Among other genres, r&b is definitely one we try to keep a close eye on. The genre flourishes worldwide, with the US & the UK taking the lead but there are many talented acts from across the globe.
Two years ago, we published our 20 Emerging R&B Artists You Need to Watch in 2023 (it's exciting to see where these people are today) and now it's time for the 2025 edition. We selected 20 r&b artists we believe will make waves this year - be it globally or in their local scene. Each of them has their own unique touch to r&b, blending it with soul, jazz, breakbeat, folk & afro beats.
You can find all these talented artists (and many more) on our smooth soul / r&b playlist (available on all streaming platforms).
Full disclosure, as a label we work with tons of up-and-coming r&b artists we're all super excited about (and believe in). Hence, it would be (somewhat?) unfair if they're on the list - but by all means, do check them out on our label website. They truly deserve your attention. Now, dive into the list:
- Avara
- Nectar Woode
- Lusanda
- Nia Chennai
- 3ее
- Rowena Fysx
- BINA.
- JELISA
- Adia.
- Silas Short
- Anaïs Cardot
- Elsa
- WESLEYFRANKLIN
- Aka Kelzz
- Kaleia
- Nia Smith
- Manana
- TIANNA
- Maz B
- Chanel Loren
Avara
I remember finding Avara, a US-based r&b singer & producer with Indian roots, in early 2024 and thinking - why hasn't she gotten more recognition? (We even made her the cover artist of our soul/r&b playlist when "runnin' round / flawless" dropped.)
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Turns out, she was just getting there. In July, Avara moved to LA, and in October she released her single "PARADIGM" with Taiwanese, LA-based, Hong-Kong-born songstress Deb Fan & violinist Nina Woods. The song blew up & got into dozens of editorials, had 1M+ streams across DSPs, and even more views on Instagram & TikTok.
In February 2025, she's dropping her collaborative mixtape (including names like Alé Araya, KOAD, REHMA, Chloe George), followed by a fusion Indian/r&b EP later this year. Certainly, an artist to keep your eye on.
picked by Nasko
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "PARADIGM"
Nectar Woode
Nectar Woode is a Ghanaian-English singer, songwriter, and producer based in London, blending soulful vocal harmonies and jazz-inspired guitar to craft a dreamy, melancholic sound. Her alluring vocals and breezy energy captured my attention a few years back, thanks to her very first release - a collaboration with Mom Tudie and Eriksson Kaner and I’ve been a fan ever since.
2024 was an extremely fruitful year for the East London-based singer with the release of 2 gorgeous EPs - Head Above Water and Nothing To Lose, which I hope are part of the journey towards a debut album next. Her sound is a wonderful homage to the classic soul sound, blended with various influences ranging from r&b, jazz, and bossa nova.
Nectar has a few shows lined up in 2025, including a performance at The Great Escape Festival and Dot To Dot in Bristol.
Picked by Ivo
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "Nothing To Lose"
Lusanda
This next artist comes from South Africa and actually blew up from TikTok. She started sharing covers (including a soulful version of Outkast's "Hey Ya") & her own unreleased music and quickly gained a lot of attention. She's also worked with several South African stars like Tony Dayimane & MÖRDA.
Her debut (own) release "When You're Around", together with the Nigerian-born, London-based producer & keyboardist Noxz, dropped only in September 2024. It originated from a beat Noxz shared on TikTok on which she improvised.
Lusanda's got a distinctive mellow sound with notes of soul, pop, and jazz that shaped her upbringing. We expect to be hearing a lot more from her in 2025.
picked by Nasko
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "When You're Around"
Nia Chennai
Back in 2023, we knew Nia Chennai was destined for stardom when we came across her standout track, “Since We Ain’t Together.” In 2024, she proved that she is well on her way with a series of releases that push r&b forward while tapping into a deep sense of nostalgia.
Tracks like “WHO’S THAT GIRL?” and “So Pretty When You Cry” beautifully showcase her charismatic yet soulful vocal delivery, and how she can be playful and warmhearted simultaneously. In many ways, her music reminds us of both Lily Allen's early work and of course the queen - Lauryn Hill.
picked by Lu
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "WHO’S THAT GIRL?"
3ее
Meet the young, super productive NYC singer 3ee (pronounced “bee”) who blew up with his feel-good, Justin Timberlake-meets-Pharrell blend of r&b and soul-pop.
He’s been around since 2020, having released a dozen singles but in 2024, he dropped not one but two albums. LUVSNGS (released in November) is heavily inspired by the ‘00s sound, mainly JT, and it brings back sweet memories of the golden era of uplifting r&b.
“WAITING!” with Kenji, the closing track of his debut LPLSTN!!! (March 2024), however, is a smooth slow burner and also got a lot of attention, currently at 1.3M on Spotify.
His fun persona & social media posts are definitely solid drivers behind his success, including the retro appeal of his most-streamed song. But his honey & particular vocals are also not to be neglected. Definitely an exciting act to watch this year.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: “OVR”
Rowena Fysx
Rowena Fysx’s 2024 EP don’t text me back is a release that will leave an unforgettable mark on my relationship with music.
