The definitive list of the contemporary, new R&B artists that will redefine music in the next few years. Naomi Sharon, Jordan Ward, Destin Conrad, Elmiene, Ego Ella May & more
New R&B Artists to Watch 2024
See our full list and article of R&B artists to watch in 2024 here.
Naomi Sharon
Genres: Mellow Alternative R&B
Top Tracks: Definition of Love, Regardless
This Dutch-Caribbean singer released her debut album Obsidian last year. It feels spiritual and vulnerable, as if she’s trying to reach a place of restoration. We are along for the ride, reminded of Nigerian-British singer Sade in the process. Recently, Naomi Sharon has joined Drake’s OVO label as their latest R&B solo artist. With a string of excellent releases, we’re excited for what’s to come from Naomi Sharon.
Ego Ella May
Genres: Jazz-infused R&B
Top Tracks: Undone, Underwater
This award-winning contemporary jazz and R&B artist has already made quite a name for herself. Ego Ella May’s sound is reflective and tranquil. So, if you’re in need of soothing, you know where to go. Her latest EP FIELDNOTES PT III was released late 2023, where she has also co-produced three out of four songs. You can find Ego Ella May performing at Ronnie Scotts and Brick Lane Jazz Festival in the coming months.
Jordan Ward
Genres: Indie R&B
Top Tracks: Cherimoya, 311
You might have caught the dancer turn R&B artist on his Tiny Desk last October. He opened up his set with his track ‘Lil Baby Crush’ whilst the piano softly played SWV’s Rain before the opening lyrics “She look like 90’s R&B, Her friends like SWV” – the scene is set and we’re hooked! 2023 saw Jordan Ward make a splash with his breakout album, FORWARD. 2024 is set to be the year where he solidifies his mark on R&B and music at large.
Destin Conrad
Genres: Contemporary R&B
Top Tracks: UNPREDICTABLE, Luv n Devotion
You may remember R&B singer Destin Conrad from last year’s list. His sticky, sweet vocals are paired with a mix of R&B rhythms, soft reggae beats such as on ‘LUV N DEVOTION‘ and a touch of jazz on ‘LOW TIDE‘. His recent project, SUBMISSIVE also features our other One to Watch R&B artist Jordan Ward and singer / saxophonist Masego – a must listen!
Amaria
Genres: Neo-Soul
Top Tracks: All for You, Secrets
The production of Amaria’s music feels like she’s an otherworldly being floating around us. Her velvety voice is affectionate and enchanting, with her signature Neo-Soul sound. You can often hear the sound of softly played trumpets and saxophones, only adding to the sensuality of this R&B singer’s music.
See our full list and article of R&B artists to watch in 2024 here.
New R&B Artists to Watch 2023
See our full list and article of R&B artists to watch in 2023 here.
Q
Genres: Alternative R&B / Alternative Soul, Indie Soul
Top Tracks: Today, Take Me Where Your Heart Is
Q Steven Marsden who artistically just goes by his single letter name Q, is a dynamic artist whose music we are constantly in anticipation for. The Floridian musician is the son to Jamaican parents both of whom are musically gifted; his father Steven “Lenky” Marsden being a legendary dancehall producer. Q is a mysterious type whose Spotify profile simply lists him as a “human who makes music”. His sound is both heavily inspired by funk and the essence of Soul, yet has a modern, even futuristic edge that’s blowing up with young fans.
His performance of ‘Today’ at the 2022 Soul Train awards was one of the most impressive of the year. Watching him perform each song with such purpose and passion will stop you in your tracks. Definitely one of the most exciting new R&B singers out and one to watch.
FLO
Genres: Contemporary R&B, Pop R&B
Top Tracks: Summertime, Not My Job
We stan FLO and were one of the first to call them out as R&B artists to watch. Made up of Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Renée Downer, FLO formed in 2019. Their melodious harmonies and sweet personalities are reminiscent of our fave 90s and 2000s R&B girl groups who linger sweetly in our memories. FLO have already made it onto TV screens with the legendary Jools Holland show in the UK and Jimmy Kimmel in the US. Impressively, FLO also made a record of being the first group to win both the Brits Rising Star Award and BBC Sound of 2023. They are making big moves and hopefully encouraging more girl groups and R&B artists to take the lead just like their many UK group predecessors!
