Here it is, your R&B guide to attending the hottest shows happening this Autumn.
We’ve had some incredible R&B tunes released this year from Akemi Fox’s gorgeous EP ‘You’re My Favourite Day’ to Ibeyi’s enchanting 10-track album Spell 31 we’ve really been blessed with it all.
Whether you’re a new or a regular R&B listener, we are here to tell you about all the artists you should be keeping an eye on you don’t want to be missing out….
Akemi Fox
Manchester- based Akemi Fox is leading the way through the UK R&B scene with her alternative R&B style. At just 23 years old, Akemi has been awarded by BBC Introducing’s Track of The Week for her song ‘I Want It’ feat July 7, which was released earlier this year, this was shortly followed by her EP You’re My Favourite Day released in August 2022.
Having performed all over the UK with notable performances at the Great Escape Festival and at Manchester’s Band on The Wall in celebration of International Women’s Day. Her single ‘Lemon Tea’ featuring Teo has reached over 1 million streams on Spotify and recognises her clever writing skills and elegant vocal delivery. Akemi Fox’s talents are recognised by her peers as she has collaborated with many artists including Children of Zeus, KinKai and FD.
Akemi Fox is performing one date in London and one in Manchester this year she is definitely not one to be missed.
6th October 2022- The Social, London
8th October 2022- Yes (The Basement), Manchester
RAY BLK
With big hits such as ‘My Hood’ and ‘Run Run’, Ray BLK is an established and respected artist in the R&B scene. Ray BLK was the first unsigned artist to win BBC’s Sound of 2017, she won a MOBO award in 2016 for best newcomer and more recently her 2021 debut album Access Denied was listed as one of the best albums of the year by NME.
Having collaborated with artists such as Stormzy and Rudimental, her success is evident. Her most recent single ‘Need You Tonight’ featuring JP Cooper has over 9.5 million Spotify streams and is also wildly popular on TikTok.
4th November 2022- Islington Assembly Hall, London
Ojerime
South-London Singer-Songwriter Ojerime begins her UK tour this October starting off in London’s Village Underground and ending in The Racket Space, Dublin. After a few years away from the music scene, Ojerime has come storming back with new music.
Her latest single ‘Nothing’ explores themes of a failed relationship where she showcases her elegant vocal abilities. Her 2020 album B4 I Breakdown presents Ojerime’s ability to convey deep, emotive stories that resonate with her listeners, with ‘Give It Up 2 Me’ a single released from the album having over 10.5 million Spotify streams.
Ojerime is performing some incredible venues around the UK this Autumn, be sure to get some tickets before they sell out!
On tour:
20th October 2022- Village Underground, Shoreditch
3rd November 2022- Canvas, Manchester
17th November 2022- Bristol Strange Brew, Bristol
Sophie Faith
With her fans eagerly waiting for her debut EP rumoured to be in collaboration with producer Aston Rudi, Sophie Faith has captured the attention of everyone with her powerful and distinctive vocals. Her 2019 Ray LaMontagne interpretation of ‘You Are The Best Thing’ has reached over 2.5 million Spotify streams, with her vocals taking the limelight over the stripped back cover.
Based in London, Sophie’s live performances are said to be exquisite as she showcases her emotive vocal abilities and ability to hold an audiences attention.
She has proven the vulnerability of her song-writing process stating on Instagram that she “has promised to be completely true to herself however painful it may be when it comes to music” which is apparent in her latest single ‘Something I Said’.
On tour:
25th October 2022- Blues Kitchen, Manchester
29th October 2022- Green Door Store, Brighton
1st November 2022- Village Underground, Shoreditch
Children of Zeus
The duo made up of respected artists Konny Kon and Tyler Daley create soul, hip-hop and R&B inspired material that sits nicely with artists such as Anderson Paak, Slum Village and Maxwell. Both growing up in Manchester, the two’s success have helped Manchester based Hip-Hop/R&B artists in the Manchester scene be recognised, as they have drawn attention to a part of the country that has long been overlooked.
Their recent album Balance released in 2021, features Manchester based R&B artist Akemi Foxx and London based Georgie Sweet. Their track ‘No Love Song’ has received massive success with over 1.5 million Spotify streams and gaining attention on their performance of the song on A COLORS SHOW.
Children of Zeus will be performing in London this Autumn as well as the W/Love Festival held in Manchester.
13th November 2022- KOKO, London
20th November 2022- W/Love Festival
Ibeyi
French twin sisters, Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz known professionally as Ibeyi with elements of Yoryba, Afro-Cuban, Jazz and R&B to create their music the duo creates wildly unique music. Influenced by their father Anga Díaz a Cuban percussionist, Naomi plays the traditional Peruvian/Cuban percussion instruments cajón and Batá drum. As well as their father, Ibeyi are influenced by artists such as Frank Ocean, James Blake and King Krule.
Their most popular single ‘River’ has reached 28 million streams on Spotify, having dedicated the song to the Yoruba goddess of sweet, fresh waters. Their album Spell 31, released in May 2022 explores the reclamation of their ancestral histories, politics, and reconnecting with those who have passed.
The extremely talented duo have created their distinctive sound through their parallel harmonies, meaningful lyrics and use of percussion. Their success is evident through their collaborators, with features from Jorja Smith, BERWYN and Pa Salieu on Spell 31.
14th November 2022- KOKO, London