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![A New Dawn: Natanya on the Rise [Interview]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d4ea1_d1476832228b406c96a9d4931ff44d20~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1597,h_1000,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d4ea1_d1476832228b406c96a9d4931ff44d20~mv2.jpg)
![A New Dawn: Natanya on the Rise [Interview]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d4ea1_d1476832228b406c96a9d4931ff44d20~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_2396,h_1500,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d4ea1_d1476832228b406c96a9d4931ff44d20~mv2.jpg)
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![It's Not Over for Debbie [Interview]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_2033,h_1273,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg)
Mulaa Joans Melts Hearts at Hoxton Hall Headline Show
Being able to watch an artist’s growth feels like a privilege and being able to witness it in such a short space of time is even better. Selfishly, there is a part of me that used to sometimes like to keep an artist more of a secret, but getting to see Mulaa Joans perform to a sold out crowd at Hoxton Hall makes you realise these artists are just destined for the big leagues. The evening before I interviewed her back in January, I was able to see her perform live to a much sm
Jack Shephard
a few seconds ago
Pop Music and The Fan Experience: How Harry Styles Is Shaping Modern Concert Culture
Pop music’s energy thrives not only on sound but on the way fans connect with their favorite artists. In the 2020s
New Wave
4 hours ago
Culture Heads to the Coast for RECESSLAND's 10-Year Celebration in Margate
For one weekend, Margate became the centre of UK nightlife culture as thousands travelled to Dreamland for RECESSLAND 2026.
New Wave
4 hours ago
From Opening Note to Final Bow, JT Had the Roundhouse in Her Hands
JT stepped onto the stage, at London’s iconic Roundhouse, with the confidence of an artist fully aware of her moment. From the opening seconds, the atmosphere inside the venue was explosive.
New Wave
2 days ago
Get to Know: Kwamz Original
London based DJ and producer Kwamz Original has built his reputation through energy, connection, and an instinctive understanding of how to move a crowd. Known for blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B, and UK sounds into explosive high energy sets, he has become one of the rising DJs helping shape Afro inspired party culture across the UK. From viral CULTUR FM clips to his growing reputation across nightlife, Kwamz Original’s rise has been driven as much by a
Shelley Paterson
5 days ago
Blaqbonez Features Longtime Friend, Asake, on New Single ‘Chanel’
Arriving fresh off the momentum of his latest album No Excuses (Deluxe) and a sold-out UK tour run, Blaqbonez hit streaming platforms with ‘Chanel’. Having released a snippet on his socials earlier, the song gained traction as a solo single over the past months. To everyone’s surprise, Blaqbonez later decided to bring Asake on the song to amplify the buzz. In addition to Asake being an early supporter of the record since its snippet, this collaboration marks a full-circle mo
Mogbonjubola Sadiku
6 days ago
The Soft-Edged Sentiment of Saam Sultan
Music Editor Shenead speaks with one of UK underground's best kept secrets, Saam Sultan on his new EP 'Seraphim' fresh off the stage from a milestone moment in his career.
Shenead Poroosotum
6 days ago
How Star Wars Changed Cinema… and Music
Much has been made of how the Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars movie to hit the big screen in seven years, but there has been a surprising lack of fanfare around it.
New Wave
May 25
FEATURED ARTICLES
Pop Music and The Fan Experience: How Harry Styles Is Shaping Modern Concert Culture
Pop music’s energy thrives not only on sound but on the way fans connect with their favorite artists. In the 2020s
The Soft-Edged Sentiment of Saam Sultan
Music Editor Shenead speaks with one of UK underground's best kept secrets, Saam Sultan on his new EP 'Seraphim' fresh off the stage from a milestone moment in his career.
Was 2016 The Most Iconic Year in Black Music?: Seven Albums That Changed The Game
From Rihanna's ANTI to Beyoncé's Lemonade to Frank Ocean's Blonde, 2016 was a landmark year in Black music. Let’s put 2016 on repeat and dive into the iconic albums that still strike chords deep within us. The advent of 2026 was quickly doused in yearning, misty-eyed 2016 core. Millions online reached back with nostalgia, and every tap, swipe and scroll through social media saw the resurrection of trends and pop culture moments born ten years ago. Who could blame us? 2016 wa
![It's Not Over for Debbie [Interview]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1333,h_1000,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg)
![It's Not Over for Debbie [Interview]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_752,h_564,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/0d4ea1_e92b8ff7f4c6477eb84d15c8f91e57d3~mv2.jpg)
It's Not Over for Debbie [Interview]
Her music feels like a safe haven where fans seeking a breather have somewhere to lean in and feel understood.
