UK R&B/Soul Artists To Watch In 2023
The UK R&B/Soul scene has risen to new heights over the past 2-3 years. It’s been fascinating following artists’ musical journey’s and watching the progression from when it first started to properly take off in the UK. The quality of music being released is mindblowing to say the least and one of the best things about this genre is the sheer amount of creativity and energy artists involved are putting in to break the boundaries and create new sub-genres such as ‘Alt-Soul’ & ‘Contemporary RnB’.
There were some top UK R&B/Soul releases in 2022 from the likes of Mahalia, Joy Crookes, Celeste, Jorja Smith, and Sinead Harnett so we’re super excited about what’s to come in 2023 and so forth. We couldn’t include every great UK R&B/Soul artist in this article as it would go on forever, so we have put together a list of artists of all different calibres and styles in order to help you discover some new music! Let’s get into this:
1. Akemi Fox
Akemi Fox is one of Manchester’s most promising artists right now. Her unique voice and intelligent songwriting ability over 90s & Naughties-inspired instrumentals makes her one of the most exciting vocalists coming up through the ranks in the UK scene. In 2022, Akemi Fox really took her craft to the next level with her project ‘You’re My Favourite Day EP’, so we’re super excited about what the future holds for this talented songstress!
2. Benny Atlas
The West Midland vocalist Benny Atlas has been making big moves over the past couple of years! The singer/songwriter is influenced by legendary artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Daniel Caesar and Marvin Gaye and his smooth distinctive vocal range, and honest lyricism makes him one of the hottest R&B/Soul prospects heading into the new year. If you haven’t already check his 4-track EP ‘Daphne’, you won’t regret it…
3. Children of Zeus
Every UK R&B/Soul list has to include the Manchester-based duo Children of Zeus right? Manchester has a deep pool of quality artists coming through the ranks at the moment, but there’s just something special about these two. Konny Kon & Tyler Daley’s synergy is unrivalled, and their music comes from the heart; pure soul food. 2022 was a quiet year for the duo, so we’re hoping for some new music in the new year!
4. Debbie
London-born Debbie is fairly new to the scene, but it’s quality > quantity for this talented songstress. Her angelic vocal range and soul-grabbing harmonies put her in her own lane, and the way she is able to encapsulate the listener and draw you in makes her seem like a seasoned veteran. Debbie is a unique blend of ‘refreshingly new’ and intimately familiar, and we’re almost certain that 2023 is going to be a breakthrough year for the vocalist!
5. Etta Bond
Etta Bond has been one of our favourite vocalists in the UK for many years now! Her god-given ability as a singer/songwriter and her self-understanding makes her a unique artist. Furthermore, her ability to collaborate with a range of different artists proves that she has a great understanding of music. 2022 was a relatively quiet year for the singer/songwriter so we’re hoping for great things heading into 2023.
6. Femi Tahiru
2022 was a big year for the Manchester-based singer/songwriter! He released two breathtaking projects in 2022 ‘Obsidian EP’ & ‘D.E.M.O.S EP’ and even supported Pip Millet, Amber Mark & Chiiild on tour! Blending smooth R&B vocals over soulful chords, indie-inspired strings and vibrant beat progressions, Femi Tahiru is pioneering a new sound that he continues to improve on with every release, therefore we’re expecting a huge year for Femi and the OPENN crew.
7. IYAMAH
London-based vocalist Iyamah blends neo-soul, jazz, hip hop and reggae to create a unique and powerful sound that breaks the boundaries of conventional R&B/Soul. Her latest project ‘Sometimes, I’m Speechless EP’ has been on rotation ever since it dropped back in December and Iyamah’s natural musical and lyrical ability makes her a force to be reckoned with heading into the new year, so expect to see Iyamah’s name appearing on various playlists over the internet
8. Kadeem Tyrell
Where to start with Kadeem Tyrell… His debut album ‘As Time Goes By’ was a strong candidate for RnB/Soul Album Of The Year in 2022, and his immersive feel-good sound makes him stand out from the crowd. The Battersea-bred vocalist blends elements of Neo-Soul, RnB, Future Beats and Alt-Pop to create a unique sound that is certain to turn heads in 2023!
9. Lizzie Berchie
East-London-based singer/songwriter Lizzie Berchie is one of the most exciting artists coming up at the moment. Her angelic vocals and powerful songwriting ability on her her debut project ‘Under the Sun EP’ and collaboration with Kofi Stone on “Pass Time” make her a strong contender for ‘Best Newcomer’ in 2022. We’re super excited about following Lizzie’s musical journey over the next few years, so bring on 2023!
10. MaZz
MaZz has been on our radar ever since her debut project ‘overcast. EP’ dropped back in 2020. The London-based vocalist draws inspiration from legendary artists like Amy Winehouse, Lilly Allen, and Erykah Badu and her unique blend of neo-soul & jazz separates her from the rest. In 2022, ‘dreaming most of the time… EP’ and her iconic song “cityscape” were two of our favourite releases, so we’re looking forward to her movements in 2023.
11. Mychelle
Hackney-based singer/songwriter and percussionist Mychelle is a star in the making. The multi-talented artist released her incredible project ‘Someone Who Knows EP’ in 2022 featuring hit single with rapper ENNY “Forbidden Fruit”. Inspired by artists like Tracy Chapman, Sade, Jill Scott and Corinne Bailey Rae and blending sounds of Soul, R&B, Alt-Pop and Indie Mychelle is most certainly one to watch in 2023.
12. Pip Millett
Neo-soul singer/songwriter Pip Millett delivers smooth, angelic vocals & thought-provoking lyricism over laid-back Contemporary R&B-inspired instrumentals. She marked her debut in 2018 with her amazing offering "Make Me Cry," and she hasn’t looked back since her arrival on the scene. Pip Millett released one of the best albums of 2022 so we’re expecting huge things from the singer/songwriter moving forward!
13. Piper-Grace
The South-West-based vocalist draws inspiration from iconic artists like Rihanna and Nina Simone. Her offering is melodic, sultry R&B/Soul which touches the soul, and the rising star provides a personal and vulnerable outlook on life and love through her music. Her unique perspective is one that resonates with all young people navigating through life in the modern day, therefore we’re expecting massive things from the up-and-coming vocalist!
14. Raelle
South London-based singer/songwriter Raelle is an up-and-coming R&B/Soul vocalist who has a bright future ahead of herself. Three words to describe her music would be captivating, unique and introspective. The songstress blends elements of Jazz and Soul and alternates between melodies and spoken word to create a refreshing sound. Raelle’s lyrics take you on a journey through her mind and the singer’s angelic vocal range makes her truly unique. We’re very excited to follow her progression as an artist in 2023 and beyond.
15. Saint Joshua
Saint Joshua’s music captivates you as soon as he graces the microphone. The rising artist’s silky lyrics, dreamy harmonies and soul-grabbing vibes leave you wanting more and more… 2022 was a busy year for the talented London-based singer/songwriter and we’re hoping that 2023 is a special year for Saint Joshua!
16. Sam Wills
Sam Wills is a trailblazing future soul and R&B singer from Hastings, East Sussex. The talented singer/songwriter is rapidly becoming one of the most hotly-tipped artists in the UK with classic soul influences from legends like Michael Jackson to Justin Timberlake to D'Angelo. His album ‘Breathe’ was one of the best albums released over the past 5 years, so it was difficult not to include him in our selection!
Be sure to check out and follow our ‘UK R&B/Soul Artists To Watch In 2023’ playlist that’s included in the article below:
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