The definitive list and playlist of the new R&B artists and singers set to blow big in 2025. Sasha Keable, Odeal, Nia Smith, SAILORR & more.
The R&B landscape has always been a melting pot of emotion, innovation, and soul-stirring melodies. As we step into 2025, the genre continues its evolution, with artists crafting narratives that speak to the heart while pushing sonic boundaries. From seasoned vocalists redefining their sound to fresh talent making bold statements, here are 20 R&B artists you need to have on your radar this year.
Sasha Keable
R&B artist with a timeless voice revolutionizing modern R&B
Sasha Keable’s remarkable vocal range and poignant storytelling set her apart in today’s R&B landscape. Through introspective lyrics and polished artistry, Sasha for years now has captured the complexities of love and life with authenticity and grace. Her unique ability to fuse vulnerability with sophistication creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. In 2025, Sasha is poised to cement her status as one of R&B’s most captivating and enduring voices.
Start with – WHY
Tiana Major9
R&B artist for angelic tones and soulful warmth
A standout in the new wave of British R&B, Tiana Major9 seamlessly blends jazz influences with her soulful sound, creating music that feels both timeless and fresh. Her sharp songwriting and ethereal vocals capture raw emotion with effortless elegance. Tiana’s ability to craft deeply resonant tracks has solidified her as a consistent force in the genre for years now. This year, we hope to have a new project to further showcase her artistry even further, reaffirming her position as one of the most captivating voices in contemporary R&B.
Start with – Same Space
Qendresa
A visionary R&B artist blending nostalgic vibes with futurism
Qendresa’s nostalgic yet forward-thinking take on R&B has made her a quiet yet undeniable force in the underground scene. Her 2024 album Londra showcased her ability to merge groovy production with sultry vocals, creating music that feels like a neo-soul daydream. With her knack for blending vintage and contemporary influences, Qendresa continues to push the boundaries of the genre. In 2025, she’s poised to captivate even wider audiences with more innovative and genre-defying releases.
Start with – 2 Much
Odeal
An R&B artist reshaping the future with soulful fusions
Odeal’s smooth fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and soul puts him in a league of his own. His knack for storytelling and infectious melodies have already made him a standout. With features from the likes of Summer Walker already in the bag, 2025 promises to be even more of a breakout year.
Start with – Blame U
Tendai
R&B artist for atmospheric soundscapes with emotional depth
Tendai is an artist who effortlessly balances innovation with emotional depth. His 2024 debut album, The Rain, showcased his ability to craft introspective lyrics over atmospheric, boundary-pushing production, earning critical acclaim. Known for creating immersive experiences, Tendai’s euphoric live show at Omeara last year left audiences spellbound and solidified his reputation as a dynamic performer. With a unique sound that blurs genre lines and captivates listeners, Tendai is set to make an even greater impact in 2025.
Start with – Twin Flame
CARI
An R&B artist embracing emotional rawness and eclectic soulfulness
CARI’s voice is a mesmerizing blend of raw emotion and eclectic soul, capable of delivering music that is both soul-sapping and deeply uplifting. Her lyrics resonate with heartfelt relatability, whether she’s commanding attention with high-energy anthems or delivering tender, introspective moments. CARI’s ability to balance emotional vulnerability with genre-defying artistry has made her a standout in the Alt-R&B scene.
Start with – Bleeding
Sailorr
R&B artist blending ethereal tones with deep introspection
Sailorr is an artist to keep a close eye on in 2025. With her ability to craft ethereal soundscapes and deliver soft, emotive vocals, she has quickly built a growing fanbase that resonates with her unique style. Her viral breakout single POOKIES REQUIEM highlighted her talent for evoking deep emotion through minimalist production, setting her apart in the R&B scene.
Start with – POOKIE’S REQUIEM
Kwn
A new-wave R&B artist bending genres effortlessly
kwn, is making waves in today’s futuristic R&B, blending traditional elements with electronic and hip-hop influences. Hailing from East London, her genre-merging sound is both fresh and innovative, earning her a reputation for sonic versatility. In 2025, she’s set to open for Kehlani on her European tour, cementing her place as one of the most exciting artists to watch.
Start with – worst behaviour
Nia Smith
R&B artist merging alternative soul with poetic precision
Nia Smith’s voice is both commanding and comforting, striking a rare balance that resonates deeply with listeners. Her 2024 Give Up The Fear EP showcased her ability to blend soul with reggae fusions, alternative influences, and contemporary soul, creating a sound that is uniquely hers. With her distinct artistry and powerful stage presence, she’s set to captivate in 2025, further cementing her place in the R&B landscape.
