UK R&B Acts To Watch In 2024

While British R&B’s quest for equal footing alongside other musical genres in mainstream spaces is far from over, there have been signs of progress over the last twelve months.

After receiving criticism for overlooking UK R&B artists in 2022—in 2023, the Brit Awards lazily merged R&B and pop into one genre category and then only nominated non-R&B acts. For 2024, however, they have officially fixed their wrongs by putting forward a Best R&B Act category—which feels like a huge step toward in providing more accurate representation and appreciation for the best R&B talents this country has to offer. 

The talent pool to select nominees from is certainly not in question, as UK artists continue to produce some of the best R&B music in the world, which has been the case for several years now. This year’s five nominees—Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Mahalia, RAYE and SAULT—have thriving careers and have experienced success globally. Given the volume of quality acts that have arrived on the UK scene in recent years, a dip in momentum at some point would be understandable.

But, if anything, the British R&B/soul scene is only getting stronger, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Here are 11 acts to watch in 2024.

No Guidnce

For fans of: Jagged Edge, FLO, Victoria Monét
Essential tracks: “Is It A Crime?”, “Committed”, “The Way That I Want You”

London-based R&B quartet No Guidnce, comprising Zeekay, Josh, Ebubé and Kaci, channel the nostalgic vibe of ‘90s R&B with lush harmonies and catchy melodies. With R&B groups becoming somewhat scarce since the golden era of R&B, No Guidnce are part of a recent resurgence in the genre, with huge potential to be one of the leading groups over the next few years. Their 2023 debut EP, Is It A Crime?, authentically captures the essence of old-school R&B, with standout tracks such as the title track and “The Way That I Want You” (both co-written by recent Grammy winner Victoria Monét) showcasing timeless charm with a modern twist, while “Committed” is a nod to all the great R&B boyband ballads of the past. The group’s impeccable vocals, emphasised by Ebubé’s distinctive baritone, further contribute to their appeal. Having already gained over 2.5 million followers on TikTok—and with critical acclaim pouring in only a year after they began releasing music officially—No Guidnce look destined for a huge future ahead.

Äyanna

For fans of: Bellah, Summer Walker, SZA
Essential tracks: “Girlfriend”, “Good Ex”, “Say You Love Me”

Born in Jamaica and raised in East London, Äyanna is someone you may have come across on social media, mimicking the vocals of well-known artists—even then, you knew she had a gift just waiting to be unearthed. Last year, Äyanna released her debut project, In A Perfect World, and introduced her fusion of melodious R&B and pop sensibilities to the world—her sweet vocal tone being a major pull for fans. Notably, the five-track offering was also cleverly presented as a visual series, each track accompanied by a music video contributing to a five-episode story. Signed to LVRN Records, sharing space with fellow R&B artists such as Summer Walker and 6LACK, Äyanna is in great company, and with the backing of this renowned label and collective, she has a strong foundation for her burgeoning career and looks set to cement her position as a formidable force within Brit-R&B and beyond.

Sekou

For fans of: Elmiene, Sam Smith, ODEAL
Essential tracks: “Better Man”, “Time Will Tell”, “You And I”

Hailing from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, Sekou fuses classic soul and contemporary pop with subtle gospel influences, which derive from growing up in the church and his love of gospel music. He made his entrance into music last year with the piano-led ballad “Better Man”, which introduced audiences to his powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. The single was followed by the uptempo “Forgiving Myself”, highlighting Sekou’s artistic versatility. Debut EP Out Of Mind arrived last October and solidified his status as a rising star in the British music scene, ending the year with nominations for two prestigious musical honours: The Brits’ Rising Star Award and the BBC Sound Of 2024 poll. This recognition provides Sekou with a great launchpad to achieve more success and continue to soar in 2024.

Summer Banton

For fans of: FLO, Mahalia, Summer Walker
Essential tracks: “Be My Guest”, “Pretty Face”, “Being Nice”

Summer Banton’s penchant for R&B’s golden era is plain to see. Gradually rising in the UK R&B scene over the last few years, Summer released her biggest track to date in 2023, the ‘90s-inspired “Be My Guest”—with its infectious hook and thumping club-ready beat, the track sounds like an R&B hit from yesteryear. Other songs from Summer also draw on ‘90s and early ‘00s influences, such as the brilliant “Pretty Face”, which recalls the likes of TLC and Destiny’s Child. Working closely with UK producer Livingstone Brown has been key to the consistency in quality across her discography. Locking in with one producer has maintained a cohesiveness in Summer’s music and yielded an impressive body of work that highlights her as an artist destined to make an impact sooner rather than later.

Konyikeh

For fans of: Shaé Universe, Debbie, Tiana Major9
Essential tracks: “Girls Like Us”, “Sorrow”, “Teenage Dreams”

Signed to the esteemed FAMM label (Jorja Smith, ENNY), Konyikeh burst onto the scene last year with the hauntingly beautiful “Sorrow”. Following this remarkable first single, the London-born, Essex-raised artist released Litany, her widely-loved debut EP. Konyikeh’s distinct contralto voice instantly draws you in, boasting a deep and rich tone that sets her apart in a crowded musical landscape. Tracks like “Teenage Dreams” and “Girls Like Us” demonstrate her ability to navigate various moods and deliver poignant storytelling through her lyrics. Konyikeh’s music instantly strikes a chord, marking her as an exciting prospect in the Brit-R&B scene.

