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Diaspora Calling! A Celebration of Culture, Legacy and the Sound of the Diaspora
CREDIT: @Matteachus Diaspora Calling! understood that the African and Caribbean diaspora cannot be defined by one sound, one country or even one generation. That idea ran through almost every part of the festival. From the music and fashion to the food, art, independent businesses and the people who showed up, there was a real sense that the day was about more than simply watching artists perform. Taking place at Milton Keynes National Bowl on Friday 7 August, the UK debut br
Anisha Oliver
1 hour ago


The Confession Booth Is the Dancefloor: FLO's Therapy at the Club
The Grammy-nominated British girl group who spent the last three years redefining modern R&B, from the viral breakout of "Cardboard Box" through their GRAMMY-nominated debut Access All Areas, return with Therapy At The Club, their sophomore album, reframing the club not just as a place for a night out, but as a site of confession, release and self-possession, wrapped in sultry, euphoric R&B and pop. Widely known for the run of singles that carried Access All Areas into the UK
Kelis Cassia
1 day ago


Destroy Lonely Doubles Down on Confidence With 'MONSTER'
Destroy Lonely returns with “MONSTER,” a new single that sees the Atlanta artist pushing his presence to a larger scale.
New Wave
2 days ago


Madrid Became A Stage For Exploration During Ye’s Long-Awaited Return to Spain
Madrid has always understood spectacle. Long before stadiums became vessels for towering productions, immersive lighting systems and performances designed to be experienced by tens of thousands at once, the Spanish capital mastered the art of creating moments through architecture. Its grand avenues, historic plazas and monumental buildings were designed around movement, gathering and observation, spaces where everyday life naturally became a form of theatre. It made perfect s
New Wave
4 days ago


SBTV marks 20 years with landmark O2 celebration honouring Jamal Edwards' legacy
Twenty years after changing the landscape of British music, SBTV is celebrating its legacy with a landmark event at London's O2 on 11 November, bringing together some of the artists who helped define the platform's impact on UK culture. Held in association with the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, SBTV 20 will celebrate the life and vision of the late Jamal Edwards MBE while raising money and awareness for the charity that continues his mission of creating opportunities for y
Anisha Oliver
7 days ago


Aitch's Don't Be Afraid Documentary Review
‘Aitch: Don’t Be Afraid’ truly is a documentary unlike anything else I have ever watched. It is rare to find something which combines heartfelt moments, tears and humour so seamlessly, and Aitch achieves exactly that. From the very beginning, we are immersed into the life that Aitch and his sister, Gracie live. At the premiere hosted at the Curzon cinema in Mayfair, audience sat laughing and cheering when we really discover the humanity behind this global star. Seeing all of
Katy Bright
Aug 2


Love Spells on Finding Truth Through Music
There is a striking lack of a filter when you talk to Love Spells. In an era where artists frequently hide behind heavily curated mystique or layers of irony, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter prefers to pull thoughts straight out of his head and lay them out over a track. This trait extends all the way back to his moniker. Born out of teasing from his friends, the name became a badge of honor. He admits he was always a hopeless romantic, and said “It seemed like I was under
Mariella Amesbury
Aug 1


Tobe Nwigwe unveils tracklist and collaborators for forthcoming album The Bridge
Tobe Nwigwe has revealed the full tracklist and featured artists for his upcoming album The Bridge, bringing together an impressive cast that includes Sia, Busta Rhymes, Labrinth, Jay Electronica, Malice of Clipse and Fat Nwigwe ahead of its release on 21 August. For an artist whose work has consistently explored culture, identity and community, The Bridge feels like a natural extension of that vision. The 12-track project connects Houston, Lagos and London, using music as a
Anisha Oliver
Aug 1
FEATURED ARTICLES


Soundtracking the Beautiful Game: A Brief Look into how Football and Music Go Hand in Hand
One of my favourite things that used to happen whenever I was hanging out with my guy friends was me putting on a song, only for them to immediately look at each other and say, "Wait, this was on FIFA 11!" The impact of video game soundtracks aren't anything new and plenty of people rediscover songs from their childhood by either seeking out the music they grew up with or by chance hearing it out in the wild and being transported straight back to their youth. For many people,


Red Bull Midsummer Brought It's Electronic Global Community Together Simultaniously Across Time Zones
Red Bull transformed one of London's most striking rooftop spaces into the beating heart of a worldwide celebration of electronic music as Red Bull Midsummer arrived at Wagtail for an unforgettable day-to-night experience.


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
MOST POPULAR MUSIC ARTICLES


Lexa Gates Makes Intimacy Feel Like a Luxury
There’s something almost ironic about seeing Lexa Gates live. She’s an artist whose music already feels like you’ve accidentally opened someone’s diary. So naturally, I expected the live show to be bigger, louder, maybe even a little detached. Instead, she somehow made the room feel even smaller. The stage was stripped back to almost nothing. A white platform sat in front of soft pink drapes, washed in deep reds and purples throughout the night. No elaborate visuals. No dan


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.