Tendai
Genres: Alternative R&B
Top Tracks: Pressure, Time in Our Lives
Tendai, a Canning Town local, is a genre-bending R&B artist on iconic UK rapper Stormzy’s 0207DefJam. He is specific with the signifiers in his videos and carefully selects the lyrics that’ll create the perfect movie in the heads of his listeners. Dark purple is how he describes his music, a colour often associated with wealth and wisdom.
Tendai can’t be put in a box. His work features a variety of sounds, from the rocky Infinite Straight with rough and wispy vocals to the garage-influenced ‘Lately ‘ and R&B-inspired ‘Pressure‘. His music is rich and purposeful, the depth of purple truly seeping through.
Ojerime
Genres: Alternative R&B, Electronic R&B
Top Tracks: Nothing, Give it Up to Me
South Londoner, Ojerime has been a gem of the British R&B scene for a minute. 5 projects in, Ojerime is truly in her own sonic lane. Ojerime’s sound is heavily influenced by ’90s R&B, yet is refreshingly experimental. Tinges of Hip Hop, tinges of electronic music and more can be heard. With Ojerime’s signature dulcet tones and layered harmonies guiding the way.
Lyrically, Ojerime is a story teller with a knack for deep emotive stories. The past few years has seen Ojerime on the rise, with sold out headlines in the UK and streaming success across the world. We look forward to more from her as one of the fast-rising R&B artists of 2023.
Elmiene
Genres: Indie Soul
Top Tracks: Choose You, Why (Spare Me Tears)
Elmiene’s music first came to public attention after his song ‘Golden’ opened Virgil Abloh’s final Louis Vuitton show, just two days after the designer’s passing. The song felt warming for what was a sombre moment, with comments asking who’s voice that was. Elmiene lists D’Angelo and Prince as his inspirations, the latter of which you can hear in the crescendo of‘Why (Spare Me Tears)’. With only a few tracks released and a pending EP, we’re eagerly waiting to hear more from him. In the meantime you can find him joyfully and carelessly singing away on his TikTok. One of the R&B artists set to truly make his mark in 2023.
Lizzie Berchie
Genres: Neo-Soul
Top Tracks: Pass Time, Growth
The Neo-Soul sweetheart from Newham. Lizzie Berchie is a little bit sultry, a little bit sweet. Berchie welcomes you to her world by gently pulling you into storytimes about the beauty of flourishing love alongside the world’s own heartaches and grief such as in tracks ‘Nsala’ and ‘Trying’. Her first EP, feels like a safe space to reflect and grieve alongside observing the warmth and care that can be found amongst us.
See our full list and article of R&B artists to watch in 2023 here. Playlist below
New R&B Artists to Watch 2022
We’re going to be honest, making projections for the future feels to be a dangerous sport at the moment. But our love for R&B, Soul, Neo-Jazz and everything in-between compels us to compile a list of the soulful vocals that make us shiver and the riffs that have us tapping our feet. Plus the Hip Hop Soul artists that move us with their quick-witted lyricism. For our list of up and coming R&B artists to watch in 2022, we’ve selected the R&B artists that stood above the rest in 2021 with stellar music and rollouts. These R&B artists deserve their flowers in an industry that isn’t great at giving them that.
This list gets harder to make every year. With a plethora of new soundscapes both in the UK and transatlantic, we’ve compiled a list of the up and coming R&B artists that we believe will do amazing things in 2022. So without further ado, your list of the contemporary R&B artists to watch in 2022 (and a playlist of their top tracks to start you off) is down below.
