Within the diverse tapestry of African music, R&B stands as an underappreciated gem with emotional depth. The rhythmic heartbeat of R&B remains a resilient force despite taking a backseat to popular genres such as Afropop and Afrofusion. At the heart of this underestimated genre lies a fusion of African heritage and the sophistication of R&B crafting a narrative deserving of greater recognition.As we dive into the nuanced landscapes of this genre, WeTalkSound presents a list of exceptional artists who are redefining this sound and inviting their listeners into the evocative charm that is R&B.
1. Oche
OCHÉ, a Toronto-based artist with roots in Lagos, Nigeria, is a multi-talented musician—singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer. His musical journey began at an early age. OCHÉ’s style is a unique blend of alternative R&B, Soul, and rap, characterized by a distinctive and confident voice that may catch you off guard. His varied discography includes tracks like “Voicemail,” “Amina,” and “Time Will Tell” which provides listeners with a diverse and unexpected musical palette.
2. Yellw
Yellw is an artist to add to your playlist. His style delves into evocative storytelling and soothing melodies. It captures emotions which are sure to resonate with anyone listening. His EP, “Wishful Thinking (2021)” is a testament to his journey as he is sure to create waves in the industry.
3. Brum3h
Brum3h, a talented Nigerian R&B artist, brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the music scene. His unique sound blends R&B with contemporary influences, delivering a captivating musical experience with soulful vocals and catchy melodies. Brum3h’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious beats leave a strong emotional impression on his audience. His emotive lyrics and stirring melodies come together to create a powerful and emotionally resonant musical journey. With his unique sound, Brum3h establishes himself as an emerging force in the music scene, destined to leave a lasting impact on the industry. He is most known for songs such as “ Deeper” “For Long” and “Iyanu (Twenty Somethin)”. His latest release, “Typewrit3R Vol. 1 is sure to take you on a journey with its emotional depth and range.
4. Nezsa
Originating from Nigeria and currently residing in Canada, Nezsa is an Alternative R&B singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful and unique musical style. Her music is characterized by a potent and distinct sound, seamlessly fusing melancholic soul with remarkable lyrics and memorable vocals. Noteworthy tracks like “Technicolor Bliss,” “Should have Cared,” and “Trouble” feature Nezsa’s enchanting voice and layered narratives. Her EP “Bitter-Sweet” is worth discovering.
5. RnB Princess
RnB Princess, also known as Princess Okoh is an independent artist based in Lagos. Her commanding vocals and captivating musical style is enriched with storytelling elements. Exhibiting a uniquely evocative sound, RnB Princess excels in the deliberate crafting of her music. One of her notable strengths lies in the purposefulness of her compositions as she skillfully weaves intricate stories into straightforward lyrics. This ability not only ensures easy comprehension for her audience but also leaves them yearning for more. “Becoming” is a six-packed project of RnB Princess which conjures a sense of nostalgia as it blends Afro elements and R&B.
6. Ogranya
Ogranya, originally named Ogranya Jable Osai, is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from Rivers State, Nigeria. Formerly an architect, he transitioned wholeheartedly into his music career drawing inspiration from renowned artists such as John Mayer, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, and more. He is a versatile musician blending elements of Afro-soul, R&B, and Jazz in his music. Some of his well-known tracks include ‘Lagbaja’ and ‘Wicked Somebody,’ featuring Ghanaian singer-songwriter Efya. Through his distinctive songwriting and unconventional musical approach, Ogranya emerges as one of the most captivating talents on the rise in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
7. Rukmani
Rukmani is an artist who pours her heart into creating soul-touching music, drawing inspiration from her personal journey. Known for her emotive style, she’s swiftly becoming recognized as one of the most skilled artists in the industry. Her versatility shines through as she merges various genres like R&B/Soul, hip-hop, alternative, and Afrobeats while maintaining her unique sound. In her first album, “Angel on the Run,” she displays her unmistakable talent through soulful melodies infused with electrifying vulnerability.
8. Kemuel
Kemuel Emmanuel, professionally known as Kemuel is an RnB singer and songwriter originating from Rivers State, Nigeria. He distinguishes himself as a symbol of genuine talent and purposeful artistry fusing R&B, Pop, and Afrobeats to narrate compelling stories with his lyrics and melodies. The release of his first EP, “Escape” signifies the rise of a highly promising artist on the global music scene. Kemuel is rapidly making a mark and is poised to become a well-recognized name in the music industry.
9. Givens
Givens is a Lagos-based singer-songwriter with sounds ranging from R&B, Soul, Pop and many more genres. His impeccable sound invites his listeners into his world as he captivates them with storytelling and poignant emotions. He draws his inspiration from influences such as Frank Ocean, Jon Bellion, and Burna Boy to mention a few. His album, “Her Dark Instruments” is worth a listen as it’s a rollercoaster of emotions.
10. Preye
Preye
Preye is a Nigerian soul artist known for her soothing, enchanting and powerful vocals. Preyé’s musical style is marked by its mature, passionate, and soulful qualities which is greatly inspired by incredible artists such as Lauryn Hill, Enya, Jill Scott and Yanni to mention a few. Her delivery of style comprises Western elements infused with African sounds while still maintaining its contemporary nature. Preye’s music has a sense of originality as it is a testament to her soulful attributes.
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