Hotlist20 - Top 20 List Revealed
Launched in 2015, The iluvlive Hotlist features ten acts we think the tippers will be tipping in the coming years. Candidates can be signed but cannot have released an album via a major record label. Early successes include Nadia Rose, Ray Blk, Stefflon Don, IAMDDB, Dave, Kojey Radical, Avelino, Joy Crookes, Mira May and Raye.
The top ten will then be selected via a combination of public votes and the iluvlive team, with the final top ten announced on 22nd January 2020. Selected acts from the longlist will go on to perform at our Hotlist the show on 21st January 2020 at Colours Hoxton.
A massive thank you to Songtrust for supporting and sponsoring the Hotlist Show!
The aim is that the list and the show generate media and industry interest and help acts further along the road to success.
Nominees
Shaybo
IG: @shaybo
Twitter: @shaybomusic
Growing up in South East London inevitably shaped her to become the honest, driven and highly spirited individual that she is today. A firm believer in the strength of community amongst women, the sounds of Shaybo lyrics are charged by the electricity that connects people. Her lyrical delivery and content is what people resonate with males and females.
Shaybo has the accolades and momentum in her favor with her most recent releases 'Bonjour cava' and 'Ya Dun Know’ gaining huge attention from her 'Real One Fans' with the upcoming release of her EP 'Queen Of The South' featuring top tier artist there will be no limit on what she will be able to accomplish in the near future.
Aeris Roves
IG: @aerisroves
Twiter: @aerisroves
Aeris Roves is the R&B star the UK has been waiting for. Born in Yorkshire, he moved to South East London with his dad at aged ten and immediately adopted the city as his home.
Now he’s crafting some of the most fully realised R&B music in the country, pulling in influences as diverse as Frank Ocean, Roy Orbison and northern soul to create a smooth, distinctly modern sound. America’s coolest teenager, Billie Eilish is already a fan and for good reason.
Ama Lou
IG: @amaloumusic
Twitter: @amalou
The North London - native Ama Lou is certainly on the mission to cement herself firmly in the music scene with her distinctive sounds and her unique style. The classically trained singer has certainly created a buzz! To date, she has received support from notable publications.
With Ama Lou's impressive, expressive lyricism and her edgy aesthetic and creative genius when it comes to her music visuals. She has certainly bought her own stonework along and is paving her own way to become one of the most inspirational and fundamental artists around.
Vibbar
IG: @vibbar
Twitter: @vibbar001
On 10th May ‘16, Poet and friends put together a night in which they showcased new music, namely their debut hit “Summer of Love”, welcomed guests to a free bar and ultimately, a good vibe. “Vibe” being the key word… or in this case Vibbar. It was on this night that the creative group was birthed. They have since gone on to release hits with UK heavyweights such as; JME, Big Narstie, Scorcher, Mercston. Collaborate with Nike and host various live shows filled with energy.
The recent drop of their latest video Capri Sun featuring Ms Banks along with the release of their debut EP “San Junipero” proves to be just another example of their intent to drop regular high-quality content.
Trillary
Twitter: @trillarybanks6
Hailing from the city of Leicester female rap artist Trillary Banks has undoubtedly solidified her position within the ever expanding UK music landscape. After putting in many years of hard work her breakout single came in the form of 'Come over mi yard' released Jun 2017.
Since then Trillary Banks has released a string of critically acclaimed singles accumulating Millions of views and streams alike across popular platforms. Her sound, a fresh and raw blend of Rap with Dancehall is often referred to as contagious and has catapulted her into the limelight and playlists of listeners nationwide and beyond.
Trillary has featured on watchlist's of various credible publications including Complex, XXL, Fact Magazine and Hot new hiphop. She’s sold out two headline London shows within 6 months and recently featured on BBC 1xtra's Leicester City Focus.
In April 2019 Trillary Banks released her first full length project entitled 'vote 4 Trillary’ and 'Get the strap' taken from that project featured on the official Fifa 20 soundtrack.
Amahla
IG: @amahlamusic
Twitter: @amahlamusic
Soul singer-songwriter Amahla ended 2019, winner of PRS Lynsey De Paul Prize for outstanding emerging female songwriters, over 1 million streams, two sold out headline shows and critical acclaim for her distinctive voice and songwriting.
In February ‘19 Amahla introduced her politically-tinged contemporary soul sound with her debut EP ‘Consider This’ which was met with critical acclaim for its addressing of social issues, bold songwriting and outstanding vocal delivery.
With a focus on live instrumentation Amahla has sold out two of her three headline shows at The Roundhouse, St Pancras Old Church and The Lexington.
A talented songwriter this summer Amahla also wrote and featured on the soulful 'In The Moment' with Drum and Bass duo Brookes Brothers which saw Amahla’s first support from Spotify on their New Music Friday UK playlist.
Amahla's talent is clearly reflected by her ambition, to be one of the best vocalists, songwriters and entertainers of our generation.
The Rara
IG: @the.rara
Twitter: @iamtherara
The Rara, South London born, raised between the UK and Jamaica. Also known as “The Females Favourite”, for his charismatic and stylish presence.