The Impact of Motion Graphics on Live Music Performances
Motion graphics have become a pivotal element in the evolution of live music performances. This trend is increasingly significant as artists strive to create unique and immersive experiences for their audiences.
MOST POPULAR MUSIC ARTICLES
DAPs Are Back: The Best Digital Audio Players of 2026
The resurgence of high-resolution audio has reshaped how people listen to music on the go. Streaming still dominates convenience, but for listeners who care about detail
RAYE Drops Empowering New Single “Click Clack Symphony” Featuring Hans Zimmer
RAYE returns with her highly anticipated single “Click Clack Symphony,” a collaboration with legendary composer Hans Zimmer.
Get To Know: NO11
With his breakout song ‘HOW FAR’ hot on the charts since its release on the last day of 2025, “bangers, straight bangers” is what to expect from NO11. Still on the come-up, the Nigerian musician is determined to reach the top. Born Nnamdi Odom in Houston, Texas, and raised predominantly in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside his twin brother and six older sisters, NO11 is on a path of redefining the music scene in the capital city he calls home. New Wave sits with the rising artiste t
Get To Know: Mulaa Jones
Mulaa Joans is an enticing young singer-songwriter that has been steadily honing her craft, challenging herself to strive for songs that are rooted in candour, heartbreak and strength.
Get To Know: threetwenty
Relationships sparked online are part and parcel with living in the digital age. Looking to dating Apps for love has become the norm and a profitable business, and before that, Facebook and Twitter, the OGs were a way of seeing what’s beyond the borders of your own country. Love is limitless. Bondless. And forever reaching. It is also one of the main topics of discussions when New Wave Magazine spoke to Three Twenty, initially regarding their debut album, Separate From The
TRENDING MUSIC ARTICLES
Blaqbonez Features Longtime Friend, Asake, on New Single ‘Chanel’
Arriving fresh off the momentum of his latest album No Excuses (Deluxe) and a sold-out UK tour run, Blaqbonez hit streaming platforms with ‘Chanel’. Having released a snippet on his socials earlier, the song gained traction as a solo single over the past months. To everyone’s surprise, Blaqbonez later decided to bring Asake on the song to amplify the buzz. In addition to Asake being an early supporter of the record since its snippet, this collaboration marks a full-circle mo
Mogbonjubola Sadiku
6 days ago
Little Simz Enters a New Sonic Shift In Club Culture with Sugar Girl EP
Little Simz has never been an artist interested in standing still, and her new EP Sugar Girl is another bold pivot in an already shape-shifting career.
New Wave
May 8
We Experienced ROSALÍA's Masterclass In Performance Art at The O2 with Marriott Bonvoy
Experiencing the show from the newly renovated Marriott Bonvoy Premium Suite offered not only a luxury perspective into one of modern music’s most ambitious live performances
New Wave
May 7
DAPs Are Back: The Best Digital Audio Players of 2026
The resurgence of high-resolution audio has reshaped how people listen to music on the go. Streaming still dominates convenience, but for listeners who care about detail
New Wave
Apr 24
This is Kehlani
Kehlani’s self-titled album arrives with a quiet sense of purpose. In her own words, the ‘Intro’ frames Kehlani as a deeply personal reflection centred on, a growth “that doesn’t always sound pretty…but always finds its way to the light.” By introducing the album with “a heart that’s been stretched, healed and reborn,” Kehlani sets out a project rooted in love in all its forms: romantic, physical, fractured, and healing. It’s not just an introduction, but a thesis statem
Chibuikem Tracey Chimbo
Apr 24
JT Doubles Down on Confidence with “Numb”
With “Numb,” JT delivers a track showcasing her full control, leaning into a hard-edged confidence that has become central to her identity.