Anaiis
The beautifully constructed discography of Anaïis revolves around self-worth, culture and art in all its forms, beautifully tied with the ribbon of talent. For the French-Senegalese vocalist, the wings of her musicality are best spread during live sets, as seen in her COLORSx debut for Vanishing. Switching the script while sticking to her art ethos, Anaiis adopted visuals as a form of self-expression.
Since she went independent in 2021, Anaiis has been able to spread her wings and find her niche, something fans saw in the release of her This Is No Longer a Dream album. The future looks bright for this alternative R&B Soul-stress forging a musical lane all of her own.
3 words that describe your sound / music in 2022? Dreamy, Alternative, Soul
What mood/vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
In 2022 I am hoping to create good vibration music that brings a feeling of joy, healing, and love into my audience’s world.
What should the people expect from Anaiis for 2022? Just announced a limited vinyl which can be purchased on my bandcamp, anaiis.bandcamp.com
Dream collaborations? James Blake, Frank Ocean, John Carroll Kirby, Moses Sumney
Berwyn
Berwyn is in his own lane as a vocalist but equally loaded with the wickedest one-liners as a lyricist. Uniquely coupling R&B / Soul and rap, Berwyn has made a name for himself in the music scene. Having made his stamp in the memory of many through his COLORSxSTUDIOS debut with the poignant anthem from his debut project, To Be Loved, he followed up his sonic movement with MIA.
His breakthrough talent and year landed him a nomination for British Music’s highest honour, the Mercury Prize. Berwyn is a child of strong musical direction and certainly an artist to watch closely in 2022.
Samm Henshaw
2021 was a year of musical growth for Samm Henshaw. He took his music to new and personal places, drawing from his own disappointments. In doing so, he has taken his music videos to a new level of visual and thematic expression. It’s made for a strong year and reinvigorated excitement for this R&B artist as one to watch.
His vocal tone and delivery have always been 10/10, reminiscent of the greats of old Funk Soul & Jazz. Samm modernises it with wicked lines of chicken wings and love. Samm Henshaw exuberates real fun in his profile, and we have no doubt the exploration and enjoyment will continue into 2022.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Let say .. Soulful, Uplifting, and Joyous.. for now
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
I really want people to play my music to fit any vibe or emotion. There is a song for every mood across so many different genres and influences. Music is needed for the bad times just as much as good times, so hopefully it can comfort someone during a difficult time.
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
I am dropping my debut album in January. It’s crazy scary but I am also mad excited to finally get it out there. It’s been a journey to this point and I just hope people enjoy it.
Who are your dream collaborations?
Lauryn Hill or my manager Ian lol, I think we’d make a great song
Tamera
Tamera is a real smooth talker on the UK R&B scene. She hypnotised us all with the release of track Wickedest; leaving commentators admiring her arrangement across minimal percussion and drum work. Often spotted on a slow rhythm against guitar licks, Tamera has a unique way of blending Neo-soul and Afrobeats influences, creating the most delicious Afrofrusion R&B blend.
She closed out 2021 with the release of her debut project, AFRODITE. For 2022, there is no doubt we’ll see her unique velvety-like voice doing all kinds of bits.
Muni Long
After dominating the charts to start off 2022, Muni Long is the name we didn’t know, many wish we’d have known earlier. The R&B singer’s balanced latest EP, Public Displays of Affection exemplifies themes of affection, vulnerability and everything in between. Keeping it gangster, Muni is an established songwriter (Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, Madonna, Chris Brown) who has given us chart toppers on the low, and has finally decided to focus her talents on her own artistry.
It’s about time we understand the talent of Muni and what she has to offer. Displaying fearlessness and melodic lyricism, Muni Long has started off 2022 with her single Hrs and Hrs blowing up across social media as seemingly thousands perform renditions of the track that exemplifies the best of R&B. The song has since debuted on the Billboard Hot100, an incredible feat. 2022 seems set to be Muni Long’s year. A journey we are due to take with this writer and vocalist – we can’t wait. The up and coming contemporary R&B artist to watch in 2022.