The Rara’s instantaneously recognisable sound has sent shockwaves in the industry. In 2018 he released his breakthrough hit single “Elegance” which spread like wildfire across the UK and the globe, having a major impact in countries such as Canada and the USA.
As and independent artist, The Rara’s promotion and marketing was to hit the streets first, which worked as it flooded social media, mixtapes and events. This elevated the single to become mainstream and led him to go onto his first UK tour with Kojo Funds in January 2019. The Rara released his follow up single “Piña Colada” alongside astounding visuals.
The Rara is known for his immense stage presence and crowd interactions. He was a headline act for DJ Nate Caribbean Rocks 2019, which has been one of his biggest and memorable shows to date. He has been a supporting act for artists such as Govana, Rygin King, Chi-Chi Ching, Nafe Smallz, IQ and many more.
Pip Millett
IG: @pipmillett
Twitter: @pipmilllett
One of the brightest names in UK R&B, Pip Millett follows from her breakthrough releases ‘Make Me Cry’, ‘Love The things You Do’ and debut EP ‘Do Well’ with her powerful, vulnerable new release “Ava”.
Starting 2019 with an extraordinary COLORS Berlin performance of ‘Make Me Cry’ (over 2 million views), the Manchester-born artist released her debut EP 'Do Well' at the end of June alongside an extended EP visual.
Making waves in both the UK and US with the likes of THE FADER, PIGEONS & PLANES, i-D,WONDERLAND and GRAZIA, supported by BBC R1 and 1Xtra.
Pip’s effortless amalgamation of pure vocal talent and captivating storytelling continues to establish her as one of the UK’s brightest new talents. With fans stretching from London to New York and Tokyo, “Ava” emerges as one of Pip’s most emotive offerings. A track of controlled power and emotion marks the end of a remarkable 2019 and the beginning of another significant year for a rising star whose stock is only set to rise further.
Bakar
IG: @bakarrrr
Twitter: @yeaabk
Until a few years ago Bakar was having an endless good time. He’d go from lolling around Skepta’s studio to modelling for desperately cool art collective Brain Dead, to hanging out with A$AP Mob. He walked the catwalk for Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton and spent days crate-digging with Kanye’s producer Budgie.
Hanging out with some of his musical heroes, he never let on that he had always wanted to get in the studio himself.
Then one day he locked himself in his room and took a sample from a Bombay Bicycle Club demo, looping it and working his lyrics in. He didn’t want his fashion-world credibility to affect the way people heard it, so he put it up on a completely anonymous Soundcloud. Within a month, the track had tens of thousands of plays with people online trying to work out who was behind them. He then revealed himself as Bakar.
Tertia May
IG: @tertiamay_
UK Singer Songwriter Tertia May announced herself in 2018 with her soul-stirring debut EP, ‘Kind Of Purple’. Pulling from Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul and Pop with a voice that demands attention.
The last 12 months has seen Tertia grace stages from London’s iconic Jazz Cafe to the studios at Colors with her performance last summer breaking well over 1 million views.
With a host of releases, collaborations and shows penned for 2020, this year is set to be her most exciting to date.
Reuben James
IG: @itsreubenjames
Twitter: @itsreubenjames
Fast-emerging British singer, songwriter and pianist Reuben James’ virtuoso jazz techniques and soulful, evocative voice have led him to be widely regarded as one the most exciting and creatively assured artists to have emerged in recent years.
Although perhaps best known for his ongoing collaborations with Sam Smith, which have included co-writing songs for Smith’s 4 million-selling album The Thrill of It All, James has written for and performed with an array of international star acts including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, John Legend, Tori Kelly, Little Mix, Disclosure and Liam Payne amongst many others.
His long-awaited debut EP was released earlier this year and he is currently working on new music to be released in early 2020.
Ling Hussle
IG: @linghussle
Ling Hussle is one of the artists right at the front line of the UK's r&b scene and she has dropped a brand-new project, Hussle X Dreams.
The South London singer-songwriter brings you all those classic smooth R&B vibes alongside her own unique twists. The project is 16 tracks long and is clearly inspired by the late Los Angeles hailing artist, Nipsey Hussle.
She’s also had a sold out headline show, featured on both Tion Wayne & Krept & Konan’s latest albums and has a top 20 UK single through her feature with Krept & Konan and D-Block Europe, an exciting future in music awaits!
Kadeem Tyrell
IG: @kadeemtyrell
Twitter: @kadeemtyrell
British R&B/Soul singer, Kadeem Tyrell, is making waves in the UK music scene. Born and raised in Battersea, Kadeem epitomises the alternative sound that is currently on the rise, described as soothing alternative soul & effortless R&B.
Heavily influenced by A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah, Brandy & many more artists from the 90's era. Kadeem put pen to paper at the young age of 14, challenging his writing skills and seeing how far he could take his vocal ability and started to record his music from his home studio a little while after.
Kadeem has garnered a buzz and is being mentioned amongst some of London’s finest such as NAO, Jaz Karis, Sampha, Tiana Major 9 and many more.Recently dropping his latest project “Elements” it has now reached over 1.3Million plays, Kadeem has no plans on slowing down.
