Janelle Monáe to perform at opening night of Manchester International Festival 2019

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe is to perform on the opening night of the Manchester International Festival this year.

The musician is to headline an open-air event at Castlefield Bowl on 4 July in the city, which begins the 18 day festival.

The concert is one of two that Monáe will be playing in the UK in 2019. She kick starts the festival which also includes work from Yoko Ono, Idris Elba, Kwame Kwei-Armah and Skepta. The full programme is yet to be announced.

Monáe's work includes her album Dirty Computer which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Album. She has recently moved into an acting career and starred in films Hidden Figures and Moonlight.

John McGrath, artistic director and CEO at MIF said: "We're thrilled that Janelle Monáe is performing on the opening night of MIF19. Justifiably, she's getting widespread acclaim for her work and we're delighted that Manchester is hosting one of only two shows she is planning for the UK in 2019. It will be a sensational event and adds to an exciting start to the Festival."