M.I.A. is curating this year's Meltdown Festival

M.I.A., real name Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, is set to follow in the footsteps of David Bowie, Patti Smith, Morrissey, David Byrne, Yoko Ono, and more in curating the bill at the prestigious creative showcase.

Lineup announcements are expected in the near future.

"For me this Meltdown will be about putting on a musical week that shows different types of music which have inspired each other to exist," says M.I.A.. "Genres that support other genres, redefining the concept of a melting pot. Respect the history, don’t live in it. I plan to bring together music’s best forward thinkers who have contributed to all our lives. When music acts as inspiration, it’s boundary-less."

Jude Kelly, Artistic Director at Southbank Centre, adds: "It’s not often that we encounter such an unbridled creative force, excelling in whichever field they try their hand. M.I.A. has not just broken barriers as a musician, creating music that is embraced the world over, but she has made art her rallying cry - and has stayed true to her conviction, as an artist, woman and citizen of the world."

M.I.A.'s most recent album, AIM, was released in September 2016.