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MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Nas will headline on the Friday

THE ENDS Festival hits Lloyd Park this weekend, with a host of stars set to grace the south London stage for the inaugural three-day festival in Croydon.

Big name international headliners Nas, Wizkid, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and J Balvin are without doubt the main attraction this weekend and they will be playing alongside Maleek Berry, Nao, Burna Boy, The Compozers, Rachael Anson, Wande Coal, Teni The Entertainer, Juls, Jaz Karis and Croydon FM.

Inspired by New Orleans’ famous Mardi Gras The Ends, this year’s festival will have a carnival float keeping the vibes flowing non-stop, with a host of DJs.

British-born Ghanaian Kojey Radical will bring an explosive show that will immerse you into a dynamic blend of everything from smooth rap to gruff soul, to propulsive rock to searing grime, all interjected with pensive moments of spoken word from the poet-turned-musical artist.

A2 and Rachael Anson also join Nas, rap royalty De La Soul, grime legend Ghetts and Croydon MC Nadia Rose for Friday’s line-up. Making UK exclusive performances in Saturday’s star-studded line up is Wande Coal, Jamaican born Kranium and international Wizkid, who tops the bill. In addition, east London local Kojo Funds will head down south to play alongside an incredible line-up at Lloyd Park.

INSPIRED

With 90 million streams and YouTube views, globally he remains at the forefront of the UK Afrobeat-inspired sound. Following the release of her debut EP, south Londoner and Brit School gradu- ate Jaz Karis, whose luscious vocals travel between the soundscape of soul, jazz and hip-hop, joins Sunday’s line-up.

Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter Burna Boy will head to Croydon to perform hits Sekkle Down, Ye and Rock Your Body. Closing the festival on Sunday, Croydon FM and The Compozers will join Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Reggaeton regular J Balvin, British R’n’B and soul singer Nao and US “TrapHouseJazz” singer Masego.

Serving up food on the field, the festival will host family-run business Pink Cactus, offering tacos and burritos just like the ones you can find on the vibrant streets of Mexico. Expect the use of authentic Mexican techniques producing irresistible aromas and avours that never let you down.

Bayou are bringing the taste of Louisiana to the UK with their fun take on the classic New Orleans sandwiches. They’ll be slingin’ naughty po’boy sandwiches with their signature Cajun fries, blackened shrimp and lip-smacking habanero chili jam – real Cajun soul food.

Another element of the week- end will be the 56 Black Men exhibition, which will feature across the site all weekend.
Creator Cephas Williams’ objective is to change perceptions of black men using photography. By posting striking headshots of black men wearing hoodies, these men are all professionals ranging from politicians, directors and teachers, telling their own positive stories.

The festival will also encompass food stands, from Mac & Cheese, Chunky Chips & Chicken Strips, New York Street Food, Crepes & Coffee, Mama’s Jerk, Sangucheria and Los Churros Amigos.

When to catch your favourite artists...

Friday, May 31:
Main stage: Nas, De La Soul, Ghetts, A2, Kojey Radical, Nadia Rose, Rachael Anson
Ends & Friends Stage: Saint JHN, Ama Lou, K-Trap, House Of Pharaohs, Tiana Major9, JGrrey, Koder

Saturday, June 1:

Main stage: Wizkid, Maleek Berry, Wande Coal, Kojo Funds, Kranium, Teni The Entertainer, Juls, Eddie Kadie Ends & Friends Stage: NSG, Sneakbo, One Acen, DJ Spinall, Alicai Harley, Kenny Allstar, P Montana

Sunday, June 2:

Main stage: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Nao, Masego, Mansur Brown, The Compozers, Jaz Karis, Croydon FM
Ends & Friends Stage IAMDDB, Seani B, DJ Ace, Benji ow, Che Lingo, Amber Olivier, Miraa May

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