21 Best British Female R&B Singers To Listen to Right Now

From the rich tapestry of the British music scene, we present to you a carefully curated list of the best British female R&B singers who have left an indelible mark on the industry. Within this genre, there exists a remarkable constellation of talented female vocalists who have carved their own unique paths, captivating audiences with their powerful voices, compelling lyrics, and undeniable charisma.

1. Estelle

Estelle is a British R&B singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and versatile musical style. Her breakout hit came in 2008 with the chart-topping single “American Boy,” featuring Kanye West. Estelle’s music blends R&B, reggae, hip-hop, and soul influences, showcasing her distinctive vocals and powerful songwriting. With her smooth delivery and engaging stage presence, Estelle has cemented her place as one of the prominent British R&B artists of the 2000s.

2. Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was a British singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with her unique blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. Known for her deep, soulful voice and introspective lyrics, Winehouse captivated audiences with her critically acclaimed album “Back to Black” (2006). Her raw and emotive performances, coupled with her distinctive style and personal struggles, made her an iconic figure in the British music scene.

3. Adele

Adele is a British singer-songwriter widely recognized for her powerful and soulful voice. With her debut album “19” released in 2008, Adele quickly gained international acclaim, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and heartfelt lyrics. Her subsequent albums, including “21” and “25,” further solidified her status as a global R&B sensation. Adele’s ability to convey raw emotions through her music has resonated with millions, earning her numerous awards and record-breaking success.

4. Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé is a Scottish singer-songwriter who emerged in the music scene in the early 2010s. Her soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting quickly garnered attention. Sandé’s debut album “Our Version of Events” (2012) became a commercial success, featuring hit singles like “Heaven” and “Next to Me.” Her music effortlessly blends R&B, soul, and pop elements, while her powerful voice and poignant lyrics convey a range of emotions, making her a beloved figure in British R&B.

5. Joss Stone

Joss Stone is an English singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and retro-inspired sound. She gained recognition in the early 2000s with her debut album “The Soul Sessions” (2003), which featured her renditions of classic soul tracks. Stone’s subsequent albums showcased her own songwriting talents and ventured into R&B, funk, and pop genres. Her strong vocal delivery, combined with her soulful and bluesy style, has made her a respected figure in the British R&B music landscape.

6. Jessie J

Jessie J, born Jessica Cornish, is a British singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in 2011 with her hit single “Price Tag.” Known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, Jessie J has made her mark in the R&B and pop music scenes. Her debut album “Who You Are” showcased her impressive vocal range and songwriting skills. With her soulful voice and catchy hooks, Jessie J has become a celebrated artist, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

7. Ella Mai

Ella Mai is a British singer-songwriter who gained international recognition with her breakout single “Boo’d Up” in 2018. Her self-titled debut album featured a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and contemporary pop elements, showcasing her smooth vocals and relatable lyrics. Ella Mai’s music often explores themes of love and relationships, and her soulful voice captivates listeners with its warmth and sincerity. With her fresh sound and undeniable talent, she has quickly become a rising star in the British R&B scene.

8. Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae is a British singer-songwriter whose music encompasses elements of R&B, soul, and pop. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2006, showcased her soothing voice and introspective songwriting. The album’s lead single, “Put Your Records On,” became a major hit. With her subsequent releases, including “The Sea” (2010) and “The Heart Speaks in Whispers” (2016), Bailey Rae has continued to captivate audiences with her soulful performances and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying her status as a respected British R&B artist.

9. Mabel

Mabel is a British singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in 2017 with her debut single “Finders Keepers.” Known for her smooth vocals and infectious pop-infused R&B sound, Mabel has garnered attention with her catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. Her debut album “High Expectations” (2019) featured a blend of R&B, pop, and dancehall influences, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Mabel’s vibrant personality and melodic style have contributed to her rise as one of the prominent British female R&B singers of recent years.

10. Ray BLK

Ray BLK, whose real name is Rita Ekwere, is a British singer-songwriter recognized for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. Combining elements of R&B, hip-hop, and soul, Ray BLK’s music addresses themes of identity, empowerment, and personal experiences. Her debut album “Empress” (2018) showcased her storytelling abilities and garnered critical acclaim. With her thought-provoking lyrics and soulful voice, Ray BLK has made a significant impact in the British R&B scene, earning accolades and a dedicated following.

11. Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas is a British singer-songwriter whose music blends R&B, soul, and folk influences. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2012, showcased her unique guitar skills and smooth, soulful voice. Known for her introspective and personal lyrics, La Havas has a knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs. Her sophomore album, “Blood” (2015), further solidified her artistry and received critical acclaim. Lianne La Havas’ soulful melodies and heartfelt performances have earned her a dedicated fan base and established her as a notable figure in the British R&B scene.

