BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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For nearly two decades, Skepta has been more than just a rapper–he’s been a movement. From pioneering grime’s global resurgence to making waves in the house music scene, the North London legend has continuously reshaped the sound of UK music. Now, he’s bringing all his worlds together for something monumental: Big Smoke Festival 2025.
Set to take over Crystal Palace Park on August 9th and 10th, this two-day festival is a statement, a celebration, and a new chapter in Skepta’s career. With an explosive lineup blending grime’s raw energy with house music’s rhythmic pulse, Big Smoke Festival isn’t just an event–it’s a standout cultural moment.
The first day of Big Smoke Festival is a straight-up grime affair, promising high-energy sets, reload-worthy bars, and that signature UK bass thump. Skepta headlines the night, but he’s not coming alone. His brother JME, and longtime collaborator Frisco are bringing their individual platforms; Grime MC FM and The Den to the festival, teaming up for back-to-back sets bound to be a historic moment in live grime performances.
As if that wasn’t enough, Chip, one of the sharpest lyricists in the game, is on board. A defining voice in grime and UK rap, Chip’s presence on the lineup all but guarantees intense wordplay and classic hits.
The lineup also shines a light on the new wave, featuring rising talents Chy Cartier and BXKS as well as DJs Jordss and Skyla Tylaa. These names might not yet be household staples yet but best believe that after this festival, they will be.
To top it all off, the festival teases special guests and knowing Skepta’s history, it could be anyone from a grime OG to an international superstar. Expect the unexpected.
Day two takes things in a different direction as Mas Tiempo, Skepta and Jammer’s house music collective and label, takes center stage. If you’ve been following Skepta’s journey, you’ll know he’s been making serious moves in electronic music. His love for Afro-house, garage, and club sounds has been evident in recent releases and DJ sets, and now he’s carving out space for it on the Big Smoke Festival stage. While the full lineup for Day Two remains under wraps, the promise of special guests leaves plenty of room for speculation. One thing’s for sure–this won’t be your typical grime festival finale.
Beyond the music, Big Smoke Festival represents Skepta’s evolution as an artist and curator. He’s not just a performer anymore–he’s a tastemaker, shaping the culture in real-time. The festival’s location, Crystal Palace Park, is steeped in musical history. Having hosted Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, and several other major UK festivals, it’s a fitting venue for an artist like Skepta, whose impact on British music is undeniable.
But more than that, this festival is a bridge–between the old school and the new, between grime and electronic, between underground movements and mainstream moments. It’s a celebration of where Skepta came from, where he’s going, and the countless artists he’s bringing with him–the true mark of a legend.
