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.
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!
Blanks
Blanks delivers an irresistible blast of feel-good pop.The Dutch singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, also known as Simon de Wit, first lit up the global stage with his infectious YouTube covers, but quickly proved he’s much more than a viral sensation. With his signature blend of upbeat pop, retro nostalgia, and dancefloor-ready hooks, Blanks has carved out a sound that’s uniquely his own. His debut album ‘Nothing Lasts Forever And That’s OK’ became an instant fan favorite, and he’s been unstoppable ever since. In 2024, Blanks took his band on a whirlwind tour across the US, Canada, and Europe, and caught the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop with his latest single ‘Love Situation’. And when he’s not lighting up the stage himself, he’s co-writing with rising stars like MEAU and Pommelien Thijs.
Maan
Maan is without a doubt one of the most successful pop artists in the Netherlands. In 2022, she sold out the Ziggo Dome, and her smash hit ‘Stiekem’ (with Goldband) became the most streamed song in the Netherlands on Spotify in 2023. After taking a step back to reconnect with her musical roots, Maan returns with her brand-new album Eclips — a bold, emotional journey that showcases her artistic growth. Joined by her live band, Maan brings a fresh new show filled with stunning visuals, raw energy, and of course, brand-new music. Don’t miss this chance to experience the next phase of Maan.
Ronnie Flex & The Fam
Get ready for an electrifying afternoon as Ronnie Flex takes the stage at Ketelhuisplein with unstoppable energy, raw emotion, and hit after hit. Rooted in hip hop, but just as comfortable dropping pure pop, club bangers, smooth R&B or urban anthems — the Rotterdam native does it all, and always with style. With almost 3 million monthly streams on Spotify, Ronnie Flex continues to prove he's one of the most versatile and beloved artists in the game. A new album is on the way, and on the recent single ‘Heel De Nacht Alleen’ we even hear a rocking Ronnie Flex like never before. And this time, he’s not coming alone — Ronnie Flex will be joined by The Fam, bringing even more energy, talent and love to the stage. We’re thrilled to welcome him.