We Out Here Festival 2025 Reveals Rotary Connection 222, Michael Kiwanuka & Noname

Gilles Peterson’s award-winning festival returns in 2025 for its 6th installment, boasting its strongest line-up yet. A We Out Here exclusive performance from Rotary Connection 222, an orchestral celebration of the unsung hero Charles Stepney, the man behind Earth, Wind & Fire, Minnie Riperton and Rotary Connection. Check out his 2022 posthumous release, Step on Step, a beautifully compiled collection of his greatest work. Co-headlining is Mercury prize winner and staple of the UK soul scene, Michael Kiwanuka. His latest album, Small Changes, echoes his legendary debut Home Again with a refreshing twist.

Joining them is Maryland-born, honorary scouser Jalen Ngonda, continuing the relentless tour of his 2023 release Come Around And Love Me. representing Chi-town is poet turned rapper Noname, her recent project Sundial fiercely challenges modern imperialism while delivering a masterclass in hip-hop. One of the most important artists in recent years.

No We Out Here Lineup is complete without the finest Jazz this little island has to offer. The Incredible Nala Sinephro will be performing her sonically stunning album Endlessness. London-based jazz/afrobeat collective Kokoroko are set to bring the vibes.

Jalen Ngonda, photo by Rosie Cohe

We Out Here line-ups are a love letter to phenomenal music and the scenes that nurture it. The programme is carefully curated to celebrate left-field culture across 15 unique stages over the weekend. From the large open-air forest dance floors to small and intimate homemade sound systems, there’s truly something for everyone!

Other notable acts include the internationally acclaimed afrobeat and jazz project originally formed in the 1960s and revived in 2009; Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou, as well as the high-octane thrill of London jungle DJs 4AM KRU, Detroit techno legend Carl Craig, and legendary disco soul singer Leroy Burgess. Revered selector Theo Parrish is confirmed in this announcement for an 8 hour extended set alongside the likes of Photek, Ben UFO B2B Josey Rebelle, Jamz Supernova, Livwutang, Roni Size, Francoise K, Major Force, Marcellus Pittman B2B Maurice Fulton, Distant Planet, Channel One, Aba Shanti & more across the weekend.

This year, We Out Here also dedicates a portion of programming to celebrate 40 years of The Bristol Sound with artists including Smith & Mighty, Daddy G, Queen Bee, DJ Nature, Roni Size, Om Unit, Yushh, Peverelist and many more…

Enveloped by towering trees, the We Out Here site offers their positive and passionate community
a unique opportunity to switch off from the outside world and fully immerse in what’s become We Out Here’s trademark offering: outstanding live music, some of the best record collections in the world, high-end sound and production, family, wellness and cultural activities. We Out Here continues to nurture a space for collective joy, connection and musical discovery – a worldwide family gathering not to be missed.

More information and festival tickets are available from the official website.

We Out Here Festival 2025 admat