There really is no better feeling than discovering new music. That one special song that changes everything on your playlist by perfectly articulating a feeling you couldn’t quite pinpoint or an atmosphere you’ve been yearning for.
No matter the genre, music elicits emotions like no other and while the mainstream is still dominated by male artists (sigh), women have been the longstanding backbone of the industry and if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that there’s never a shortage of incredible female talent.
This summer, we’re listening to a new wave of female artists that we predict big things for in the months to come. From Hackney-bred Gen-Z rockstar Aziya, to the whimsical jazz harmonies of newcomer Tara Lily and the bop providers that are this year’s BRITS Rising Star winner, Griff and Nigerian-American rapper Chika (who has already bagged a Grammy this year), our summer playlists aren’t falling short.
Neither will yours when you add these ladies to the mix…
Aziya
21-year-old Aziya has already been co-signed by the likes of Grimes and GLAMOUR’s coverstar H.E.R., who invited the rising rockstar to perform alongside her in an Instagram live back in December. Having perfected her craft since the age of 10, Hackney-bred Aziya is on a mission to shake up the industry norm by dismantling stereotypes of what a rock artist looks like. A BRIT school alum, she’s got a talent for producing as well as playing the guitar and hitting all the right notes with her powerhouse vocals.
Her debut EP We Speak of Tides is out now, featuring latest single, ‘Blood’.
Lolo Zouaï
Singer, songwriter and producer Lolo Zouaï has just announced that she’ll be joining Dua Lipa on her forthcoming arena tour, which already tells us that she’s headed for stardom. Born in Paris and raised in San Fransisco, Lolo is a ready made pop star who quite simply has it all – just watch her latest music video for new single, ‘Galipette’, above. She’s also immersed the world of fashion, having featured in two Tommy Hilfiger campaigns and modelled alongside Michael B. Jordan for Coach. Oh, and she was also called upon to write a song for the soundtrack of HBO’s Euphoria, all whilst releasing her 2019 debut album High Highs to Low Lows.
Shaybo
South London MC Shaybo is one of the most exciting talents on the UK music scene right now. Never one to miss a bar, the 24-year-old British-Nigerian rapper is known for her electric freestyles as well as popular singles ‘Dobale’ and new track “Streets’ as well as ‘No Pressure’ which she performed for viral Berlin-based music platform, COLORS studios earlier this year. Most recently, Shaybo, whose music is inspired by her Nigerian roots and London lifestyle, featured on Jorja Smith’s sultry single, ‘Bussdown’.
CHIKA
Across the pond, Nigerian-American singer/rapper CHIKA has already established herself as the best new artist, she’s even got a Grammy to prove it. The 24-year-old took home the accolade for Best New Artist at this year’s ceremony, beating the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat in the category. CHIKA first gained traction back in 2018 when her fiery freestyle over Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Walks’ blew up, racking up over six million views. The diss track, calling Kanye out for supporting Donald Trump, caught the attention of stars including Diddy, Jada Pinkett Smith and rapper Ice T, who all showed their support for her talents.
CHIKA has since released a plethora of hits, most notably from her 2020 debut album, Industry Games. Always one to use her platform for activism, the Gen-Z star often shares her thoughts on the state of social justice both in her bars and on social media. She recently dropped her fairytale inspired 2021 EP Once Upon A Time,” which if you haven’t already, you need to listen to immediately… right after you watch her Tiny Desk Concert!
Griff
Earlier this year, British musician Griff was crowned BRITS’ Rising Star, shortly after being short-listed for BBC’s Sound of 2021. Born to a Chinese mother and a Jamaican father in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, Griff has never wanted to “fit” in, which is what makes her music so unique. She’s a pop star on her own terms, best known for her hit single ‘Black Hole’ which has over 12 million streams on Spotify. In June, the 20-year-old released her euphoric mixtape, One Foot In Front Of The Other .
Enny
South East London MC Enny made a name for herself during lockdown with the release of ‘Peng Black Girls’, an anthem celebrating the beauty of Black women and girls in all their glory. The track caught the attention of the masses after she performed a remix featuring Jorja Smith for COLOURS Studios, which quickly cemented her as one to watch. Now, the 26-year-old has announced the release of her debut EP ‘UNDER TWENTY FIVE’ which drops later this month on 16th July and if any of her previous material is anything to go by, it won’t disappoint.
Justine Skye
For years, many of us have known Justine Skye as a model, socialite and BBF to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. However, the Brooklyn-born star has always had music at the forefront of her career. While she has released a number of singles and EPs in the past (many of which have included popular tracks and collaborations) after entering the industry as a teen, the now 25-year-old R&B singer just released her debut album Space and Time, produced by none other than Timberland. The project is a reflection of Justine’s growth as an artist and even features a collaboration with Justin Timberlake, who has peaked out of his hiatus to lend his vocals to her track ‘Innocent.’ Add it to your playlist stat, alongside the ultimate summer track ‘Twisted Fantasy’, featuring Nigerian superstar Rema.
Tara Lily
BRIT school alum Tara Lily knows how to captivate an audience with her mesmerising vocals. The 22-year-old jazz artist, completed her music degree last summer, graduating from the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music. She has signed to Motown Records UK, as the label’s first UK artist and is gearing up for a breakout year with her debut single, The Things You Do. The era marks a new, experimental sound for the Peckham-born musician that she’s bound to make her own. Watch this space!