Start with – Personal
Isaiah Falls
R&B artist for unforgettable vibes blended with soulful storytelling
Isaiah Falls has a rare gift for storytelling that cuts straight to the core. His warm, textured vocals and intimate lyrics have earned him a devoted following, especially with his 2024 album Drugs n Lullabies and breakout single Florida Baby. These releases showcased his ability to craft deeply emotional music while maintaining a unique sound. With 2025 on the horizon, Isaiah is set for a breakout year where his graceful melodies and compelling storytelling will only continue to resonate with listeners.
Start with – FLORIDA BABY
Merges
R&B artist blending deep emotion with limitless creative expression
Merges is a rising star with a unique voice that blends alternative R&B with contemporary soul, paired with soul-tingling lyrics. In 2024, she released two captivating EPs, Fuji and Agnus, illustrating her ability to seamlessly fuse raw emotion with polished production. Her music tells vivid, heartfelt stories, combining powerful ballads with eclectic musicality.
Start with – cool_V2
RUBII
R&B artist for dreamy melodies with a laid-back grooves
Rubii’s celestial voice and genre-fluid style set her apart in R&B. She effortlessly crafts emotive, laid-back tracks with a chilled vibe that resonate deeply. Her dreamy, introspective sound makes her an artist to watch in 2025 as she continues to captivate with her unique blend of genres and raw emotion.
Start with – JAMMIN
Dayo Bello
R&B that soothes the soul with vocals of spiritual depth
Dayo Bello’s music is soothingly spiritual, channeling themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. His smooth vocal delivery and stripped-back production have already made waves, and 2025 promises even more captivating releases.
Start with – Touch It
Rio Rainz
This R&B artist pushes boundaries within the realm of soul
Rio Rainz is a rising star known for his ability to craft futuristic R&B that takes listeners on a unique musical journey. Blending his British roots with global influences, his sound feels both familiar and fresh. Rio’s innate storytelling ability, paired with his distinctive, boundary-pushing production, creates an experience that is as sonically captivating as it is visually stimulating. With each release, he continues to push the limits of creativity, making him an artist to watch closely in 2025 as he captures even more hearts.
Start with – BAD!
Betty Brown
An R&B artist who is a fresh force in modern soul
Betty Brown’s music carries a warmth and depth that feels like a hug for the soul. Her silky vocals paired with lush, jazz-inspired production have positioned her as one of the most promising voices in R&B.
Start with – RATHER BE ALONE
Ariel J
R&B artist leaning into the uplifting rap with poetic brilliance
Ariel J’s poetic flow and uplifting lyricism set her apart as a positive force in the music world. Blending soulful harmonies with thought-provoking bars, she crafts songs that feel like affirmations for the soul. Her ability to create a deep connection with listeners through vulnerability and optimism ensures that 2025 will be a defining year in her journey to greatness.
Start with – glow88
Gaidaa
A voice that transcends borders, this R&B artist connects heritage and Neo-Soul
Gaidaa’s music is effortlessly global, blending her Dutch-Sudanese heritage with contemporary R&B and Neo-soul. Her voice is rich with emotion and a dreaminess to her tone. Her artistic / sonic range and ability to craft compelling narratives make her a force to be reckoned with. You can really feel her unique artistry and authentic approach, solidifying her place as a powerful and essential voice in today’s music landscape.
Start with – Falling Higher
Filah Lah Lah
Where soulful R&B meets daring, experimental innovation
Hailing from South Africa, Filah Lah Lah’s playful mergence of sounds is clear to see. Her album ON AIR released last year exemplified this effortlessly well. The project is a vibrant fusion of eclectic Soul, Jazz, and R&B alongside gracefully fitting vocals that glide over lush instrumentation. Her artistry is poetically magnetic, and 2025 should see her thrive even more within her sphere of genre-defying musicality.
Start with – VAUGHN’S SONG
Amethyst
R&B artist whose voice channels raw emotion with timeless grace
Amethyst’s hauntingly beautiful voice and introspective songwriting set her apart in the R&B world. Her 2024 EP Daydream showcased her ability to craft soul-stirring tracks that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. With vocals rich in emotion, she draws listeners into her world, blending vulnerability with undeniable strength.
Start with – Loving Is A Crime
JADA
R&B artist who is bold, fearless and only on the rise
JADA’s bold approach to R&B combines raw emotion with edgy production, creating a sound that’s both powerful and captivating. Her 2024 EP INSIDE OUT showcased her versatility, effortlessly shifting between experimental soul with subtly smooth R&B.With her fearless artistry and ability to connect deeply with listeners, JADA is one to watch in 2025, as she continues to thrive being one of the most exciting voices in modern R&B.
Start with – No More
And there we have it! This year’s R&B class is a testament to the genre’s depth and diversity, with artists who refuse to be boxed in. Whether you’re drawn to nostalgic melodies, boundary-pushing production, or heartfelt storytelling, these 20 R&B artists promise to make 2025 an unforgettable year for all things R&B / Soul related.
