Wireless festival sparks criticsm with male-dominated line-up
There are only six female acts on the bill.
Rappers ASAP Rocky, Skepta and Meek Mill are headlining this year’s Wireless festival – although the line-up features only six female acts.
The festival’s Twitter account shared a video unveiling the 2020 line-up on Thursday.
The three-day event at Finsbury Park in north London will also see performances from D-Block Europe, AJ Tracey, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Burna Boy, Doja Cat, Aitch and Koffee.
Friday night will see ASAP Rocky take to the stage.
The rapper, real name Rakim Mayers, cancelled his headline slot at last year’s event after he was detained following an alleged fight in Stockholm days before he was due to play.
Grime pioneer Skepta will top the billing on Saturday, while US rapper Meek Mill will make his debut at the festival as headliner on Sunday.
He tweeted: “I’m doing wireless fest for the first timeee! Gone be lit UK gotta go up!”
However, the festival faced criticism over the lack of female talent on its line-up.
Singer and actress Mahalia shared the line-up and tweeted: “With all the female artists out there, y’all really made another dick fest line up ???? I’m tired.”
Others were also critical of the male-dominated billing.
One asked: “Does Wireless care about Female acts?”
Another said: “Can someone start an all female festival please coz right now it seems #Wireless is an all male festival ….. let’s go! Who else is in?
“Furthermore I’ll set it up I need to know who would be on the line up & who would come … yeh I’m dreaming … more work to be done.”
A third added: “Not impressed with the wireless lineup. here are all the female artists?”
Some defended the festival, citing a perceived lack of female talent in the music scene.
One person said: “There is a lack of equality not denying that. But you can’t call Wireless sexist because they didn’t choose any female artists if there’s so few quality female artists around at the moment.”
The festival has been contacted for comment.