Chrissi
Chrissi has gorgeous honey-tones and a range of musical expression in her unique tone of voice. 2021, we saw the release of her beautifully decorated EP, Back In The Day, and the thought-provoking video for the lead single with the same name. Blending elements of R&B / Soul, Alternative and Pop, she’s in a unique lane with the likes of Joy Crookes.
With such a gorgeous way with words, Chrissi immediately captured fans and critics with her sound and relatable lyrics. She’s a singer-songwriter we see at the top of playlists for those looking for a smooth listen.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Unapologetic, Honest, Sexy
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
I want it to be a little more pop and easy to listen to, and to explore deeper emotions than the ‘Back in The Day’ EP
What should the people expect from you for 2022?
Another headline show!
Who are your dream collaborations?
Sza and Harry Styles
Marzz
Marzz has a central focus for listeners: for them to enter tomorrow’s world through her mind. Drawing inspiration from the planet Mars’ fiery-red intensity, the rising R&B singer/songwriter (who hails from Louisville, KY), hopes to teach others to embrace their uniqueness.
In 2021, she blew that fire of talent into her debut EP, Love Letterz a vibrant project that perfectly shows off the songstresses incredible vocal ability. Towards the end of the year, Marzz was spotted at the Soul Train Awards, and opening up for Xavier Omar’s US tour, winning the heart of everyone who bore witness to her incredible aura. She’s certainly one of the most exciting R&B artists to watch out for in 2022.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
My sound is True, Melodic & Magical
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
Any mood that promotes self love and healing.
Any surprises you can share for 2022?
Got a lot more visuals coming for y’all and more music! People can expect to get to know me a little better.
Who are your dream collaborations?
Jhene Aiko / Teyana Taylor, Jack Harlow / Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown / Lil Wayne
CHERISE
CHERISE is the next generation of Jazz. With one listen, CHERISE’s voice has the ability to leave one drunk and hypnotised under her incredible spell of talent. A real tenor in her genre, CHERISE’s voice will leave those who are lucky enough to see her live with a real ear-worm and longing for more. Her Beautifully captured aura is everything, and while voice is something – so may be at the top of everyone’s WCW list very soon.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Soul, Pocket, Classic
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
I hope my music is the soundtrack to loving connections. Whether it’s waking up with a lover in the morning or chilling at a picnic in the park with friends. We need to cherish these moments with those we care about now more than ever
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
Yes! New music incoming super soon! Plus, I’ll be musically featured in the film Downton Abbey 2, which drops on March 18th worldwide
Who are your dream collaborations?
Chloe x Halle, Kalid, Tyler the Creator, Daniel Caesar, I’d like to write with Ed Sheeran, Yebba, Mark Ronson, Pharell!… big dreams 🙂
Lex Amor
Having completed two incredible COLORSxSTUDIOS sessions in the past two years, Lex Amor is steadily pushing towards GOAT status. Her unique whisper-like cadence amalgamates a robotic tone; the formula for her cool-as-ever demeanour. The North London lyricist, Lex shares a deeply personal and soulful profile that will leave thought-provoking ideas in the sternest of listeners. Lex Amor is clear of the definition of an artist with flow. She’s made her mark in recent years with a string of live performances and releases. We expect great things in 2022.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Black London Bounce
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
Reflective, pondering, manifesting and meditative
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
New project baby! Loading
Who are your dream collaborations?
Would love to do a track with Erykah Badu
Venna
Venna hypnotised listeners with the release of Venology this year. With his seductive saxophone, he recruited some of the best UK talent (Jvck James, Knucks) to share in this musical debauchee. At the head of musicality and Neo-Jazz, Venna is both talented and cool with it. The formula is unknown, but the talent definitely brings a new flavour to the term modern / contemporary Jazz. Also, he infuses Hip Hop and R&B in this contemporary Jazz blend. 2022 will see Venna reap the product of his musical seeds throughout the past two years.
