WPGM Reviews: Cross The Tracks 2025 (In Pictures)

Cross The Tracks 2025: A Soulful Sanctuary Amidst the City Buzz

London’s Brockwell Park, a familiar and beloved setting, once again played host to Cross The Tracks on Sunday, May 25. This year, the festival felt particularly poignant, arriving on the heels of a High Court ruling that had cast a shadow of uncertainty over Brockwell Park’s day festivals.

Yet, as the gates opened, the collective sigh of relief was palpable, giving way to an atmosphere that was nothing short of immaculate. Cross The Tracks, proudly billed as “London’s #1 Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival” truly lived up to its promise, proving itself to be an innovative space where “community, culture and music unite“.

The crowd itself was a testament to this ethos. From toddlers to seniors, a remarkably diverse tapestry of individuals, united by an undeniable, deep love for music, filled the park. The energy was consistently high, respectful, and utterly infectious, creating a truly enjoyable collective experience. Even the weather seemed to conspire in the festival’s favour; a perfect day with just a gentle breeze, a welcome contrast to the mixed forecasts that had preceded it.

The festival’s curation, meticulously crafted around jazz, funk, and soul, was nothing short of amazing. While the sheer abundance of incredible acts often led to the delightful dilemma of simultaneous must-see sets, the overall quality shone through. Headliners like Jordan Rakei, Ezra Collective, and The Free Nationals delivered standout performances, anchoring a day filled with exceptional talent across multiple stages.

Early in the day, LULU. set the tone on the Mainline stage, bringing infectious energy despite the still-gathering crowd. Over on The Caboose, Mychelle delivered an intimate acoustic set, culminating in a heartwarming sing-along to her track “Sweet Nothings” that captivated the sunny Sunday afternoon audience. Similarly, Essence Martins offered another captivating and intimate performance.

As the day progressed, J Grrey began drawing more people to her stage with her captivating sound, while Nia Smith, a relatively new artist, showcased impressive stage presence, engaging both her dedicated fanbase and new listeners. Shae Universe exuded the confidence of a seasoned performer, commanding the stage with ease – a fitting way to celebrate her birthday, as we learned!

The energy truly surged with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on the Locomotion stage, delivering an electric and contagious performance that quickly filled the tent to capacity. Lynda Dawn effortlessly commanded her audience with easy call-and-response, later joining The Free Nationals for their iconic songs, stepping into Anderson.Paak’s shoes with grace.

The timeless Cymande took to the stage, a band whose classics like “Brothers on the Slide” still resonate as if written for this era, alongside tracks from their new album, Renascence. Their performance, following a brief technical hiccup, was met with an adoring crowd, a testament to their enduring legacy, recently highlighted by their new documentary.

One of the day’s most anticipated sets, Jordan Rakei, did not disappoint. He delivered a great mellow set that kept the audience captivated with his butter-smooth vocals and complex yet beautiful melodies, and infectious rhythms. Accompanied by an incredible backing band and a stunning, flower-filled garden set design, his performance was a masterclass in precision, with intricate vocals, percussion, and bassline aligning with jaw-dropping accuracy.

Ezra Collective followed with a captivating set. Femi Koleoso delivered a galvanising speech on the state of the world and the vital importance of joy and expression in trying times. Their cover rendition of the church song “Hear My Cry Oh Lord” delighted many, with TikToks later revealing that much of the audience was unknowingly dancing to a gospel tune.

Indeed, “God Gave Me Feed For Dancing” transformed Southwark Park into London’s largest open-air dancehall that Sunday. Guest appearances from M.anifest and Kojey Radical, alongside saxophonist James Mollison and trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi venturing into the adoring crowd, created a powerful feedback loop of synergy between the band and their audience.

Bilal delivered an electric performance, showcasing truly incredible vocals. The coveted headliner slot saw an all-star schedule clash between the frequent Anderson.Paak collaborators, The Free Nationals, who, ever the consummate professionals, pulled off a tight and euphoric showcase, and the soulful rich sound of Michael Kiwanuka.

Other artists like Jessy Blakemore, Salami Rose Joe Louis, Skinshape, and The Altons also contributed to the rich tapestry of sounds throughout the day.

Logistically, getting into the festival was a pretty smooth process, especially for early birds. Navigating between the numerous stages within Brockwell Park often felt like a marathon, a testament to the sheer volume of talent on offer. Paradoxically, the only minor detractor was some noticeable sound bleeding from stages positioned a bit too close together.

This marked my fourth consecutive year at Cross The Tracks, and my verdict remains unwavering: it was a truly great experience. The festival’s music curation and the unparalleled vibes it cultivates are simply unmatched.

For anyone seeking a day immersed in the very best of jazz, funk, and soul, surrounded by a community of genuine music lovers, Cross The Tracks is an absolute must-attend. Its resilience in proceeding despite recent challenges only solidifies its place as a cornerstone of London’s vibrant festival scene.

Words + photography by Margarida Pereira

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