New Wave's 10 Artists To Watch In 2026

Each year, New Wave Magazine’s 10 Artists to Watch list highlights the rising talent that’s set to define the sound of tomorrow. Last year, we spotlighted a group of artists who have since proven their potential: Sailorr, commanding attention with her mesmerizing performances; Sienna Spiro, blending genres in ways that earned critical praise; Sasha Keable, expanding her reach with emotionally rich releases; and Kwn, making waves as a fearless producer and R&B Superstar. Their growth over the past 12 months shows that early recognition can be the first step toward lasting impact in the ever-changing music scene.

Looking ahead to 2026, a fresh wave of artists is ready to seize the spotlight and drive the next chapter of contemporary music. This year’s list features the radiant energy of Bxks, whose hybrid approach to alt‑pop and R&B signals big things ahead; JayDon, with gritty lyricism and magnetic hooks; Skye Newman, blending soulful depth with genre‑defying flair; Mulaa Joans, whose eclectic sonic palette is already turning heads; Ledbyher, championing a powerful voice in modern pop; Fakemink, pushing boundaries with experimental soundscapes; Asal, whose emotive storytelling hits with precision — and more standout talent poised to break through. United by originality, authenticity, and unshakable creative vision, these artists are not just ones to watch — they are ones shaping the cultural conversation this year.

BXKS

On the rise is Luton-raised rapper BXKS, an artist recognised for blending hardcore, boastful lyricism with a distinctive flow over hard-hitting beats. With an indominable presence and a clear sense of self, she has been steadily cutting through the underground scene, positioning herself as a force primed to break far beyond it. Kicking off the year strongly with the release of her latest tape FEAR OF ECLIPSE, BXKS has continued to build momentum. The project includes the long-awaited ‘SING4ME’, a track that gained viral traction on TikTok after being teased at the start of 2025, with fans eagerly calling for its release. Alongside features from LEN, KwolleM, Unknown T, and Joe James, BXKS’ growing catalogue also includes standout singles such as ‘Cheque’, ‘Guestlist’ featuring Travy, ‘INIT GYAL’, and ‘Back It Up’ — further cementing her rise as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging voices.

Mulaa Joans

Mulaa Joans is a rising starlet in the industry, going from strength to strength. With a captivating voice laced with soul, grit and vulnerability, she can transfix both her online and live audiences with ease. At just 19, Mulaa is focused on pushing herself lyrically with every release, to take herself out her comfort zone to create songs that are wise beyond her years. From posting covers on Tik-Tok to creating her own music that resonates with a wide demographic, Mulaa has been locked in on finding her voice. Having recently received industry backing from BBC Introducing, her hard work seems to be paying off. Now, she is ready to take centre stage with an affirmed stance on the artist she

is. Freshly signed to Warner, combined with a quickly growing fan base that are pushing her Spotify streams in the millions and selling out her first headline shows, 2026 is looking to be a pivotal year for Mulaa. - Jack Shepard

Ledbyher

Ledbyher is emerging as one of the most compelling artists to watch this year, carving out a lane defined by emotional honesty and atmospheric soundscapes. Her quietly magnetic presence has produced notable singles showcasing an ability to blend alt-R&B, soul, and introspective pop, pairing diaristic lyricism with stripped-back yet immersive production that feels both intimate and expansive. What sets Ledbyher apart is she draws listeners into a world that feels universally resonant. With plans for a debut album on the horizon, she is poised to translate this growing momentum into a cohesive body of work, one that expands her sonic palette while preserving the emotional clarity that defines her appeal. Ledbyher represents a new generation of artists who lead with feeling rather and trippy visuals, it’s precisely that creativity that makes her ascent feel inevitable.