Dee Gatti
Hailing from Dallas / Fort-Worth, Texas, Dee Gatti is poised to be the next breakout R&B superstar. Growing up in a single-parent home with 5 brothers and sisters, Dee and her family relied on each other to get through tough times. Singing of LGBTQ love, and everyday struggles, one could say Dee Gatti is everything great about the modern-day R&B genre. Often described as a love child between Summer Walker and Kaash Paige, Dee Gatti is everything and more. The release of her Just Called To Say project is the “say it for me” album when it comes to relationships and situationships. One of the leading R&B artists to watch in 2022.
Tay Iwar
Tay Iwar is the golden boy talent of R&B right now. Combining Afro-fusion and R&B, this year we have seen Tay take on features from Juls’ Sound Of My World, Wiz Kid’s Made In Lagos, and most recently Good Love alongside Tamera. The multi-faceted R&b artist effortlessly glides between bedroom jams and Afro-party anthems, thus solidifying him amongst some of the most versatile musicians out. Tay Iwar gave us a lot of features and the 4-track Love & Isolation in 2021. In 2022, we expect a longer form solo project and it’s truly welcomed. Sure to be some of 2022’s finest R&B projects, from one of the premiere R&B artists to watch.
Words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Bold & Sexy
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
It’s all for peace of mind
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
2022 is a dream I’m still in, when I wake up I hope for spontaneity. All I know is there’s new music.
Who are your dream collaborations?
James Blake, Playboi Carti, Timberland, Bakar, Brent Faiyaz, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean
Jvck James
Avant-Garde and champion in his own lane, Jvck James is vocally flawless and the most-welcome epitome of a throwback to 90s R&B era highs. One of the most buzzed about UK R&B artists, Jvck James dominated the scene with the release of his 2021 Joyride EP. The real new kid on the block, James has turned heads for his clean ear for authentic Donell Jones-esque sounds, smooth Usher tones and Frank Ocean drive.
What’s most exciting about Jvck is his ability to put on a show in his Y2k-Esque music and live session videos. These are always equipped with immaculately executed dance routines, braids, and most importantly – talent. A real swooner, Jvck managed to clearly distinguish himself from the majority of his peers. Very few can boast a talent that attracts trans-Atlantic buzz, Jvck is one of the R&B artists set for intergalactic dominance.
Blue Lab Beats
Cool, Vibrant, and taking this music thing to the next level, Blue Lab Beats are pioneers. Best described as “a futuristic Jazztronik duo expressing emotions through vivid instrumentation”. The duo are standouts in the Neo-Jazz scene, consistently creating a distinctive sound of the highest musicality, experimentation and instrumentation. Their sound includes a fusion of genres encapsulating the sounds of Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and Electronica.
The duo consists of Namali Kwaten and David Mrakpor – sometimes referred to as NK-OK and Mr DM. The celebratory and carefree nature of their music has only just begun. They closed 2021 with an iconic feature from the late legend Fela Kuti. Having signed with the iconic jazz house that is Blue Note Records, in 2022 we expect to see a myriad of collaborations, taking things up an echelon.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Uplifting Jazztronica journey
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
Many different sounds and arrangements from us that you would never expect from previous albums by us!
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
We’ll be dropping our album the end of February!! With the legendary Blue Note records. We will be gigging a lot next year and plan to play in London regularly. We have some great studio sessions booked in but we’re not telling you who with!
Reggie Becton
The PG County, Maryland crooner is poised to be a force to be reckoned with in 2022. A real poster boy for R&B in 2022, the release of his California album was just a taster of the talent in Reggie’s laptop. Said to have been inspired by the likes of Prince, Marvin Gaye and Avant, Reggie is a student that excelled in each of these artists’ masterclass. With Reggie’s discography, one can expect R&B sounds that dabble in Funk-rock, Gogo, Hip-Hop / R&B and 80s’ Soul. Equipped with a pen-game most could only wish for, Becton can conjure a foot-tap and hum in the most uninterested of listeners. Keep your eyes peeled on this R&B artist all 2022.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?
