- Words Notion Staff
Cross The Tracks returned to London's Brockwell Park this summer with an array of globe-trotting music talent. Here’s what went down.
Since Rob Da Bank started South London’s beloved jazz, funk and soul festival in 2009, Cross The Tracks has connected the dots between global genres and the most exciting names within them. 2023 was no different, as 60 performers over seven stages descended on Brockwell Park to perform their hits for music-hungry revellers. Enjoying the first weekend of summer, as sun glistened over the grounds, an immaculate vibe came to fruition, uniting fans and their favourite artists for a full day of celebration.
Yazmin Lacey brought her signature smoky and soulful vibes for an early highlight, playing tracks off the David Okumu-produced debut album, ‘Voice Notes’. Charming minds with graceful grooves and powerful storytelling, the artist set a precedent that unravelled throughout the day, where crowd, staff and acts were united through the event’s natural vibrancy.
British jazz quintet Ezra Collective were up next, bringing palpable energy to Brockwell Park. Tearing through hits from 2022’s ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, the band matched the packed crowd’s rowdiness with their high-octane improvisation.
Many at Cross The Tracks were there to bear witness the unquestionable star qualities of Kelis. Playing hits like “Trick Me”, “Millionaire” and “Milkshake” to rapturous applause, the Harlem native brought her a-game and proved why she’s still one of the most fervent performers out there. Other notable sets came from multi-talented maverick Masego, Birmingham-born wordsmith Wesley Joseph and cockney poet Hak Baker.
Promising a stacked lineup, year-upon-year, Cross The Tracks provides the capital with a hotbed of talent across music, art and culture. Boding well for its future, 2023’s laidback vibe and innovative programming sets the festival apart from London’s pool of day events.