After going through 100+ different acts, we’ve managed to compile a list of 20 acts you should watch in 2020.
Below is an eclectic list of talented acts hailing from different parts of the world who we think are going to either have a great year or make a breakthrough this year. One of these artists has already achieved commercial success in the past, but in recent years rebranded as a mysterious new artist.
BEAM
Jamaican-born and Miami-raised artist BEAM started off as a producer, cooking up beats for the likes of 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti and Lecrae. After an undeniable experience recording his songs for the first time, he has emerged as one of the most promising acts on the planet. Known for infusing hip-hop, trap, pop as well as music closely linked to his West Indies roots, BEAM has the potential to be a global superstar.
FFO: SAINt JHN, Travis Scott, Popcaan, PARTYNEXTDOOR etc.
Lava La Rue
London-based and rising underground rapper Lava La Rue is known for experimenting R&B with alternative hip-hop that stays true to her UK roots. With a growing fan base and support from platforms such as COLORS, 2020 should be an exciting year for her.
FFO: Little Simz, Greentea Peng, IAMDDB etc.
àB
London-based singer, songwriter and producer àB (pronounced ‘Abby’) has been developing her own unique and captivating style of alternative R&B-infused pop which has already drawn comparison to the likes of her big sister RAYE and Jhené Aiko.
FFO: RAYE, Jhené Aiko, Tara Carosielli etc.
Zaia
22 year-old artist Zaia is another exciting artist emerging from Atlanta, Georgia. Combining hip-hop, alternative R&B and indie music, the rising star has all the right ingredients to make a lot of noise this year. Watch this space.
FFO: Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino, SAINt JHN etc.
Tom Tripp
23 year-old London-based singer, songwriter and producer Tom Tripp is one of the most underrated artists around. A star in the making, known for blending many genres such as alternative R&B, pop and electronic music well. Hopefully 2020 is the year when the world truly appreciates his talent.
FFO: Bakar, Samm Henshaw, Masego etc.
DeathByRomy
20 year-old singer-songwriter DeathByRomy has all the right tools to be a superstar. She has the dark and edgy image, the voice, the songwriting ability and an infectious personality that makes her likeable.
FFO: Billie Eilish, Lorde, Halsey etc.
Trevor Daniel
We all know TikTok has helped Trevor Daniel’s 2018 release “Falling” achieve commercial success — however, the Houston, Texas native has been on our radar long before that and he was always going to be successful with or without going viral. Known for his emotionally-driven songs built over trap-infused beats, Trevor Daniel is expected to be one of the best new artists in 2020.
FFO: Aries, Travis Scott, Post Malone etc.
Eryn Martin
Canadian singer-songwriter Eryn Martin boasts one of the most alluring raspy voices in music, at times it sounds as though as singing is just too easy for her. Her music infuses pop and trap music flawlessly — keep your eyes on her this year and the following years after too.
FFO: Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Bea Miller etc.
Chynna
Philadelphia-based rapper Chynna has been consistent ever since she dropped her debut single “Glen Coco”. Boasting a distinctive rap flow and a ferocious flow, she’s simply one of the best emerging rappers in the world today.
FFO: Rico Nasty, Junglepussy, Tommy Genesis etc.
Shaker
Believe it or not New York-based singer-songwriter Shaker has only been releasing music for a year and he’s already one of the most exciting artists around. Blessed with a captivating vocal ability, emotionally-driven lyrics and his ears for the perfect production that matches his voice well, Shaker is on the verge of breaking through this year.
FFO: The Weeknd, Darci, Always Never etc.
Bavé
Reclusive Swedish singer, songwriter and producer Bavé appeared out of nowhere with our favourite song of 2019 “Kimberly White”. Blending alternative R&B with sprinkles of electronic music, he has already delivered two memorable singles, and we’re expecting more captivating releases that may just inspire other artists. A legend in the making.
FFO: Frank Ocean, Blood Orange, Tame Impala etc.
Elley Duhé
We’ve been following Elley Duhé’s career since late 2016, and she continues to show promise. Boasting one of the best voices in pop music, 2020 could be the year when people finally discover what they’ve been missing. She’s a very special talent.
FFO: Katy Perry, Skylar Grey, Shakira etc.
Jordan Solomon
If you were to compare Canadian artist Jordan Solomon to an NBA player, it’d be New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. A highly touted rising talent compared to legends, but unfortunately had a slow start to their career until recently. Solomon has found his sound and has built a loyal fan base thanks to his melodic music, same way Ingram is putting up career high numbers this season. They are both the future in their respective fields.
FFO: Drake, Roddy Ricch, Tory Lanez etc.
ASHS
Mysterious Canadian artist ASHS recently revealed her identity, but that didn’t change the quality of her music or hinder the buzz she had generated. She’s truly one of the most exciting emerging artists in pop music and the world will find out this year.
FFO: Halsey, Winona Oak, Billie Eilish etc.
Cillian
There are so many talented rappers in the UK, but not many are as talented as London-based artist Cillian. Known for his clever wordplay and razor sharp delivery, it’s refreshing to hear a UK-based rapper creating something that isn’t afroswing — a style of music often created to ‘blow’ or gain industry attention.
FFO: Dave, Stormzy, AJ Tracey etc.
Aries
Los Angeles-based artist and producer Aries dropped one of the best projects last year, and 2020 could be his breakthrough year as he embarks on a sold out European Tour to promote his album Welcome Home.
FFO: Trevor Daniel, Post Malone, Kid Cudi etc.
Brevin Kim
Brevin Kim is a duo of brothers hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. They create music that’s impossible to box in one particular genre, making them one of the most versatile emerging acts around. 2020 should be a great year for them.
FFO: Post Malone, Lil West, YUNGBLUD etc.
BLVTH
Hailing from Berlin, Germany, singer, songwriter and producer BLVTH has the potential to become one of a few German acts to achieve worldwide success. His songs are an energetic, hard hitting and melodic infusion of electronic pop and hip-hop.
FFO: YUNGBLUD, grandson, Post Malone etc.
Darci
Darci is one of our earliest finds, and since the end 0f 2016 he’s been consistently releasing impressive singles that has made him one of the best exciting emerging acts around. Having released his well-received debut EP Crazy Beautiful Blackout towards the end of 2019, the rising star has promised more new music, and with a fan base that’s rapidly rising in numbers, 2020 could take the master of late night vibes to a new level.
FFO: The Weeknd, Post Malone, Always Never etc.
Lancey Foux
Hailing from East London, Lancey Foux is one of the most determined and confident artists around. Having developed his own sound that draws comparison to the likes of Playboi Carti and Young Thug, the rising star is on the verge of a breakthrough. It’s only a matter of time.
FFO: Playboi Carti, House of Pharaohs, Young Thug etc.
Featured Image: BEAM
Photography: Alex Harper
