Native James: Metal, grime and raw energy at Pohoda 2026
With his fusion of metal, grime, punk, and rap, he breaks down genre boundaries and delivers an uncompromising dose of energy, honesty, and inner reflection. One of the most distinctive voices of the contemporary British alternative scene, Native James, will perform at Pohoda.
11. November 2025
Native James comes from the port town of Ipswich in the United Kingdom. As an alternative artist, he has carved his own path by combining raw energy with powerful lyrics, captivating audiences at some of the U.K's most iconic festivals and live events. Native made a huge impact being booked as a solo grime artist but instead turning up to Reading Festival with a full band ready to cause chaos in the alternative scene with his hard-hitting live performance.
He was recently nominated for his first MOBO award for Best Alternative Music Act and continues to make waves, representing Black culture, metal and rap as an infusion to include everyone.
His latest and long-awaited EP, Confessions of a Sinner, follows his previous release Rebirth, while also marking a clear evolution — proof that he’s constantly developing and pushing his style forward. Speaking about the new EP, Native James said: "This EP is ups and downs, trials and tribulations; it entices the duality of oneself while taking you down a path of reflection. It's connected with rage and all the above - a sinner and his thoughts.”
Native James has now joined the Pohoda Festival lineup. Alongside him, fans can look forward to performances from Gorillaz, IDLES, SOFT PLAY, Baxter Dury, and Slovak acts such as Para and Gleb.
For the first time this year, we have added an Extra Day to the three days of the Pohoda festival, on which the legendary The Cure, Just Mustard, and other bands, which we will announce next week, will play on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. You have the option to purchase a 4-day ticket (festival + The Cure), a 3-day ticket (Thursday–Saturday), or extend your 3-day ticket to include Extra Day. All information and tickets can be found on our website.