#IMBHM: Black & British – 10 Amazing Rising Stars
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Black History Month is upon us in the UK, a time for remembrance and exploration into Black history in all its triumphs and heartaches. From a musical perspective, Black Brits culturally revolutionised the nation’s sound. The global, particularly Caribbean, influence brought to Britain by the Windrush generation altered our musical DNA for the better. Any fan of modern music should never underestimate how Black and brown communities were the cultural vanguard of British music. I’m proud to say they continue to lead the way today.
We’ve previously covered some Black Brits from history who transformed music as we know it. You can read about these heroes in a piece I covered last year. However, today I’m looking to the future. I’m taking this Black History Month as an opportunity to spotlight ten artists who are making history as we speak, and are the up-and-comers you ought to be listening to.
Pozer
Croydon-born Pozer is a fresh emergence to the UK rap scene and is impressing many with his street life bars, gritty realism, and club friendly tunes. His breakout track ‘Kitchen Stove’ landed last year after years of grinding on social media posting freestyles. His road to fame hasn’t been smooth sailing, but 2025 has been a mighty year for the MC. He served us his debut EP ‘Against All Odds’, won ‘Best Drill Act’ at the MOBO Awards, and has presented himself as the self-proclaimed leader of UK Jersey drill.
Why check him out: His blend of club/drill music has delivered a signature sound that is both consistent and appealing. With ambitious flows and resonant bars, this young rapper is one of the central stars of Britain’s rap future.
Song to check: Kitchen Stove
Buy his music here.
flowerovlove
Joyce Cissé aka flowerovlove is an artist South London can be proud of. This British-Ivorian musician does it all, from singing and songwriting, to producing. If you love your ‘bedroom pop’, indie pop, or nostalgic mellow music, she’s a lady you’ll love. She covers themes from self discovery, crushes, and heartache. Her dreamy disposition will sonically appeal to fans of beabadoobee or some of Clairo’s earlier work.
Why check her out: This rising star is only getting better. Her recent singles are showing artistic maturity and a polished sound. She is a true Gen Z girl, speaking to those who can relate to that mix of anxiety and optimism that comes from being young.
Song to check: new friends
Buy her music here.
YT
Fresh from the underground scene, East Londoner YT is the name on everyone’s lips. Impressively, when he’s not self making magical music, he’s a student at Oxford. This brain-box lyricist delivers tunes that lean into 2000s/early 2010s “swag” culture. He delivers playful flows, is experimental with rhythms and synths, whilst giving UK rap a new perspective away from traditional drill and grime.
Why check him out: Nigeria has delivered yet another incredible artist to add to their rising star repertoire. YT is as DIY as it comes. From building viral hits via GarageBand to connecting with his fans through Discord and social media, he is positioning himself as a king of internet aesthetics. This has given him a distinctive and ‘one of us’ profile with his fans.
Song to check: Diamonds FT. Fimiguerrero
Natanya
Bringing a jazzy twist to a modern neo-soul resurgence, Natanya is a classically trained singer‑songwriter and producer from North West London. Armed with rich production and a soulful voice, this artist offers us delicious alt-pop/alt‑R&B. Her work this year has seen her move into a more dynamic soundscape than her previous efforts, all underpinned by quality, powerful lyricism.
Why check her out: Natanya is neither purely underground nor mainstream yet, and is growing in popularity in tastemaker circles for her technical depth and credibility. Her songs will speak to fans of Nao in her experimentation and Olivia Dean in her strong vocals and emotional lyrics.
Song to check: On Ur Time
Buy her music here.
Dayo Bello
British-Nigerian musician Dayo Bello is a BRIT school alumni whose jazz, gospel, and bluesy music has been capturing hearts. His effortless harmonies are soothing to the ear and their introspective, vulnerable songwriting has resonated with me. The poetic take on emotionally rich R&B will resonate with fans who prefer the more classical sound of the genre. For fans of intimate, vocal-led records, he is a must-listen.
Why check him out: Like many of his contemporaries, he isn’t afraid to genre blend. However, Bello has a very consistent sound which is polished and emotive. He’s an understated and underrated gem.
