternoon. FABIANA PALLADINO – 2:20 pm @ Locomotion Stage We’re all for bringing disco back in 2025, and it’s something Fabiana Palladino has been doing over the past year. Her critically acclaimed self-titled album set her apart from your typical pop act with funky beats and smooth vocals. We caught her last year at RALLY, and again at All Points East where she performed with the legendary Jai Paul, a regular collaborator of hers. NIA SMITH – 2:15 pm @ D-Railed Stage Nia Smith is perfect for a festival like Cross The Tracks. A singer/songwriter with a reggae influence and strong soul sound, she seems moments away from blowing up to Jorja Smith levels. Last year she performed at SZA’s Hyde Park takeover despite only having released her first song on streaming services a month before. Catch her before she hits the main stage. JGRREY – 1:30 pm @ Mainline Stage JGrrey is one of my absolute personal favourites. Her first release For Keeps in 2019 is still a regular play and her newest album If Not Now? Is equally as good. She’s still a leading force in the London RnB scene despite putting nothing on streaming for the past 2 years. Hopefully, her appearance at Cross The Tracks will set the stage for some new releases..? LULU. – 12:30 pm @ Mainline Stage LULU. (the full stop is intentional!) is another artist who only started releasing music very recently but is already selling out headline shows. Her music draws inspiration from her childhood growing up in the church and her love for afrobeats, the perfect music to dance to in the sun with your friends. It’s rare to find music that feels so genuine and uplifting – we’re excited to see her on stage! You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Our GALA 2025 Top Picks:
Our GALA 2025 Top Picks: Going to GALA festival this weekend? Here’s who we think you should see. By Caitlin Taylor If you’ve never been to the Peckham Rye DJ-focused festival GALA, you’re in for a treat. It’s pretty small, but their lineups always pack a crazy punch. Last year saw Joy Orbison, Girls Don’t Sync and Chaos in the CBD take to the park, and this year is somehow even better. We’ve put together a list of our top picks, if you’ve not yet got tickets hurry up! FRIDAY Savssounds is truly up and coming with a really eclectic mix of experience behind her. Her live set for Art Beyond the Shell made Nirvana’ Smells Like Teen Spirit a song that you could grind to. She recently started the club night Altverse focusing on black alternative music featuring the likes of The Internet, Doechii and Kaytranada, and also somehow manages to juggle both being a DJ and a financial consultant – a seriously talented woman. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAVSSOUNDS (@savssounds) SATURDAY Amaliah is super popular at the moment, playing a crazy run of shows over the summer. Other than GALA, catch her at Shangri-La, Maiden Voyage and Boiler Room in Ibiza. She started DJing in 2018 after record collecting since her teens. Her sets are varied, she plays around with house, techno and UK funky and she started the collective Borne Fruits to showcase some of the best underground music, something we can definitely get behind. If you’re maybe in the mood for something a little more retro, Portuguese-born London-based Mafalda is known for her brilliant taste in soulful disco tunes. She doesn’t believe in guilty pleasures, as she told Dust & Grooves “Good music is good music”. She radiates joy, so if you’re in the mood to feel good make sure you get to her set. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mafalda (@mafaldafromthesun) SUNDAY If you’ve been DJing for over two decades you better be good, and Michelle Manetti certainly is. Self-described as a ‘genre non-conformist’, she loves to experiment with a variety of genres from house to disco to acid. She also promotes and helps to curate multiple female/non-binary-focused club nights in East London including Femmme Fraiche. If you tend to spend your nights at Dalston Superstore, this is the set for you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Manetti (@michelle_manetti) Millie McKee is a standout on this list. Her taste skews more into the psychedelic, with percussive dub and spiritual jazz beats. Another decade-long vinyl collector, she even manages the record store Hidden Sounds on Ridley Road. Truly a Sunday vibe, and maybe a good one to add to your itinerary if you’ve attended all 3 days of the festival and are looking for something to chill out to. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
New EP: Nikhita “Solace”
New EP: Nikhita “Solace” Hailing from Scotland and based in Edinburgh, RnB artist Nikhita stuns with the release of her debut EP, Solace. By Sankavi Naresh Currently Listening to: This five track collection is a deeply introspective exploration of self worth, identity, troubled relationships and familial struggles-woven together with Nikhita’s entrancing vocals, live instrumentation and the soothing frequencies of Himalayan singing bowls. At the heart of Solace is Nikhita’s ethereal vocals, soaring effortlessly over a delicate neo soul and RnB soundscape, reminiscent of Cleo Sol and Raveena. Languid rhythms and radiant sonic textures blend seamlessly, inviting listeners to lose themselves in a space that is both reflective and healing. Solace is mesmerising from start to finish, but these three tracks are my personal standouts. “Lake Karachay” serves as a heartfelt introduction, the title being a nod to a Russian lake, once used by the Soviet Union to dump radioactive waste in. It’s aptly melancholic and hurt in its tone. Whilst “Insurance” eases you in from the beginning, maintaining an assertive presence without being brash or forceful. “Golden Child” is quietly empowering, its soulful melody tugging at the heartstrings. With imagery of “bangles stacked in gold” and “turmeric on her toes” and lines such as “you can come to me for anything”, there’s an allusion to finally reaching self-acceptance and self-love. The lyrics seem to reflect on a past self, in need of the love and compassion she delivers in this beautifully woven track. “Golden Child” is certainly a testament to Nikhita’s artistry and emotional depth. In her own words, Nikhita says “writing these songs was a place of solace for me, helping me navigate some challenging situations – and solace is what I hope others will find upon listening. I have always thought of music as an avenue for healing, and recently I’ve been learning more about how to intensify that effect sonically, in traditional ways, linked to my heritage. I play singing bowls on a few tracks – these instruments originate from the Himalayas and produce a set of overtones, creating vibrations which can aid in our meditative process and regulation of the nervous system. I am only just beginning my sound healing journey, and there is so much more I am eager to learn about using frequencies for healing.” Nikhita’s intention to utilise her music for healing is evident throughout Solace, which feels both rejuvenating and restorative. The EP acts as a cathartic release for Nikhita and her listeners; there’s something metaphysical and uplifting about it, transporting you to a safe, dreamlike space where worries are eased. Both her music and her lyrics pay homage to her heritage, intertwining personal narrative with cultural pride. Beyond the studio, Nikhita is no stranger to a live performance. She has graced stages at PITCH Scotland, Solas Festival, Kelburn Garden Party, and more. Nikhita’s growing reputation has been further cemented by praise from The Scotsman, Tenement TV, and multiple appearances on BBC platforms, including a notable live radio performance at Maida Vale Studios for International Women’s Day. Solace is more than just an EP. It’s an invitation into a healing space, where personal catharsis is married with innovative musical expression. Nikhita has firmly established herself as a rising RnB artist, ready to captivate audiences both on record and on stage. Catch Nikhita live on the following dates: 10th April 2025 – Solace EP Launch (Headline Show) – Whitespace Gallery, Edinburgh 26th April 2025 – Poetry and live music night at Gallery Natami – Edinburgh You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
New Single: Demae “Ain’t Easy”
Born and bred North Londoner Demae is back with another tasteful track titled Ain’t Easy, released on the 24th of January this year.
With a soulful sound and clear R&B and Hip-Hop influences, Ain’t Easy is a light and dreamy soundscape where Demae is free to offload with introspective lyrics. The song has a strong backbeat and bass groove which you can’t help but jam to, but the smooth and silky vocals keep the mood chilled and relaxing. An effortless delivery and an easy listen.