50 Cent will be one of the headline acts for this year’s Parklife festival. The announcement comes as the festival celebrates its milestone 15th anniversary, making it one of the UK’s most established summer music events.
The 49-year-old rap star will headline the two-day festival at Heaton Park in Manchester in June. Heaton Park, spanning over 600 acres, is one of Europe’s largest municipal parks and has been hosting major music events since the 1980s.
The other headline acts include Jorja Smith and Charli XCX, who was announced as one of the headliners back in November. Both artists have achieved significant success recently, with Jorja Smith’s latest album receiving critical acclaim and Charli XCX’s singles dominating streaming platforms.
The festival’s full line-up also includes the likes of Peggy Gou, Pawsa, Overmono, Lola Young and Hybrid Minds. This diverse lineup represents multiple genres, from electronic dance music to indie pop, reflecting the festival’s commitment to musical variety.
In total, more than 100 artists will perform at Parklife – which is being held in Manchester on June 14 and 15 – and this year’s festival will mark 15 years of the event. Parklife has previously featured artists such as Calvin Harris, Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, and The 1975. Since its inception, the festival has grown from a one-day event with 15,000 attendees to a major weekend festival attracting over 80,000 people daily.
50 – whose real name is Curtis Jackson – performed at Parklife in 2022, but he’s largely focused on his TV production business in recent years. His production company has been behind several successful television series, including the “Power” franchise, which has become one of Starz network’s most-watched shows.
The ’21 Questions’ hitmaker is one of the best-selling rap artists of all time and although he’s achieved most of his ambitions in the music business, 50 previously admitted that he still enjoys the thrill of performing in front of a large crowd. His debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling debut albums in hip-hop history.
“I get the attention that I want from music when I want it,” 50 told Billboard in 2023. His strategic approach to balancing entertainment ventures has helped him build a diverse portfolio in the industry, from music to television production and business investments.
“I just went out and toured 45 countries, and everywhere was sold out. That made me want to offer new music that I could integrate into everything now. His recent world tour demonstrated his enduring appeal, with venues selling out across multiple continents and generations of fans showing their support.
“I’ve done what I wanted to do in the [sales] capacity. I’ve sold over 35 million records. Not singles – albums.” This impressive sales figure puts him among the top-selling hip-hop artists of all time, alongside legends like Eminem and Jay-Z.
The announcement of 50 Cent as a headliner represents a significant coup for Parklife, which has consistently grown in stature since its humble beginnings as the Mad Ferret Festival in 2010. The festival has become known for blending established acts with emerging talent, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts music fans from across the UK and beyond.
Parklife‘s evolution mirrors Manchester’s rich musical heritage, with the city being home to legendary bands like The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses. The festival continues this tradition by providing a platform for both international stars and local talent, contributing to Manchester’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier music cities.
The festival has also made significant strides in sustainability and community engagement, implementing various eco-friendly initiatives and supporting local businesses. These efforts have helped establish Parklife as more than just a music festival, but as a crucial part of Manchester’s cultural calendar and economic landscape.
