Take a look through the looking glass, and what’s that? Little Simz, an up-and-coming British rapper who Mayfest just added to the Dillo Day lineup.
Little Simz’s most recent album, Stillness in Wonderland, attracted critical acclaim, with music magazine The FADER calling it “The Year’s Last Great Album.” After releasing the album, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, she also announced a comic book, short film, art exhibition and festival themed around the music. The 21-year-old also made it to Forbes’ “30 Under 30: Europe” list for Entertainment in 2016, and has received recognition from rap heavyweight Kendrick Lamar.
Making music since she was 16, Little Simz has seven EPs, four mixtapes and two full-length albums to her name. The rapper is the first solo woman announced for Dillo Day since 2015, when Charli XCX was slated to play the festival before it was canceled for inclement weather. Little Simz will play the mainstage third, after two still-unannounced performers.
"We think her unique sound and energy will fit perfectly into our lineup, and we can’t wait to introduce this rising star to the Northwestern community," Mayfest said in a press release. "On BBC 1Xtra, Kendrick Lamar said Simz 'might be the illest doing it now,' and we’d have to agree."
Mayfest previously announced alternative-electronic duo MGMT will headline the festival’s main stage, and electronic dance producer Gramatik will be the second-to-last mainstage act. Mayfest also announced today it will sell Dillo Day T-shirts and hats, available through pre-order until Sunday at midnight.
Student and guest wristband registration is open on the Norris Box Office website. Dillo Day, the largest student-run annual music festival in the country, takes place May 20 on the Lakefill.