The definitive list and playlist of the new R&B artists and singers set to blow big in 2024. Jordan Ward, Destin Conrad, Naomi Sharon, Shaé Universe & more.
It’s that time of year again. We’re back with our list of R&B artists to watch for 2024 and you know we’re good for making these predictions quite accurately. Here are 20 R&B artists we think are set to make their mark on the music scene this year. Each with very distinctive sounds, some genre-bending, others through-and-through R&B. Check out who’s on our 2024 list and our top pick listening from them below.
Jordan Ward
R&B artist who makes high-spirited, playful alternative R&B
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.
Start with 311
Naomi Sharon
R&B Artist for smooth, Sade-esque vocals and vibes
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.
Start with Definition of Love
Natanya
Grunge-fusion R&B artist with euphoric vocals
This R&B singer supported our previous Ones to Watch, FLO on tour in London and Manchester. Natanya, who began playing piano from the age of 5 is a natural musician, creating her track ‘Angel’ within 20 minutes. Her music is addictive and there’s a euphoric feeling to her voice, once you’ve heard it you’ll always know it’s her distinctive vocals!
Start with Foolish
Samaria
R&B Artist for the lover girls
R&B singer Samaria is a new signee under RCA Records. Her latest EP Even Paradise Rain’s takes listeners to lover girl airlines where you’re encouraged to “activate your feelings and maximise the volume of your preferred listening device.” If you’re a lover girl looking for sweet Kehlani-esque vocals to get you through that break up, Samaria is your girl.
Start with Serial Recluse
Ego Ella May
R&B Artist for the jazz lovers
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.
Start with Undone
4batz
R&B Artist for scenic late night drives
4batz From the Block performance went viral after people were surprised by his sweet-sounding, R&B vocals. Although he only has two songs released, this Dallas native has since been on facetime with Kanye and is building up traction as an indisputable original artist.
Start with act i: stickerz “99”
Summer Banton
R&B Artist for 00’s style nostalgia
Summer’s R&B track ‘Be My Guest’ will make you think “Yeahhh, she’s that girl”. Fun, lovable with a friendly warmth to her songs. Previously, she had taken part in Sian Anderson’s NEXXXT STEP project and our very own soul cyphers. Her sultry voice and R&B heavy beats make for lovable tracks, reminiscent of the 00s R&B Destiny’s Child era.
Start with Be My Guest
Shaé Universe
R&B’s true love songbird
Listen with caution, once you start, you won’t be able to stop listening to this R&B singer. It’s easy to get lost in Shaé’s Universe. Not realising her husky, captivating vocals have caught you in a trance. Shaé raps as well as she sings, a one of a kind voice that you can check out on BET’s Soul Cyphers and COLORS.
Start with Summertime
Destin Conrad
The sultry loverboy R&B singer with main character energy
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!
Start with Luv n Devotion
BINA.
R&B Artist who provides hypnotic, moody vibes
If you were lucky enough to catch BINA. at Cross the Tracks last year you already know she possesses an enthralling presence through her music. BINA. who had her first headline show last November shows off her spellbinding ability to craft indie R&B earworms like Dopamine. We’re eager to hear more from this refreshingly original R&B artist in the coming months.
Start with Do Not Disturb
Amaria
R&B Artist for ethereal Neo-Soul vibes
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.
Start with All For You
Tamera
R&B Artist who experiments with afrofusion
This R&B singer first appeared on our screens via X Factor in 2013. In the years that followed Tamera’s laid-back track ‘Romeo’ re-introduced us to this singer’s gorgeous vocals and curated style. Her music experiments with infusing R&B melodies with afrobeats, heard in songs like Wickedest and Insensitive. But as her COLORSxStudios session shows, she is not to be pigeonholed. She’s performing live across the UK in February, so make sure you grab a ticket.
Start with Wickedest
Khamari
R&B Artist who channels vulnerability
Khamari’s music is honest and vulnerable like in These Four Walls where he talks about his loneliness. Having previously studied at Berklee College of Music, this R&B artist is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer. He often samples old school Soul / R&B like in Right My Wrongs. You can also hear hints of gospel and electronic beats, accompanied with his euphonious vocals.
Start with These Four Walls
Chlothegod
Indie-influenced R&B Artist
Bouncing between genres such as neo-soul, pop and alt-rock, such as in ‘Outta My Mind‘. Chlothegod’s sound is seriously gratifying and entertaining. Her colourful R&B (and some) sounds are Kelis-esque. Her debut EP Nearly Straight shows off her slightly gravelly voice and distinctive style.
Start with UGOMDN
Jaydonclover
R&B Artist for lo-fi alt vibes
This Brummie singer uses manipulated jazz blends to compliment her silken vocals. Sometimes the tortured romantic, Jaydonclover’s melodic helps to tell love’s tales captivatingly. This R&B singer also features on some house/dance tracks like ‘Fat Stack- Remix ‘and ‘hollatchu‘, showing off the versatility of her voice and ability to shift our moods.
Start with nightbus
TheARTI$T
R&B Artist for non-stop contemporary R&B
Heartfelt melodies and lyrics that detail love’s woes. This artist encompasses the meaning of contemporary R&B. In TheARTI$T’s EP ARTchives, we are told about the imperfection of romantic relationships, alongside her determination to experience it regardless.
Start with Damaged
J Warner
R&B Artist with alluring vocals
This south-east London singer who previously opened for Mary J Blige creates good for the soul, serene R&B. His 2015 Ep EST.1990 had featured Kojey Radical and Wretch 32. Now he continues to collaborate with UK talent such as Sinéad Harnett, theirvoices blending gorgeously together. You can embrace the breadth of his authentically rhythm and blues vocals on his A Colors Show from October 2023.
Start with Strawberry Moon
Maeta
R&B Artist for when you’re in your feelings
This R&B singer has collaborated with the likes of Chris Brown, Free Nationals, Lucky Daye and more. For her new album, which is being produced by Pharrell Williams, we hope to hear more of her heartfelt frequencies and gentle vocals. She’s also released a live version of her album When I Hear Your Name, grab a drink and blast it throughout your house.
Start with Through The Night
Jamilah Barry
Captivating, bass heavy mood ring R&B
Jamilah Barry knows how to create an enchanting atmosphere through her sound. In the luscious tracks ‘Once-Upon-A-Time’ and ‘Merlo’t, you can preview the richness of her R&B vocals. Jamilah Barry was also featured on Yussef Dayes Black Classical Music Album. But if you’re looking for more of her mixed with jazzy, rhythmic beats check out her A Colors Show performance of ‘If Loves Goes’.
Start with Merlot
Nia Chennai
R&B Artist to listen to with your girls
This Neo-Soul influenced artist is playful in her music making and teases us with her ability to rap in a few select songs. As playful and dreamy as she is, her music is also honest in her experiences and makes listeners feel as if they’ve been invited to read her diary. Nia Chennai is an R&B artist we look forward to more of her sincere lyrics and endearing voice.
Start with Since We Ain’t Together
Listen to our playlist of all 20 R&B Artists and R&B Singers to Watch in 2024