Nia Smith

For fans of: H.E.R., Amy Winehouse, Ari Lennox

Nia Smith, though yet to officially release music, has been creating a stir on the live circuit for a little over a year now, and has already supported the likes of Tems and Mahalia. Boasting over 100,000 followers on TikTok, Nia showcases her vocal prowess via covers of songs (her renditions of Adele’s “Hometown Glory” and Amy Winehouse “I Heard Love Is Blind” are two must-hears). A former Brit School student, Nia possesses a voice that commands attention, and when paired with her guitar playing and musicality, it’s easy to get excited about what the future could hold for this world-class talent. Having already collaborated with the likes of Jimmy Napes, famed for his work with Sam Smith, her original compositions heard across TikTok reinforce her potential. The buzz surrounding Nia was further amplified when she sold-out her first headline show late last year, affirming her status as a rising star to watch, especially once she starts offically releasing that she’s been working on.

Saint Harison

For fans of: James Vickery, Sam Smith, Maxwell
Essential tracks: “Homies”, “Ego Talkin’”, “TMF”

Saint Harison is a singer-songwriter from Southampton who began writing songs after hearing Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” in 2008. His music is characterised by honest and emotive lyrics that delve into his tumultuous childhood, heartbreak, loneliness and self-discovery. These lyrics are amplified by his soulful voice, which serves as the anchor and focal point of his songs, drawing listeners in from the first note. In the past year, Saint Harison has made waves with his debut EP, lost a friend, which saw him go viral on social media for his stunning vocal riffs. The EP garnered attention not only in the UK but also Stateside, with Saint making appearances on popular U.S. talk shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Jennifer Hudson Show, indicative of his global potential.

Essosa

For fans of: Kelis, Aaliyah, LAYA
Essential tracks: “Waste My Time”, “Tell Nobody”, “LEMONADE”

Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Essosa spent her formative years in Canada before returning to the UK, where she now calls home. Her music seamlessly blends vintage tones with forward-thinking production, which makes for a fascinating listen. After several years of releasing music, it was the release of “Waste My Time” last year that propelled Essosa into the spotlight. The track, reminiscent of the Timbaland and Aaliyah era, captivated audiences with its nostalgic R&B elements, accumulating over 15 million Spotify streams and marking her breakthrough moment. The accompanying music video enhances the throwback experience while Essosa shines as a natural performer in front of the camera. After such a successful 2023, it’ll be interesting to see how Essosa builds on this in 2024, a year where she could ascend to even greater heights.

Lizzie Berchie

For fans of: Tiana Major9, Sophie Faith, Bellah
Essential tracks: “Pass Time”, “I Hope”, “Flaws & All”

Since her arrival in 2022, East London’s Lizzie Berchie has been steadily growing in prominence in the British R&B scene. First unveiling her throwback neo-soul vibes on mesmerising debut single “Pass Time”, Lizzie takes listeners back to the early-00s with a soothing slow jam that showcases her soulful vocals against a lush, downtempo backdrop. The undeniable musicality she possesses is evident as the track unfolds. Expanding and refining her sound further, she has continued to impress with her follow-up releases, including the 2023 EP Am I An Adult Yet? This six-tracker delves into the complexities of growing up, enriched by R&B, neo-soul and jazz influences, all woven together by Lizzie’s breathtaking vocals. It’s a well-rounded and polished offering from a newcomer who already sounds like a seasoned vet deep into her career, which bodes well for a bright future ahead.

Natanya

For fans of: Ojerime, Jorja Smith, NAO
Essential tracks: “Raining Tomorrow”, “Angel”, “Foolish” 

Although she was still in school doing her GCSEs at the time, Natanya made an impression in 2019 with her debut single, “Sunset Melody”—an ethereal, downtempo number that sounds like something from an alternate realm. Since then, Natanya has meticulously honed and expanded her sound, proving why she’s an artist to watch with the release of her Sorrow At Sunrise EP last year. All catchy hooks and irresistible melodies, underpinned by her velvety vocals, Natanya’s multifaceted talent stems from her diverse educational background: she attended the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and is currently pursuing a degree in English Literature. Combining her talents as a singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist, she weaves a captivating sonic tapestry and offers a memorable musical experience for her audience. Stay close.

Leah Music

For fans of: Ling Hussle, Eric IV, Nippa
Essential tracks: “S2BU”, “Lately”, “A Letter To The World”

Leah Music is an artist from Catford, South East London, who initially made noise back in 2020 with socially conscious track “A Letter To The World”, which was released at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd. Addressing police brutality and racial injustices, the song, released when Leah was only 16, is a compelling and attention-grabbing piece. A series of singles and collaborations have followed since then, and last year she dropped her most popular track to date: “S2BU”. With its blend of infectious lyrics and smooth sing-rap cadences, accompanied by a London-centric music video capturing the essence of life in the ends, Leah’s style occupies a similar space to fellow London R&B acts Eric IV and Nippa. With her career kicking off at such a young age, it feels like she’s just getting started and is poised for greater success in the years ahead, so she’ll be worth following closely as more music is released.