I spent a long 2-hour drive in the middle of the night listening to the 6-track EP on repeat and it’s an experience I will cherish forever. The Toronto-based singer/songwriter has a knack for creating eerie and dark r&b ambiance that completely sucks you in. The information about her is on the non-existent end of things, but the sound and memories it creates are all that matter.
Whatever comes out in 2025, it will be a masterpiece.
picked by Ivo
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "all over u"
BINA.
BINA. has been on our radar since 2020, just a couple of years & a few singles after she started releasing music. People began to notice her in 2022 with “Blackjack” which is her most-streamed track to date on Spotify.
However, 2024 was a really impressive year for the South London act - marked by her 7-track Chaos Is Her Name EP whose “Dopamine” will soon take the #1 position on her Top Tracks. Aside from this, BINA. supported BLK ODYSSY and IAMDDB on their EU/UK tours, was part of the All Points East Festival, and had her own sold-out headline show in London.
This year, she’s about to perform at the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London and in DNA Lounge, San Francisco. Who knows what else she’s got in store for us - but I’m sure she’s only going up.
picked by Nasko
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "Precious"
JELISA
One of the must-watch emerging names of the Dutch scene is JELISA. The Amsterdam singer encapsulates The Netherlands's soul/jazz sound with influences from the UK r&b scene (i.e. Jorja Smith), all wrapped in a smooth blanket.
She started in 2021 and just had her debut EP at the outset of 2025. Last year, JELISA released the single “Flying Away” which is closing in on a million streams and is her most-played tune so far. She made it on the cover of Spotify’s Movement playlist, too.
JELISA also performed at Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) in Groningen and at Paradiso Amsterdam at the Super-Sonic Jam already in January which is a pretty big pledge for the upcoming year.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: “This body”
Adia.
Adia. (formerly known as NDO) is an artist who bottles the energy of classic soul music into a modern soundscape, blending heartfelt lyricism with contemporary rhythms and melodies that radiate warmth.
In 2024, Adia worked with producers like Vooo, Bluestaeb, Tek.Lun, and The Kount (to name a few) in order to create Stubborn Nature - a solid claim for a top spot on the list of this generation’s most exciting r&b artists.
picked by Ivo
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "Stuck"
Silas Short
Silas is steadily making a name for himself with his brand of soul music which reminds us of the yesteryears while striking a chord with the current generation. I initially came across his debut album Drawing via Stones Throw back in 2021 where he swerved into various genres to drive forward his signature sound. Since then, he became absent - until last year, with 3 singles and a promise for a sophomore album in mid-2025.
The LA-based artist possesses a live aesthetic that’s raw yet pleasantly dreamy thanks to his soothing vocal performances. Silas is actually the kind of artist where you can’t predict what he’ll do next, regardless of what he does, however, you can always expect it to be executed with grace and a fresh perspective. His lyrics are wrapped in peace, love, and positivity in a manner that deeply relates with listeners too.
picked by Lu
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "ILIKEU"
Anaïs Cardot
France doesn’t fall behind when it comes to r&b, albeit often in the afrobeats lane.
French-Gabonese singer Anaïs Cardot, however, has a very unique approach, blending acoustic/chanson style with r&b, soul, and afro grooves. And she sings in both French & English, making her craft a bridge between worlds.
Anaïs started releasing music on SoundCloud back in 2015 which she had recorded on her earphones’ microphone in her bedroom. Last year, the now Paris-based singer released the 9-track Pink Magnolia (Deluxe), including her most popular song “Colors” (2023). Тhis brought her nomination for Best R&B Song at France's Les Flames awards and Amazon Music Canada named her an Artist to Watch 2024. She was also featured on Nigerian star Wizkid’s Morayo album and the single “Slow” debuted at number 16 in the top 100 on Apple Music Nigeria.
I believe that this is more than enough to convince you to keep an eye on what she’s up to.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: “Colors”
Elsa
Elsa is one of those voices you can’t mistake, nor forget. The London singer & songwriter has a very appealing haziness to her singing style, cosy rawness in her performance, and refreshing honesty in her storytelling.
Elsa only started releasing in 2023 but her music is a frequent guest to Spotify editorials like R&B UK, New Music Friday UK, and even the face of Fresh Finds UK & IE. She’s also been praised by tastemakers like BBC (including in their Orbit discovery app), Reprezent Radio, and performs in some of London’s go-to venues like Cafe KOKO, Hootananny Brixton, and Hackney Social.
Aside from her solo endeavours, she’s collaborated with other local talents like Kwoli Black & Luke Champion (her first single for 2025). Elsa’s definitely on the path to becoming one of London’s fast-growing names in soul and r&b - in her own unique way.
picked by Nasko
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "Farewell"
WESLEYFRANKLIN
WESLEYFRANKLIN is not new to music, having started in 2016 with a few features, including on blackwave.'s 2018 "GoodEnough" which amassed nearly 6M streams on Spotify alone. The US singer also released several singles by 2020 and then disappeared - until last year.
