Idris Elba, Deepak Chopra, Tems & Wyclef Jean Among Speakers Set For SXSW London

Diana Lodderhose

10 February 2025 at 7:01 pm·2-min read

Idris Elba, Deepak Chopra, Katherine Ryan, Wyclef Jean, Tems, Jenn Nkiru, Jean-Michel Jarre and Joe Wicks are among the speakers set for the first edition of South by Southwest London this summer.

“Attendees will hear from industry leaders at the cutting edge of what is new and future facing alongside some of the world’s biggest talent from across music, film, tech and culture at the inaugural festival in Shoreditch,” said SXSW organizers in a statement. “SXSW London will include everything that attendees have come to expect from SXSW including talks, music and screen, alongside a focus on new themes, including visual arts and fashion.”

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The conference program is set to present ideas about the intersection of tech, creativity, arts and business. Additional speakers include: Alex Hirschi, Founder and Creator of Supercar Blondie; Ben Lamm, Co-Founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences; Callum McGinley, Founder and Creator of The notwoways & Afterparty Studios; and Williams Racing’s James Vowles.

“The names we’re announcing today embody the groundbreaking ideas, creative energy, and collaborative ethos that SXSW London will bring to Europe for the first time,” said SXSW CEO Max Alexander. “From redefining industries to spotlighting cutting-edge music scenes, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of global creativity.”

At the event’s Music Festival section, there will be live showcases, industry meetups, networking and future-forward debate across the various Shoreditch venues. Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer will headline this year’s festival where she’ll perform on June 5, 2025, at the Troxy.

Abbey Road Studios will bring Abbey Road: Studio Four to SXSW London, a new concept encompassing live music, inspiring conversations and immersive experiences. Reflecting their core themes of music creativity, innovation and learning, this unique collaboration will highlight the continuing cultural relevance and innovative spirit of Abbey Road for festival delegates.

Grammy Award-winning artist and filmmaker Nkiru will lead the Screen section of the event, a segment that will explore the intersections between film, art and music through feature films, shorts and music videos.

Nkiru will launch the London premiere of her latest work The Great North, co-produced by Factory International and Mothership.

Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

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