UK’s Best Black Female Artists in 2023

We profile some of the most exciting black British female artists making new music history...

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October is Black History Month and throughout we’ll be celebrating and championing Black music talent. 

Originally created in the US, the event is now a fixture in the UK calendar too, billed as "an annual celebration of the contributions of Africa, Africans and people of African descent to world civilisation from antiquity to the present".

Here, we're profiling some of the most exciting British Black female artists who we feel are creating new music history with their songwriting prowess and great performances.

Please note this list isn't exhaustive, nor is it in order of any preference. But it is a snapshot of some favourites we believe are pushing the sonic envelope forward. 

Listen below...

Griff

The recipient of the Rising Star award at the 2021 Brit Awards, Griff has taken the UK music scene by storm. Off the back of this success, she supported Dua Lipa on her Future Nostalgia tour and has also been on the road with Ed Sheeran.

Following from the initial success of 'Mirror Talk' (2019) and 'One Foot in Front of the Other' (2021), Griff has collaborated with Sigrid - titled 'Head on Fire' - listen below!

Visit Griff's Instagram page to find out more.

Nova Twins 

Industry trail blazers Nova Twins are a powerful force, both as artists and as advocates for Black women within the industry. 

They have released two inspired records to date - 'Who Are the Girls?', was released in February 2020 and their most recent album, 'Supernova'. Their guitar-based music has been critically acclaimed, securing nominations for Best Group and Best Rock/Alternative Act in 2023's Brit Awards. 

Their campaigning saw the MOBO Awards launch an Alternative category for the first time in 2022. They were also Ambassadors for an ICMP scholarship

Follow Nova Twins on Instagram  

NAO

Anyone who tuned into our ICMP masterclass will have become well acquainted with 21st century soul star NAO. Her journey from music student to Grammy nominations via collaborations with Mura Masa and Disclosure is an inspiring one. 

Make sure you check out her brilliant albums ‘For All We Know’ and ‘Saturn’, and her latest release, 'And Then Life Was Beautiful'. 

Visit NAO's Facebook page to find out more.

PinkPantheress

Managed by ICMP alumna Phoebe Gold, PinkPantheress is one of the UK's most hotly tipped new stars after winning the BBC Sound of 2022 award.

This artist is a Bath-born singer, songwriter and producer, who has become a huge hit on TikTok in over the last year.

Her wistful, nostalgic tracks hinge around samples from the nineties and 2000s adding up to an exciting and innovative sound, best heard on her recent mixtape, 'to hell with it'

Follow PinkPantheress on Instagram for more. 

Little Simz 

Rapper and singer Little Simz is a powerful contemporary musical voice.

With three albums under her belt, including the brilliant Mercury Prize nominated ‘Grey Area’, she has enjoyed even more success in recent years. 

Her record, 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert', went on to win the Brit Award for Best album while she continues to evolve with her latest record, 'No Thank You'.

Visit Little Simz' Facebook page for more information.

Ray BLK

The first unsigned artist to win the BBC’s Sound of Poll in 2017, Ray BLK’s talents as a singer songwriter have shone through a string of great releases and collaborations.

Originally from South London, her latest album ‘Empress’ was released via Island Records to rave reviews. Check out this Stormzy collaboration which helped her career take off... 

Visit Ray BLK's Facebook page for more information.

Nubya Garcia

London-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader Nubya Garcia is one of the capital’s new talents helping reshape traditional perceptions of jazz.

Drawing on the spiritual qualities of John Coltrane, mixed with a love for contemporary club culture, her debut album ‘Source’ is a must-hear. 

Visit Nubya's website to learn more.

Ego Ella May 

With props from renowned selector Gilles Peterson to headlining the Roundhouse Rising festival at Camden's iconic venue, Ego Ella May is an ICMP alumna and accomplished singer songwriter and artist. 

2020 saw Ego release her critically acclaimed debut album, 'Honey for Wounds'. Listen to this great performance of 'In the Morning' below...

Visit Ego Ella May's Bandcamp page for more information. 

Jorja Smith 

The Walsall singer-songwriter may only be in her early twenties yet she's already been named as Best British Female Artist at the Brits, earned a Grammy nomination and seen her debut record, 'Lost & Found'  hit the top three.

Jorja continues to up the ante with new material in the form of the 8-track EP, 'Be Right Back' and her most recent album, 2023's 'Falling or Flying' . 

Visit jorjasmith.com for more information.

Arlo Parks

This 20 year-old songwriter and poet has been tipped for great success by the likes of MusicWeek and the BBC via its Sound of 2020 poll. 

Taking her pointers from the likes of Portishead and Earl Sweatshirt, her sound is a diverse one, encapsulating the genre-bending artistry of our time. 2021 saw her truly arrive with debut album, 'Collapsed in Sunbeams', reaching number three in the UK Albums Chart and winning the Mercury Prize.

Her second studio album, 'My Soft Machine', was released in May 2023 to further great acclaim. 

Visit arloparksofficial.com for more information.

Tiana Major9 

There's hotly tipped and then there's Tiana Major9.

From Vogue covers courtesy of Stormzy to signing a deal with Motown, ICMP alumna Tiana forges a futuristic sound using the best bits of classic soul and funk to drive her music. Check out one of her best tracks, 'At Sixes and Sevens'...

Visit tianamajor9.com for more information. 

IAMDDB 

Diana De Brito, known by her stage name IAMDDB, has been making waves online, in the UK and US with her mix of hip hop and r'n'b. 

Her discography includes numerous mixtapes and EPs while she has also played some huge live gigs, including a support slot with the musical icon that is Lauryn Hill. 

A new release - 'Volume 6' - is anticipated at some point this year. 

Follow IAMDDB on Instagram for more information. 

Take the first steps in your music career with ICMP

We've been developing and delivering contemporary music education for over 30 years – longer than any other music school in the UK. With a proven track-record, countless music industry connections and unrivalled access to facilities, it's easy to see why hundreds of students choose ICMP each year. 

To completely immerse yourself in your music career, chat with our friendly Admissions Team via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.

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by ICMP staff writer
October 6, 2023
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