This year’s lineup saw a powerful and long-overdue spotlight on Black artists, with some of the most electrifying performances coming from acts that brought not only talent but cultural significance to the stage. From Doechii’s genre-bending set to Busta Rhymes’ explosive return, and soulful performances from Jorja Smith and En Vogue, Glastonbury 2025 showcased a rich spectrum of Black artistry across its biggest platforms. It marked a shift, not just in sound, but in representation, visibility, and the celebration of global Black music culture at one of the world’s most iconic festivals.
Doechii – West Holts Stage (Saturday Night)
The Grammy-winning rapper-singer Doechii delivered a breakthrough performance on the West Holts Stage, marking her first time headlining at Glastonbury. Transitioning from a dynamic Grammys appearance earlier this year to this West Holts slot, she brought her electrifying blend of rap, R&B, punk, and avant‑garde energy, an act pivotal in showcasing hip‑hop’s raw and genre-defying evolution at Worthy Farm.
Busta Rhymes – Friday, Other Stage
A legend of rapid-fire lyricism and explosive stage presence, Busta Rhymes returned to the Other Stage, reminding festival-goers why he remains a powerhouse. His appearance highlighted Glastonbury’s embrace of hip-hop’s enduring cultural force.
Jorja Smith – Sunday, Pyramid Stage
Jorja Smith, the soulful British singer-songwriter, secured a prominent Pyramid Stage slot on Sunday, delivering a set that spanned jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. Her appearance marked continued representation of Black British artistry at the festival’s forefront .
En Vogue – West Holts Stage
Veteran R&B group En Vogue headlined West Holts, bringing decades of influence to Glastonbury. Their set underlined the importance of celebrating Black female vocal groups with rich musical legacies.
Denzel Curry – Friday, West Holts
A rising force in American hip-hop, Denzel Curry hit the West Holts Stage on Friday. His intense, socially conscious sound added another layer of Black artistic depth within the festival’s lineup.
Why It Matters
Glastonbury 2025 marks a notable shift toward celebrating diverse Black talent across multiple genres. From established icons like Busta Rhymes and En Vogue to rising stars like Doechii and Jorja Smith, these artists exemplify the festival’s broader embrace of Black culture within its headliner tiers, an evolution from the festival’s historically homogeneous billing.
A Continued Cultural Shift
In the wake of earlier criticism about festival diversity, 2025’s lineup demonstrates Glastonbury’s evolving ethos. Black representation across stages, Pyramid, Other, and West Holts, signals a deliberate effort to elevate both legacy artists and emergent voices, fostering a richer, more inclusive festival experience.