Fakemink

Fakemink is fast becoming one of the most intriguing artists to watch, operating at the intersection of underground rap, alt-pop, and internet-era experimentation. Known for standout tracks like 'Paris,' 'On Me,' 'Designer Drugs,' and “LV Sandals,' his music thrives on mood rather than convention, hazy melodies, off-kilter flows, and emotionally detached delivery that feels intentionally raw and unfiltered. Fakemink’s appeal lies in his ability to capture modern disaffection with a diaristic looseness, soundtracking late nights, digital overload, and quiet introspection. His aesthetic, both sonically and visually, resists polish, favouring spontaneity and emotional immediacy, which has helped him cultivate a devoted following without chasing mainstream formulas. As he continues to build toward larger projects, Fakemink represents a new wave of artists redefining what vulnerability and cool can look like in contemporary music.

Sinn6r

Sinn6r has been steadily carving out a space of his own in the UK underground, emerging as an artist defined by mood, menace, and emotional rawness. His sound sits at the intersection of rap, rage, and alt-inflected production. As his catalogue continues to grow and his cult audience deepens, Sinn6r is positioning himself as a voice of a new generatio, one that thrives in the grey areas between genres and isn’t afraid to lean into darkness to tell the truth.

Skye Newman

Skye Newman has rapidly established herself as one of the UK’s most exciting breakout artists, making history as the first UK female solo act in over a decade to land two Top 20 singles with her very first releases. Her debut track 'Hairdresser' introduced her raw, emotionally unfiltered songwriting, while 'Family Matters' propelled her into the mainstream with a top-five chart position, cementing her status as a powerful new voice in British R&B and soul. Anchored by a commanding vocal presence and deeply personal lyricism, Skye’s music resonates with an honesty that feels both intimate and universal.

Jaydon

JayDon is emerging as one of R&B’s most exciting young voices, pairing undeniable talent with a maturity that belies his age. The 17-year-old singer has been steadily building momentum through standout releases such as 'I’ll Be Good,' 'Lullaby,' and 'WYD After,' records that showcase his smooth vocal control and instinctive feel for modern R&B. Now, his trajectory takes a major leap forward as he signs with mega, the newly launched label founded by USHER and L.A. Reid in partnership with gamma, an endorsement that firmly places JayDon among the genre’s next generation of stars.

Asal

Asal’s appeal lies in how effortlessly he blends emotional clarity with sonic experimentation. Her music doesn’t feel loud about its ambition, but it’s quietly pushing boundaries, genre-wise, structurally, and emotionally all at once. With her songwriting brooding with intimacy that pulls listeners in, paired with production that never feels static or predictable, Asal has been slowly building a world rather than chasing moments, and that patience is starting to pay off. Whilst her core audience are invested in the evolution, 2026 feels pivotal with how refined her vision has become. Asal’s not trying to be everywhere at once, and that focus gives her work weight. Asal feels like an artist on the cusp of wider recognition, without sacrificing the depth that made people stay in the first place.

Amie Blu

Amie Blu has been quietly carving out her own lane, and the word “quietly” feels important here. Her music thrives on subtlety; soft-spoken but emotionally sharp, introspective without feeling insular. There’s huge maturity in how she approaches songwriting, balancing vulnerability with restraint in a way that feels deeply considered. Since the release of ‘when all is said and done’, her fanbase has grown organically, drawn to the honesty of her voice and the sense that nothing she releases is filler. As 2026 approaches, we think Amie Blu will be stepping into a more expansive version of herself, experimenting just enough to keep things interesting while staying grounded in what she does best. She’s one to watch because her growth feels true, the kind that unfolds naturally over time and rewards listeners who’ve been paying attention from the start.

Kamal.

Kamal is steadily carving out his own space as one of the most compelling emerging voices in contemporary music, blending soul, R&B, and alternative influences with a quiet confidence that feels deeply assured. With introspective releases such as 'homebody,' 'blue,' and “just friends,” Kamal’s music is defined by emotional honesty, warm melodies, that draws listeners inward rather than demanding attention. His songwriting feels diaristic and intentional, resonating with a generation drawn to vulnerability and nuance over spectacle. Rather than chasing trends, Kamal’s appeal lies in his ability to create intimate worlds within his records, songs that feel lived-in and reflective, shaped by mood as much as melody. As his audience continues to grow organically, he stands out as an artist guided by feeling and authenticity.