12. Mahalia

Mahalia is a British singer-songwriter whose music effortlessly fuses R&B, soul, and pop sensibilities. With her soulful voice and relatable songwriting, she has garnered attention in recent years. Mahalia’s breakthrough came with her EP “Diary of Me” (2016), followed by her debut album “Love and Compromise” (2019). Her music explores themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide. With her enchanting vocals and authentic artistry, Mahalia continues to make waves as a rising star in British R&B.

13. Nao

Nao is a British singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice and genre-blending music. Her sound combines elements of R&B, funk, electronic, and neo-soul. Nao’s debut album, “For All We Know” (2016), received critical acclaim and showcased her soulful vocals and innovative production. Her music often explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. With her unique style and captivating performances, Nao has established herself as a boundary-pushing artist within the British R&B landscape.

14. FKA twigs

FKA twigs, born Tahliah Barnett, is a British singer-songwriter, producer, and dancer. Her music defies categorization, blending elements of R&B, electronic, and experimental pop. FKA twigs gained critical acclaim with her debut album “LP1” (2014), showcasing her ethereal vocals, intricate production, and thought-provoking lyrics. Known for her visually stunning performances and artistic vision, FKA twigs pushes the boundaries of both music and visual art, making her a unique and influential figure in the British music scene.

15. Shola Ama

Shola Ama is a British R&B singer who gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her smooth vocals and soulful delivery set her apart in the music industry. Shola Ama achieved chart success with her debut album “Much Love” (1997), which featured hit singles like “You Might Need Somebody” and “Still Believe.” Her music continues to resonate with audiences, and she remains an influential British female R&B artist with her timeless sound and soulful performances.

16. Cleo Sol

Cleo Sol is a British singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of R&B, soul, and neo-soul. Known for her captivating vocals and introspective lyrics, Cleo Sol has made a name for herself in the British R&B scene. Her debut album, “Rose in the Dark” (2019), received critical acclaim for its soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling. With her soothing voice and poetic songwriting, Cleo Sol has created a distinct sound that resonates with listeners, showcasing her talent and potential as an emerging R&B artist.

17. Beverley Knight

Beverley Knight is a British soul and R&B singer-songwriter who has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the late 1990s. With her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, Knight has captivated audiences worldwide. Her repertoire includes soulful ballads, upbeat R&B tracks, and gospel-inspired songs. Knight’s discography includes several successful albums, such as “Prodigal Sista” (1998) and “Affirmation” (2004). As an accomplished and respected artist, Beverley Knight has solidified her status as one of the leading British female R&B singers.

18. Sade

Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu, is a British-Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her smooth vocals and signature blend of R&B, soul, and jazz. With her band, also named Sade, she has released multiple critically acclaimed albums. Sade’s timeless hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love” have become classics in the R&B genre. Her sultry voice, poetic lyrics, and elegant style have made her an icon in both British and international music, earning her numerous accolades and a devoted fan base.

19. Ms. Dynamite

Ms. Dynamite, born Niomi McLean-Daley, is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter. She emerged in the early 2000s with her fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and reggae influences. Ms. Dynamite’s debut album, “A Little Deeper” (2002), won critical acclaim and commercial success, earning her the prestigious Mercury Prize. Her socially conscious lyrics, empowering messages, and energetic performances have made her a respected figure in British R&B. Ms. Dynamite’s contributions to the genre have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of British female artists.

20. Laura Mvula

Laura Mvula is a British singer-songwriter known for her unique musical style that blends R&B, soul, and orchestral elements. Her debut album, “Sing to the Moon” (2013), received widespread acclaim for its lush arrangements and Mvula’s powerful vocals. With her introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound, Laura Mvula has pushed the boundaries of traditional R&B, creating music that is both captivating and innovative. Her artistic vision and distinctive approach to songwriting have solidified her position as an influential British female R&B artist.

21. Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith is a British singer-songwriter whose soulful voice and introspective lyrics have garnered international acclaim. She gained recognition with her debut single “Blue Lights” in 2016, which showcased her unique blend of R&B, soul, and jazz influences. Jorja Smith’s debut album, “Lost & Found” (2018), further established her as a rising star, earning critical acclaim and accolades. Her music often explores themes of love, identity, and social issues, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Jorja Smith’s captivating vocals and poignant songwriting have solidified her as one of the most promising British female R&B artists of recent years.

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