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.
TRENDING MUSIC ARTICLES


Tyla's A*POP Declares African Music's Place at the Centre of Global Pop
Global pop star Tyla's forthcoming album 'A*POP' is quintessentially her. A bold evolution from her debut album, the 14-track album combines Tyla's sultry vocals with R&B, pop and amapiano.
Katy Bright
Jul 24


Future Finds Clarity in Chaotic Self Reflection on 'The Real Me'
Today, the Atlanta icon enters another chapter with The Real Me, his latest studio album and perhaps his most introspective statement in years.
New Wave
Jul 10


Lexa Gates Makes Intimacy Feel Like a Luxury
There’s something almost ironic about seeing Lexa Gates live. She’s an artist whose music already feels like you’ve accidentally opened someone’s diary. So naturally, I expected the live show to be bigger, louder, maybe even a little detached. Instead, she somehow made the room feel even smaller. The stage was stripped back to almost nothing. A white platform sat in front of soft pink drapes, washed in deep reds and purples throughout the night. No elaborate visuals. No dan


Ken Carson's xperiment Draws Up A Blueprint for Rap's Next Generation
His fifth studio album, xperiment, arrives after one of the most calculated and effective rollouts in recent rap memory, where mystery became marketing and scarcity became currency.
New Wave
Jul 3


Destin Conrad leans into his Jamaican roots on new single 'NERVOUS'
After exploring the world of alternative jazz on wHIMSY!, Destin Conrad is heading somewhere new. His latest single, NERVOUS
Anisha Oliver
Jul 1


Ms. Lauryn Hill’s Diaspora Calling completes UK line-up with Erykah Badu, Giggs and Fireboy DML
Diaspora Calling arrives in the UK this August, with its full line-up now confirmed ahead of its takeover of Milton Keynes National Bowl on 7 August 2026. Originally conceived by Ms. Lauryn Hill as a space to celebrate the creativity and shared stories of the African diaspora, the concept has grown into a broader cultural gathering that reflects her ongoing influence. This year’s edition arrives at a time when her legacy has once again been in focus following her appearance a
Anisha Oliver
Jul 1


Naomi Sharon's No Sleep In Paradise Is a Lesson in Slow-Burning R&B
Following months of anticipation and a run of standout singles including Bittersweet, Miss That, Better Days and Weak, OVO Sound's Naomi Sharon has finally released her album, No Sleep In Paradise. While the album is best experienced from start to finish, several tracks capture the heart of the album particularly well. From moments of quiet reflection to songs that embrace healing and hope, Naomi Sharon showcases the emotional range that makes this her strongest project to da
Anisha Oliver
Jun 28


Playing Yourself: Zeju Fan on Fidelity, Individuality and What Classical Performance Gets Wrong
Image via talent-unlimited Zeju Fan listens back to his own recordings and does not always like what he hears. “A bit artificial,” he says. “Disconnected.” He is not talking about wrong notes. We are sitting in a practice room at the Royal Academy of Music, where Fan is completing his final year on full scholarship. On 26 June, he will give his London debut recital at Smith Square Hall with a programme built around Beethoven, Berg, Ligeti and Liszt. Yet the subject occupying
New Wave
Jun 18
ALBUM REVIEWS


The Confession Booth Is the Dancefloor: FLO's Therapy at the Club
The Grammy-nominated British girl group who spent the last three years redefining modern R&B, from the viral breakout of "Cardboard Box" through their GRAMMY-nominated debut Access All Areas, return with Therapy At The Club, their sophomore album, reframing the club not just as a place for a night out, but as a site of confession, release and self-possession, wrapped in sultry, euphoric R&B and pop. Widely known for the run of singles that carried Access All Areas into the UK
Kelis Cassia
1 day ago


Odeal Makes the Case for Another Summer Soundtrack
Odeal returns once again to soundtrack the summer with A Good Time... The seven-track project doesn't seek to reinvent his sound. Instead, it doubles down on the qualities that have become synonymous with his music, pairing groove-led production, danceable rhythms and his signature blend of Afrobeats and R&B. As its title suggests, A Good Time… is built around vibrant, feel-good production that captures the warmth and ease of the season. While the production is undeniably car
Chibuikem Tracey Chimbo
Jul 31


DAMEDAME Release Debut Album 'Dreams on the Passenger Seat'.
Today, DAMEDAME release their debut album 'Dreams on the Passenger Seat'. Barbara and Edith truly are marking a new genre for their music, and this album encapsulates exactly the identity the pair are seeking to create. A culmination of years spent mastering the contemporary music genre, the pair are finally stepping into the spotlight as their own team. The pair first rose to prominence on their work on Jorja Smith's album 'Falling or Flying'. Since then, their unique and ex
Katy Bright
Jul 24


Tyla's A*POP Declares African Music's Place at the Centre of Global Pop
Global pop star Tyla's forthcoming album 'A*POP' is quintessentially her. A bold evolution from her debut album, the 14-track album combines Tyla's sultry vocals with R&B, pop and amapiano.
Katy Bright
Jul 24
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: TRUENO
On the 24th April 2026, hip-hop superstar Trueno released his fourth studio album TURR4ZO following recent international acclaim on Gorillaz’ The Mountain tour. Crowds found themselves mesmerised by the Argentine wonderkid’s undeniable stage presence, formidable flow and lyrical maturity. It is hard to believe in the wake of such untethered success, just how far the young rapper has come: exploding onto the scene some seven years prior, Trueno remains a one-of-a-kind talent n


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.


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.


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...
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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