His sophomore EP titled HIATUS (you get why) was a really strong comeback, turning a lot of heads towards his craft - especially with the 1st single "VENETIAN WINDOWS" which got into Spotify's notable Chilled R&B and Fresh Finds editorials, among others.
Hope he’s back for good now.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: "VENETIAN WINDOWS"
Aka Kelzz
From the music to the imagery, Berlin-based singer Aka Kelzz is eccentric and colorful, effortlessly blending vibrant aesthetics with a genre-defying sound that instantly grabs our attention. Their name is synonymous with versatility and this shows throughout their releases last year as Kelzz explored unassuming genres such as breakbeat, afrobeat, house, and even future beats.
Aka Kelzz’s brand of r&b is a constellation of various sounds that allow them to acquaint us with a variety of different emotions. The Birmingham native provides their audience with introspective lyrics and a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can find solace. Given Kelzz’s trajectory, this is only bound to amplify in 2025.
picked by Lu
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "Mango"
Kaleia
Canada has always had a forward-thinking music scene (i.e. Kaytranada, Mustafa, BADBADNOTGOOD, to name a few) and r&b is no exception. One of the most interesting emerging names there is Kaleia - a Vancouver-based singer & songwriter who'll become your next obsession.
Her vocals are very recognizable and intoxicating, her storytelling - honest, cheeky & relatable, and the instrumentals - rich, warm & captivating. She's been praised by a lot of editors & tastemakers (including Spotify's Mood Ring) and 2024 was certainly her best year so far. Starting January, she'll release singles monthly, resulting in a debut album in June - so, we're very excited for Kaleia's 2025.
picked by Nasko
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "ur mine"
Nia Smith
Nia Smith possesses a passionate voice that seamlessly pierces through the mix regardless of the genre she slips into. With a string of impressive singles in 2024 alongside her sonically diverse Give Up the Fear EP, last year Nia made sure that she made a memorable mark.
She infuses elements of reggae, gospel, and retro soul into her style of r&b while her production predominantly leans towards a live aesthetic. This makes it feel as if Nia is an old soul who is able to capture the hearts of her generation with her powerful and compelling music. Nia’s career has only just begun, yet she already demonstrates the potential to leave a lasting impact.
picked by Lu
Where to start: “Personal”
Manana
Manana burst onto the scene with an alternative brand of r&b that sounded as if it were produced by the likes of Ta-ku and Galimatias. The classic future beats influence blended with a contemporary aesthetic is what initially lured us into the world of Manana, however, his gripping songwriting is what kept us there.
In 2024, the Johannesburg-based artist unveiled his third album Our Broken Hearts Mend and here he captivates listeners with his ability to write incredibly relatable stories. This is paired with organic-sounding production that has commercial appeal, yet is still quite alternative - thus staying true and consistent to his brand.
We’re excited to see where this level of consistency and dedication will take Manana in 2025.
picked by Lu
Where to start: “Euphoria”
TIANNA
Hailing from Bristol, TIANNA is turning heads with her distinctive fusion of classic and contemporary sounds. Last year, she showcased her versatility by exploring beyond traditional r&b, diving into genres like jungle and bringing in left-field elements into her work.
This expanded beyond the studio too, her live shows reflect her artistic range with performances at Glastonbury Festival, Mahalia Presents, and she supported artists like Hak Baker and IYAMAH. She has laid the foundation to blossom in 2025, with her innovative sound, growing fanbase, and a unique artistic vision.
picked by Lu
Follow on: Stereofox Artist Profile / Instagram / TikTok
Where to start: "HAZE"
Maz B
Our heads turn to Canada for another promising name - Maz B.
The Toronto singer has been making music since 2022 when he started self-releasing, then signed to LA label Boom Records. His music is smooth, slow-burning & heartfelt, with a dark, yet somehow soothing touch.
Maz already started the year with “Crisis Evasion” together with the r&b star Avenoir which just 2 weeks in is at half a million streams & a feature on the global New Music Friday playlist.
I guess 2025 will bring Maz’s debut EP and more collaborations but I’m sure this kid is going places.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: “Receipts”
Chanel Loren
The music scene of Australia is a special one, having brought to the world artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, Tame Impala, Ta-ku, to name a few. And soul/r&b are also genres to keep an eye on from the land down under.
The British-Caribbean Chanel Loren has lived in Sydney since she was 17 after her family relocated from London. Finding solace in creating music when she was away from home & her friends, she started releasing in 2022 and shortly after landed a collab with US hip-hop artist Arz.
In 2023, she became part of Ta-ku’s Songs To Come Home To album with names like Xavier Omär & Sango. Last year, she released her debut EP BETWEEN2WORLDS which includes her most popular song to date, “Carelessly Doomed”, featuring the prominent Brooklyn rapper Kota The Friend.
So, she’s definitely on a great path and we’re very excited to see where 2025 will lead her.
picked by Nasko
Where to start: “Carelessly Doomed”
Hope we sparked your interest. You can find all these talented artists (and many more) on our smooth soul / r&b playlist.
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