Song to check: apricot danish
Chy Cartier
Admittedly, Chy Cartier may no longer be so underground. However, she is only getting bigger and bigger so you must hop on the wave now. She’s had an incredible run as of late, with collabs including Headie One, Loski, Nines, and Nemzzz to her slew of successful solo singles. Her confrontational delivery is raw and at times unexpected. Chy’s rhyme schemes, syncopation, and unflinching confident energy makes her an addictive listen. Her debut project ‘NO BRING INS’ dropped in April, and she impressively holds the 12‑track project solo.
Why check her out: With a strong swagger and heavy drill influence, Chy is one of the most exciting newcomers. Don’t assume she only has one style however, just like her flows she experiments occasionally with different styles – flirting with R&B at times. In a crowded drill scene, she stands out.
Song to check: YO
Grace Carter
Growing up listening to the powerful vocals of Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone, Grace Carter knew from early that music was her calling. Turning her bedroom into a home-made recording studio, she was penning records from the age of 14. Her husky, raw vocal style is exceptionally powerful. This artist is a extremely vocally expressive singer, with her songs touching on abandonment, identity, and self worth.
Why check her out: Her discography is laden with tracks of an artist who prioritises emotional honesty and authenticity. Carter’s incredible vocal ability has been shown in her live performances, as fans connect with her on a deep level. She often frames her songs as letters she didn’t send, and it absolutely sounds like that.
Song to check: Why Her Not Me
Demae
Demae can do it all. This multi‑disciplinary artist from North West London is flying solo after previously being in a collective called Hawk House. Her music is a mix of soul, alt R&B, jazz, ambient sounds, and hip‑hop. This smorgasbord of musical inspiration comes from growing up in a musical household, with hip-hop and Nigerian music teaching her what good music sounds like. She has already gained mentions from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
Why check her out: Due to her R&B, soul, and rap blend, their music is appealing to a wide range of music fans. Her lyrics feel real, full of wisdom, and are directly pulled from life experiences. Fans and critics alike see Carter as part of a ‘thinking soul’ movement in UK music.
Song to check: Light
Buy her music here.
DAMEDAME*
DAMEDAME* are an exciting duo that should be on your radar. The Birmingham-based pairing of Barbara and Edith have been indispensable behind the scenes of the music industry, particularly in Jorja Smith’s music. Immersive and exploratory, their sound is impossible to box into one genre. Simply put, they straddle multiple global influences with R&B, indie, and Afrobeat filtering through. Their music is a rare case where both the vocals and instrumentation have equal time to shine.
Why check them out: Their strong songwriter/producer pedigree behind the scenes explains why they’ve hit the ground running with their polished sound. These pros know what they’re doing, they know how to make an irresistible hit with rumbling basslines, strings, and off‑beat rhythms.
Song to check: PROMISE
Amie Blu
Amie Blu is a London based singer‑songwriter who is rapidly gaining momentum in the UK scene. From headline shows, packed gigs, and festival appearances, this young creative combines a lo-fi vibe with soul and pop elements. Her writing is deeply personal, dealing with mental health, self‑sabotage, overthinking, and messy relationships. Despite being so young, Blu’s work is very mature and isn’t afraid to shy away from uncomfortable truths. She is a true comfort listen.
Why check her out: If you like the powerhouse jazzy vocals of Joy Crookes, or the intimacy exuded by the likes of Arlo Parks – Amie Blu will be to your taste. Her work is atmospheric and classy, understated but hugely impressive.
Song to check: pretty
Buy her music here.
Conclusion
The UK has no lack of up-and-coming Black talent. It is encouraging to see artists flourishing in this new age of music, and starting a new generation that sheds labels and traditional boundaries. This new class leans into a Gen Z philosophy – an opposition tp binary thinking. This gifts artists’ a freedom to experiment in a way that their predecessors never could never have dreamed of. I am truly optimistic in the direction British music is going, and will always proudly stand by and for Black communities and culture which continues to shape our world.
You can read more Black History Month pieces here. Check out the playlist below to hear the recommended songs from this article.
About The Author
