De Toegift
A suitcase full of sounds, eyes fixed on the horizon. De Toegift is on the move. This poetic six-piece from the Dutch coast blends spoken word, indie, and electronics into intimate dreamscapes of love, youth, and loss. They’ve captured hearts across the Low Countries; from Popronde and Noorderslag to sold-out club tours in venues like Paradiso and De Roma, and major festivals such as Best Kept Secret and Into The Great Wide Open. With their new album kleine auto, grote hot wheel, they once again push the boundaries of Dutch pop. Melancholic, magnetic, and full of wonder. Experience De Toegift live at Hit The City.
Charlie Avalon
Charlie Avalon is the DJ duo that derails your night in the best way possible. Chaos, curated to perfection. Charlie Rombach and Avalon Peters spin anything that gets the floor moving. From alternative bangers to electronic slammers, pop anthems to indie gems. Their only rule? No rules. After sharing the stage with icons like The Dare, 2manydjs, and LYNKS, and performing at festivals such as Best Kept Secret, Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, and Into The Great Wide Open, as well as venues like Paradiso, Tivoli, and Melkweg, there’s no escaping them. Not that you’d want to. Expect chaos, sweat, and pure dancefloor euphoria during their set at Hit The City.
Allman Brown
This is your must-see moment: the electrifying Allman Brown is hitting the stage. The London-based singer-songwriter channels the spirit of legends like Springsteen, Bon Iver, and Tracy Chapman with his soulful, heartfelt music. With three acclaimed albums – ‘1000 Years, Darling, It'll Be Alright, and Second Son’ - he’s racked up over a quarter of a billion streams worldwide. His songs have featured in hit US TV shows like The Good Doctor and Criminal Minds, adding emotional depth to key moments. Brown’s heartfelt storytelling and captivating voice have taken him on tours across Europe, Asia, and North America. His latest album, Second Son, produced by Grammy winner Peter Katis, showcases a fresh, electronic-infused sound while staying true to his signature style.
Sef
Yousef Gnaoui, better known as Sef, first burst onto the scene with the iconic hip-hop collective Flinke Namen, quickly cementing his place in Dutch music through chart-topping collaborations with The Partysquad and Dio. In 2011, he ventured out on his own. His solo debut marked the beginning of a fearless career defined by originality, introspection, and constant evolution. In 2023, Sef released the widely acclaimed ‘Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag’. A powerful album that delves deep into the impact of capitalism, nationalism, and individualism on society. The record earned him the Edison Award for Best Dutch Album of the Year, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s most thought-provoking artists. With a brand-new album, Lieve Monsters, dropping this June, Sef is ready to take things to the next level during Hit The City.
Gotu Jim
Rapper Gotu Jim’s journey is nothing short of legendary. From student king to internet sensation to style icon, he’s been rising nonstop and if he weren’t so down-to-earth, people would be calling him a superstar by now. Secretly, maybe he always dreamed of being a DJ, but the hip-hop scene is absolutely richer with this charismatic rising star behind the mic. In 2024, he broke through with ‘Misschien Kwijt’, a viral TikTok hit that quickly turned into a full-blown festival anthem. His sound remains unmistakably Jim: dark and emotional, yet always wrapped in a smile, with those catchy, sing-along hooks you just can’t shake. With his raunchy lyrics and wavy beats, Gotu Jim has already teamed up with artists like Faberyayo and Merol. He’s rocked stages at Solar, Lowlands, and Pukkelpop, while his album ‘Niet Geslapen Wel Gedoucht’ earned a nomination for a prestigious 3voor12 Award. The hip-hop scene is lucky to have this genuinely talented and down-to-earth artist rising fast.
Circa Waves
Get ready for a shot of pure indie adrenaline: Circa Waves are heading to Hit The City. They’re bringing a storm of singalong choruses, jangly guitars, and retro-tinged new wave energy. The Liverpool-based band broke through in 2015 with their sunshine-soaked anthem T-Shirt Weather clocking over 137 million Spotify streams. With five albums under their belt and a sixth on the horizon, Circa Waves have become a cornerstone of the modern indie scene, delivering compact, catchy rock with heart and hooks. Their new album ‘Death & Love, Pt. 1’ shows a new era of festival-ready bangers. Expect a fiery set full of old favorites and fresh anthems, perfect for fans of Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines, and The Strokes.
Bente
Singer-songwriter and actress Bente is one of the most captivating voices in the Dutch music scene. Known for her powerful yet vulnerable lyrics, she broke through with Liefste, Ken Je Mij and has since collaborated with artists like Maan, Ronnie Flex, Typhoon, and Meau. Following her acclaimed debut Als Ik Met De Wind Kon Dansen, Bente returns with her stunning second album drift. A deeply personal collection that brings themes like love, loss, and identity to life. “Growing up, everything that comes with it, and longing for childhood,” is how she describes it and you feel that in every track. Now, as part of the second leg of her successful tour, Bente brings her heartfelt sound to Hit The City. Don’t miss this intimate, soul-stirring performance!
Pommelien Thijs
Belgian pop sensation Pommelien Thijs brings her magnetic voice and cinematic soundscapes to Ketelhuisplein. With chart-topping hits like ‘Atlas’, Erop of Eronder,’ ‘Ongewoon,’ and ‘Het Beste Moet Nog Komen,’ Pommelien fuses infectious pop with bold themes; climate anxiety, mental health, and the chaos of young love. She crafts her own musical universe, filled with subtle Easter eggs and hidden clues that tease what’s still to come. Every performance, lyric, and visual detail connects to a larger story still unfolding. Expect a dazzling, self-directed show blending powerful visuals, sustainable fashion, and a voice that resonates across generations.
Fresku
Since 2008, Fresku has been a cornerstone of the Dutch rap scene, and he’ll bring his honest, heartfelt voice back home at Hit the City. He broke through with ‘Brief Aan Kees’, a powerful track that landed him a deal with Top Notch, the Netherlands’ biggest hip-hop label. Fresku is a creative powerhouse and a storyteller who fearlessly shares his fears, doubts, and love. Beyond music, he acts, performs cabaret, and runs his own label. Through his work, he holds up a mirror to Hilversum, sparking reflection during times of division and tension. Expect deep stories, sharp rhymes, and the unmistakable spirit of a true original. Don’t miss this hometown hero shake the city to its core.
Broederliefde
Rotterdam’s finest, Broederliefde, is hitting the stage at Ketelhuisplein. Broederliefde, which translates to brotherly love, tells the unique story of a brotherhood that rose from the streets of Spangen. Blending hard-hitting hip-hop with the rhythm of Caribbean dance music, they made waves with their debut single ‘Labanta’ and hits like “Mi No Lob”, “Jungle”, “Alaka”, and “Ik Was Al Binnen”. Get ready to move with the familia!