New Wave
Apr 17
Bay Swag is Carving Out His Own Lane in Modern Hip-Hop
Hailing from Queens, New York, Bay Swag is among the artists shaping a new sound and style through the Sexy Drill wave while continuing the Big Apple’s musical legacy. His upbringing and environment always kept him ahead of his time, especially as he began making music at 13, then broke through at 16 with his single ‘Rumors.’ Bay Swag’s music reflects his growth and intention as an artist, with dedication to evolving, and he smoothly does so by merging raw storytelling and v
Grace Zadi
Apr 16
Was 2016 The Most Iconic Year in Black Music?: Seven Albums That Changed The Game
From Rihanna's ANTI to Beyoncé's Lemonade to Frank Ocean's Blonde, 2016 was a landmark year in Black music. Let’s put 2016 on repeat and dive into the iconic albums that still strike chords deep within us. The advent of 2026 was quickly doused in yearning, misty-eyed 2016 core. Millions online reached back with nostalgia, and every tap, swipe and scroll through social media saw the resurrection of trends and pop culture moments born ten years ago. Who could blame us? 2016 wa
Davina Nylander
Apr 13
ALBUM REVIEWS
RAYE - THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.: For A World in Need of Healing
RAYE has often spoken of music’s power to heal in tough times. Today, it seems that the world needs her newly released THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. , now more than ever. Her sophomore album cannot be described as anything other than a musical celebration. Glorious orchestral instrumentation that blends genres and amplifies RAYE’s vulnerability. It's a celebration of both its outstanding production and of what it means to be human – the heartbreak, and of course, the hope.
Isabel Seesarun
Mar 27
James Blake Turns To Love Songs For Comfort at the End of the World On Album ‘Trying Times’
Love songs rarely arrive in periods of stability. They tend to appear when the world feels uncertain, and intimacy becomes the only solid ground left to stand on. The world as James Blake sees it is on a self-destructive tangent, a theme he has explored since parting ways with Republic Records and releasing the single Like the End’ , which reflects a growing sense of global disconnection. Hip-Hop’s critically acclaimed ‘favourite Brit’ has now returned to the music stage, lea
Saidat Animasaun
Mar 13
Blessing Jolie Captures The Unfiltered Realities Of Life In Your Early Twenties With Her Album '20Nothing'
Photo Credit: ro.lexx Your twenties are often framed as the most exciting chapter of life: a time of freedom, discovery and endless possibility. In reality, it can feel far more complicated; a period of constant navigation where moments of joy, hardship, change, and self-discovery arrive quickly, all while learning to manage adult responsibilities. It is this emotional complexity that sits at the heart of Blessing Jolie’s 20Nothing . The album unfolds like a personal confessi
Rachel Onilude
Mar 13
Brent Faiyaz Sets ‘Icon’ Status with New Album
At the start of 2026, Brent Faiyaz took social media by storm when he uploaded a picture of himself with a new haircut on his social media pages. Little did we know that this new low-cut look merely held a light to the surprise that his then-approaching album was about to hit us with. Following a few years of immense anticipation, Brent’s album is finally here. Unveiled on Valentine’s Eve, Icon nods to February being the month of love. Icon is an atypical work of Brent, stan
Mogbonjubola Sadiku
Feb 27
10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT
10 Things We Love About April + VISTA
April + VISTA are a duo that does not allow themselves to be limited in their artistic ambitions. There is no aim to have the most-streamed song, or to hit the charts with formulaic music; they create with pure intention to express what they feel, giving voice to language and feelings that often feel indescribable.
10 Things We Love About Ego Ella May
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician Ego Ella May has quietly carved out a lane where jazz, neo-soul and contemporary R&B meet deep emotional introspection. Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to experiment, her music feels both timeless and refreshingly present — guided by a voice that prioritises feeling over excess, and intention over trend. Raised in South East London, Ego Ella May was introduced to music early, surrounded by a wide palette of influences that stre
10 Things We Love About Nasty C
South African rapper, Nasty C, proclaims his new era with a new album: FREE. In addition to being his fifth studio album, FREE is his first album since his independence and the inception of his record label, “Tall Racks Records”.
10 Things We Love About Hardrock
Hailing from Atlanta, Hardrock is fresh on the scene as the newest underground sensation. Garnering attention for his distinct style that feeds well into the Opium lifestyle, he blends a raw concoction of rock, trap and punk into his music whilst simultaneously drawing on inspiration from rap heavyweights such as Future, Young Thug and Playboi Carti.
GET TO KNOW SERIES
Get to Know: Armanii
The Kingston born artist has been steadily carving out his place in the genre with a sound he describes as “worldly dancehall,” blending the rhythmic pulse of Jamaica with R&B influenced melodies and introspective songwriting.