Soulful, Emotive and Bounce
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
I want my fans to listen to my music in all moods and vibes. I want to have a song for every emotion my fans are feeling in order to help them deal with and get through any situation, whether it’s getting over a heartbreak, family issues, or just enjoying life
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022? What should the people expect from you for 2022?
New music will happen! When and how is up in the air. Expect a lot of shows though and some festival performances.
Who are your dream collaborations?
Kiana Lede, Tone Stith, PJ Morton, Avant, Jvck James, and JMSN
Demae
Singer, songwriter, and sensual vibe provider, Demae is the refreshing talent that has graced R&B and Neo-Jazz. Amongst many things, Demae’s voice shines. Having made two COLORSx STUDIO’s appearances in the past 12 months, performing Use It and Seasons Change, her mesmerising energy and beauty truly suit her melodic tones and voice. Demae’s debut EP ‘Life Works Out Usually’ is a cult classic and just a taste of what this talent can do.
3 words that describe your sound/music in 2022?Honest, distinct and fun
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
To be honest I believe you should be able to throw on my music for literally any mood you may be feeling. I always try to keep that in my mind when I write music because
I literally write music in so many stages/ periods in my life so I hope the music itself reflects that.
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022? What should the people expect from you for 2022?
I can’t give too much away but good things are on the way for sure.
Who are your dream collaborations?
Thundercat, Little Dragon, Madlib
Mysie
Raised in South East London but with roots that stretch back generations to Uganda, Mysie can retroactively plot the path to where she is now: making intimate indie Soul that takes her listeners along with her on the journey through raw and sensitive emotional spaces.
In 2021, she released her A Thousand Miles EP, capturing the spirit and soul of Mysie and beautifully illustrating her poise. Mysie has a knack for creating wistfully catchy melodies that feel familiar, yet defy strict genre boundaries. 2022 is set to be a big year for Mysie.
What mood / vibe you want fans to put your music on for in 2022?
I want to soothe, uplift and get wavey with my fans. My next project takes you through my journey and asks questions about my relationships, the highs and the lows. It’s been cathartic for me, and I want to share that.
Any plans/surprises you can share for 2022?
My first single ‘Joyride‘ will be out 25th January. I’ll also be dropping my EP just in time for spring hehe. Come see me play at the Great Escape festival this year in Brighton May 22!
Who are your dream collaborations?
Rosalia, Sampha, Thundercat, KAYTRANADA ENNY, bakar, the list goes on… but these artists really got me through 2021
Amber Mark
Amber Mark burst onto the scene in 2018 with her addictive self-produced blend of R&B, Brazilian Bosa Nova and Indie-Pop on her EP, Conexão. Her sound has continued to evolve into a sound more firmly rooted in R&B but still favouring upbeat, feel good music that draws from a range of influences. Simply put, Amber is one of the R&B artists that can’t be pinned down or musically reduced.
Amber Mark sings of the excitement of new things, the loss of the heart and the growth of one’s spirit – and with that formula, she captures the ear of many. The physically appeasing decorum of Amber, alongside her decorated lyrics, is the potion for her talent. After a well-received 2020 remix of Sisqo’s Thong Song, in 2021 Amber cast her spell through a slew of anthems like Softly which takes Craig David’s Rendezvous and flips it into a modern R&B ballad. She continues to evolve and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings for this R&B songstress and producer.
Nippa
Nippa is the new kid on the block, piling a London sweet-boy swagger with his love for UK music and US R&B tones. Keeping an ear to the streets while playing through smooth beats produced by Anti-Wave, Nippa’s debut self-titled EP is a refreshing project that perfectly exemplifies the R&B artist’s ability to take the tone and ride a wave.
The titled king of Space Bound had an excellent year having opened up for US TikTok sensation, Blxst, the release of his EP and his status as an artist everyone wants to jump in the studio with. The North London R&B singer truly brings something new to the table. Once the freshman finds his pocket, he is on the first ticket to stardom. Can’t wait to see what 2022 brings for this R&B artist.
