Leftfield, Yussef Dayes and The Blackbyrds are among the headline acts set to join the previously announced Kool and The Gang at Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival (Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July 2024).

Other acts heading to the Birmingham jazz festival’s main stages include Mo’Wax and Unkle’s James Lavelle (DJ set), Mr Scruff, Glaswegian soundsystem Mungo’s Hi Fi with Marina P, Grammy-nominated James Hunter, primordial groovers Thumpasaurus, New Orleans’ dynamo Dawn Richard, and Ezra Collective’s Ife Ogunjobi.

Formed in 1988, Leftfield (Friday) quickly became one of the most influential and innovative dance music acts of all time. 1995’s Leftism and 1999’s Rhythm and Stealth were both Mercury Music Prize nominees, solidifying their position as true pioneers.

Revered multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer Yussef Dayes‘ (Saturday) debut solo album, Black Classical Music, made an instant impact when it dropped last autumn, prompting two BRIT Award nominations (for best new Artist and Best Alternative Act). Yussef is widely recognised as one of the most electrifying live performers of his generation.

Assembled by legendary Donald Byrd in 1973, The Blackbyrds (Saturday) laid the foundations for the jazz-funk movement. With such tracks as Do It Fluid, Walking In Rhythm, Happy Music and the iconic Rock Creek Park, their music has been widely sampled by such acts as De La Soul and Massive Attack. Recently celebrating their 50th anniversary, their line-up is led by original members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall.

Other acts heading to Mostly Jazz include Ryan Hope (one third of Gabriels), multi-instrumentalist corto.alto, Jorja Smith labelmates Bricknasty, Canadian hip hop collective Super Duty Tough Work, London-based soul ensemble Wonder 45, and Luke Una, plus leading West Midlanders Leftfoot (hosting their own stage), Neone The Wonderer, The Atlantic Players, Ella More, Isla Wolfe, and Alex Polack.

They join the already announced Sunday headliners Kool and The Gang, along with DJ Craig Charles, and Nubiyan Twist (read more).

John Fell, Mostly Jazz’s Festival Manager, said: “With one of the most influential electronic acts, Leftfield, opening on Friday, the BRIT nominated Yussef Dayes with us on Saturday, with the legendary R&B/funk pioneers Kool and The Gang closing on Sunday, we have one of the most varied Mostly Jazz line-ups so far.

“And we still have a couple of special guests to announce yet – so keep an eye out for news on those soon.”

Set in the idyllic Moseley Park, just two miles outside of Birmingham city centre, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival has built a strong reputation for presenting iconic and up-and-coming artists in an intimate outdoor setting, without the hassle of camping.

Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July 2024 at Moseley Park and Pool, Moseley, Birmingham. Tickets on sale from Friday 23 February 2024, 10am. See: mostlyjazz.co.uk