Get to Know: TheARTI$t
TheARTI$t makes music that lives in vulnerability. The Newark, New Jersey–born R&B singer is building a world shaped by honesty, reflection, and emotional transparency, a space where feelings translate into melody and personal experiences become songs listeners can recognise themselves in. For her, music isn’t about performance as much as it is about processing. Writing and recording serve as a way to work through emotions in real time, turning moments of self-reflection int
Get To Know: NO11
With his breakout song ‘HOW FAR’ hot on the charts since its release on the last day of 2025, “bangers, straight bangers” is what to expect from NO11. Still on the come-up, the Nigerian musician is determined to reach the top. Born Nnamdi Odom in Houston, Texas, and raised predominantly in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside his twin brother and six older sisters, NO11 is on a path of redefining the music scene in the capital city he calls home. New Wave sits with the rising artiste t
Get To Know: Mulaa Jones
Mulaa Joans is an enticing young singer-songwriter that has been steadily honing her craft, challenging herself to strive for songs that are rooted in candour, heartbreak and strength.
Get To Know: Jessy Blakemore
Jessy Blakemore’s music feels like a confession laid bare, the kind shared with great introspection, unfiltered and honest. A singer-songwriter from Reading, her sound exists somewhere between alternative R&B, indie, and soul, who was introduced to listeners by posting stripped-back covers and originals online.
Get To Know: threetwenty
Relationships sparked online are part and parcel with living in the digital age. Looking to dating Apps for love has become the norm and a profitable business, and before that, Facebook and Twitter, the OGs were a way of seeing what’s beyond the borders of your own country. Love is limitless. Bondless. And forever reaching. It is also one of the main topics of discussions when New Wave Magazine spoke to Three Twenty, initially regarding their debut album, Separate From The
Get To Know: Joshua Baraka
At the tender age of 24, Joshua Baraka has taken the music industry by storm. He is the most-streamed artist from his home country, Uganda, and it's the most talked-about export in recent times, despite how "crazy" he thinks this all is. With outstanding EPs on his shelf, the young musician has now returned with his debut album Juvie - a work of art, executively produced by Grammy-winning producer, JAE5. Joshua has taken the time to chat to New Wave Magazine about Juvie , wh
Bricknasty Are in Love with the Process
“Just keep flipping it and flipping it and flipping it” Committing the journey over the destination is essential for any artist. Irish jazz punk band Bricknasty knows that better than anyone. A couple of weeks ago they released their 2nd EP BLACKS LAW , a cacophonous, ever-morphing journey through multiple genres and pained deliveries from masked frontman Fatboy. The new release signals a rebirth for the group both creatively and literally, with founders Fatboy and producer
Get To Know: LYVIA
LYVIA isn’t just another artist trying to survive the constant churn of online content. She’s one of the few who has built an entire world from something simple: a street corner, a microphone, and a mug of tea that somehow became part of her identity. While everyone else is busy reinventing themselves every week, she’s doubled down on authenticity. It didn’t begin on TikTok. It began outside, on cold pavements across Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester, and London, singing through
Get To Know: Zlatan
Zlatan Ibile is more than an Afrobeats artist; despite being one of Nigeria’s most respected and consistent, because of his ability to sing, rap, and move across genres with ease. Instead of being an artist, he is a movement. From the streets of Lagos to global stages, Zlatan, widely known as the World President, has built a career through relentless energy, unshakeable faith, and a determination to prove the streets can breed icons, too. He has collaborated with Afrobeats el
Shigeru Kaneko on Outdoor Expedition Book 99: Interview
Shigeru Kaneko’s Outdoor Expedition Book 99 is a meticulously curated homage to the craftsmanship and functionality that shaped modern outdo
Get to Know: Tiara Thomas
“I don’t even really consider my music just straight-up R&B cause it’s got mixes of hip hop, pop, and alternative”, says Indianapolis singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas, who is not only an artist herself but also writes songs for other people. Writing songs for other musicians has been the hallmark of her musical journey until now, arguably. But for her, that hasn’t deterred her success as a solo singer, evidenced by a handful of singles and an EP on her wall. However, a Grammy A
Get To Know: Halima
From London to Brooklyn, Halima is the genre-full musician that should be on everyone’s lips and her 11-track debut album SWEET TOOTH...