Olivia Nelson
IG: @oliviajnelson
Twitter: @oliviajnelson
London born and raised, singer-songwriter Olivia Nelson is very much a product of her environment, her surroundings and those physical attributes that make up her hometown influencing the narrative she threads through her tracks.
Described by some as having a voice that cuts like a knife, Olivia will soon be carving a distinctive imprint into music
Now at 20, Olivia’s voice has taken her to work with various songwriters and producers including Carassius Gold (Jack Garratt), John Calvert (Nao, Jodie Abacus), RSG (Ratboy), Benjamin Miller (Reijjie Snow), Cadenza, T’evn, David E Sugar, Bearcubs, IAMBENJI and more.
The adventure itself has become an inspiration, and produced a collection of songs that are set to push Olivia to the front of the pack.
Knucks
IG: @knucks_music
Twitter: @knucks_music
Knucks is a 24 year old rapper/producer hailing from north west London. Finding an interest in music at a young age, 12 year old Knucks (fka Knuckles) began his musical journey in Grime, rapping with friends after school. Growing a distinct ear for music and a specific taste in the then Grime beats, he began producing himself, adapting the musical and sample heavy production styles of the likes of Scuface & Stimpy, Swindleand Dot Rotten.
This influence would then lead him on to creating his first body of work, 'Killmatic', an ode to critically acclaimed 'Illmatic' by Nas. During those seminal years he built a broad musical palette and by the age of 18 was producing for some of the biggest names in the scene such as Fekky and Blade Brown. But he had the vision to be more than just a producer.
Darkoo
IG: @officialdarkoo
Twitter: @officialdarkoo
First known by most for her feature on Br3nya’s single “Juice” Darkoo is someone who has blown up the internet since she released the snippet, everything has revolved around Darkoo’s addictive single “Gangsta.” If you’ve yet to come across a dance video to the teenager’s surefire anthem, I’m sorry, but you’re on the wrong internet.
Her voice, which some have compared to WizKid, can handle a warm afropop melody as well as some tough-talk usually reserved for those in Stone Island sweats. “I’m tryna’ love you like a gangsta,” now armed with a UK Top 40 single the future is looking bright for Darkoo who’s versatility musically is only matched by her own image.
Benjiflow
IG: @benjiflow
Twitter: @benjiflow_
North-London born producer and multi-instrumentalist BenjiFlow reveals his first ever single DEEP END. With a highly contemporary sound, Deep End is the sound of an artist articulating his emotions via distinctive instrumentation and lyricism.
Growing up in London with Jamaican parents and a musical family, Benji started playing classical piano aged 7 then was forced to play in church by his dad. Having initially resented it, he now realises how beneficial it has been to his musicality, most significantly it has enabled him to play by ear. He then developed his musical talents moving on to learn the bass guitar, drums and electric/acoustic guitar, giving him the tools to evolve into the artist he is today.
Being heavily influenced by African culture and rhythm evident in his production work for UK artists Avelino, Sipprell, Wretch 32 and his co-production work with Deep End Ragz (Skepta), although just releasing his debut, BenjiFlow is no stranger to the music industry, and he’s primed to show the world what he is truly capable of.
Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn
IG: @FSandHG
Twitter: @FSandHG
Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn are a Rap and production duo hailing from Brighton. Over the past few years they've honed a signature sound, drawing equal influence from classic hip-hop, to UK dance and urban music. With comparisons to The Streets, MJ Cole, Loyle Carner and Mura Masa.
After building a significant streaming audience over the years, FS&HG embarked on their first UK headline tour in 2017, selling out shows in London, Brighton, Bristol & Manchester.
When on stage, their Songs are given a new lease of life as the duo develop their sound for this live environment. Frankie owns the Stage whilst Harvey cuts and chops into his beats to the point of inevitable reloads throughout their sets. You can expect old and new, from their teenage classics to brand new unreleased material.
Br3nya
IG: @br3nya
Twitter: @br3nya
Br3nya has had a successful debut year, performing at Merky Fest, Red Bull Sound System at Notting Hill Carnival, having a sold-out headline show at the o2 academy islington.
She was critically-acclaimed as one to watch in 2019 by capital Xtra, also touring with Casa Barcadi aswell as Headie One HomexMusic tour. Also currently has a track on A list on BBC 1xtra playlist titled Sis.
James Vickery
IG: @jvickery
Twitter: @jvickery
South London's James Vickery is the new face of UK R&B. With his COLORS session amassing 14 million views, James caught the attention of many admirers internationally.
Vickery has already performed sold-out shows at London’s Omeara as well as the iconic Jazz Cafe in Camden. Working on his debut album with everybody from Kenny Beats, Nate Fox, Pomo, NAO, SG Lewis and more, Vickery is going to hit the ground running with timeless, soulful R&B tunes.
Vickery's unmistakable voice and completely unique take on R&B despite being born deaf in his left ear, landed him as one of Complex's British R&B/Soul Artists to watch out for 2019.