5 UK R&B artists who deserve more than 1 million monthly listeners
- up2157863
- Nov 10, 2024
- 3 min read
R&B from UK artists tends to be an overlooked genre, with pop, dance, and rap favoured by the UK’s music markets despite its general popularity. Even the Brit Awards which is supposed to be “the annual showcase for the UK music industry” combined Pop and R&B categories up to the 2023 awards.
But as the British music industry takes small steps to give the deserved recognition to native R&B artists, here are five you should add to your playlists who definitely should have more than 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Shae Universe - 445,439 monthly listeners
Shae is a singer and songwriter from the outskirts of London. Growing up in the church with a mother who was the lead singer of the gospel choir, Shae has been singing from a very young age. This has helped her develop an authentic R&B sound, that you could say was similar to Brandy or Jazmine Sullivan, while still sounding different and singularly identifiable.
Some of my favourites include LOML, OOTW, Summertime - A COLORS SHOW.
If you like more chill vibes with affirmations to remind you are the prize you need to add her to your playlists.
James Vickery - 500,648 monthly listeners
From South London, the singer and songwriter combines slow production featuring acoustic guitars and pianos with his soulful voice to create a rich and intimate soundscape. Despite being deaf in one ear from surgery at eight that removed his eardrum because of a severe case of abnormal skin cell growth James’ music sounds refreshing, soft and silky, fitting many listening scenarios inside but in my mind when you’ve been away from your partner for a while and you want something to listen to that reminds you of what it’s like to be with them, James may be your guy. Or if you want a simpler reason to listen to him on a rainy day when you’re inside and warm put him on and you’ll be at peace.
My favourites include Until Morning - A COLORS SHOW and Only You.
Col3trane - 803,075 monthly listeners
Born in London, to American and Egyptian parents Col3trane has been putting his stamp on the industry since 2018 when he was barely 18 dropping his first mixtape: Tsarina. He combines elements of hip-hop and R&B over several songs and
Projects over the years. An artist still finding himself in the music he makes, if you’re looking for an artist whose mood and tone shift continuously as yours and mine do then he has something for every vibe. Boasting collabs with Lucky Daye, RAYE and Goldlink he is already recognised by his peers so it’s about time he is acknowledged by the public too.
Some of my picks for you to listen to are Astrology Joint, Pretty ft Mahalia, ` and Where Have You Been All My Life?
Mnelia - 170,089 monthly listeners
Bursting onto the scene in early 2020, the North-West London artist has steadily building towards the star she is destined to be. Mnelia is the epitome of the progression of R&B and the british R&B scene combining her nostalgic melodies with Afrobeat, drill and hip-hop influences. One may say she is an artist for the ladies however, she is the perfect guilty pleasure artist that you should not feel guilty listening to as a guy. Whenever you are getting ready to go out Mnelia will have you grooving, giving you the perfect vibe to start your night off with. If you listen or enjoy Summer Walker, Cassie and Muni Long add Mnelia to your rotation.
Tiana Major9 - 637,083 monthly listeners
London artist, Tiana Major9, has already experienced some recognition for her artistry having been nominated for her single “Collide”, from the Queen & Slim Soundtrack. However, despite this the artist has yet to consistently surpass 1 million monthly listeners. With influences from greats like Amy Winehouse and Ms. Lauryn Hill, it’s not a surprise that Tiana shows a deft execution of multiple genres including Jazz, Reggae and Soul creating an R&B sound that is lush and fruitful. If you like a more relaxed, soulful tone to your R&B for you old souls literally and figuratively give her a chance.
My favourites of hers are Lucky, Exclusively - remix, Same Space
These artists are just five of many that British R&B acts currently that deserve more recognition than they are currently getting. But if you want to listen to other UK R&B artists, big and small, check out my playlist UK R&B which I'm always adding to.
Let me know if I left anyone out or if you’ve got different favourite songs by these artists.
*Monthly listener stats accurate as of 08/11/2024 (21:40)
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