The Proverbial Nature of Rosier’s Music
Tucked down a side street just off the river Seine, under Paris’ blistering June sun, bodies pressed into every inch of shade – 50 or so...
Get to know: Yaya Bey
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Yaya Bey chats to New Wave Magazine about her new album 'do it afraid', the music industry and creating music during troubling times.
FIRST LISTEN
Essosa on her new EP Crush! - New Wave Magazine First Listen
Fresh off a breakout few years that saw her glide from viral momentum into global co-signs and sold-out rooms, Essosa steps into a new era with her new EP Crush!, released May 1st, a project that feels as light on its feet as it is emotionally sharp. Glossy, 90s-tinged sonics, airy production, and honeyed vocals characterise the six tracks that make up the EP. From the first listen, Crush! immediately feels like a world built on lightness, nostalgia and emotional clarity, a
First Listen: Charlie Jeer's ‘Mona Lisa (Mahalia Version)’ Featuring Mahalia
The Mona Lisa is a revered painting of the Renaissance by Leonardo da Vinci. She captivates and inspires with a subtle smile. You can’t blame that classically trained, multi-talented musician, Charlie Jeer, who is as mesmerised by a woman’s demeanour and beauty that we can’t help but liken the two. Experimenting with something new, the musician, with his reimagined version of his latest ‘Mona Lisa’, featuring Mahalia, builds on the momentum of his debut EP Everything Is Tem
First Listen: Troy Javelona's 'DARLING'
Troy Javelona is a name that not many people are familiar with but swiftly that will change, still relatively early in his music career – he has been releasing music since 2023, his first drop of the year 'WHAT'S A GUY GOTTA DO', shared last month struck a note, and he has quickly followed it up with 'DARLING.’ The 23-year-old British-Filipino singer, songwriter and producer, solely worked on ‘DARLING’ from the comforts of his home in his bedroom studio. As you listen to the
First Listen: Mary Ann Alexander's ‘Better Than This’
Mary Ann Alexander is quickly rising through the ranks in the music industry as an artist who has a bright future ahead, and has managed to align herself with some of the most respected talent in the industry. She has collaborated with the UK legend Craig David and Tiwa Savage on the song ‘Commitments- Pt 4’ as well as receiving co-signs from the likes of Kehlani. With such a strong output of credentials to her name already, Mary Ann Alexander is looking to be one of this yea
First Listen: VNSA ‘HOW YOU MOVE LIKE THAT’
Image Credit: Dulla Rising star VNSA (pronounced vee-NESS-uh) is defining what sexy sounds like with her latest Sweet n Sexy Collection titled, SUM REAL S*XY SH*T . It features ‘HOW YOU MOVE LIKE THAT’, a hit record propelling her to a wider global reach, particularly within the dance community. Thanks to Todd Williamson’s viral choreography, the song has taken on a life of its own, with dancers around the world doing exactly as she says: “show me how you move like that.
First Listen: Bellah and Destin Conrad on ‘Typical’
From the very first note, UK R&B songstress Bellah’s new single, ‘Typical' featuring Tampa-native Destin Conrad announces itself with effortless confidence. Teaming up with Destin Conrad, the track is a sultry, intoxicating blend of warmth, intimacy, and late-night allure. ‘Typical’ captures the heat and subtle tension of a steamy night between two lovers, layered with the faintest touch of toxicity, while Bellah and Conrad glide over the production with seamless chemistry th
First Listen: Catch ‘Heisenberg’
Catch is MOBO-nominated rapper, who first caught the eye with a verse on north London rapper Clavish’s track ‘Stay Rappin'’. The voice. The cadence. The authority and authenticity as she delivered heavy-handed with a vim that felt as if it smacked you in the face. Hard-hitting rap at its finest, in an era of UK rap, which at least in the mainstream has dipped a bit. From South of the river, she has also featured on the projects of Marnz Malone and Tiny Boost, as well as co
First Listen: Nali's ‘Options’
One of R&B’s newer voices, New York songstress Nali, has started to gain momentum over the past two years. In 2024, The Brooklyn born artist released ‘4U’, before a string of releases in that same year led to her dropping her debut album I Love Nali in 2025. She grew up in Brooklyn and has earned public co-signs from artists including Khalid, Cash Cobain, and Coi Leray, which demonstrates the potential she has in the R&B scene. We get the chance to talk to Nali about the m
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