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Do you already know? Featured Western music: recommended female singers [2020]

Do you already know? Featured Western music: recommended female singers [2020]
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Breakout imminent in 2020!

Let’s take a look at Western female singers whose popularity is already on the rise.

It goes without saying that women’s vocals have a unique charm that men’s don’t.

And of course, looks are part of the appeal too.

Judging by the U.

S.

charts and such, R&B seems to have been especially popular in recent years.

Some musicians spent years honing their craft in local clubs, while others suddenly went viral on social media and shot to fame.

We’ve carefully curated our picks—enjoy!

Do you already know? [2020] Featured Western music: recommended female singers (1–10)

Stop This FlameCeleste

Celeste – Stop This Flame (Lyric Video)
Stop This FlameCeleste

Celeste, a rising young neo-soul singer who took first place in the BBC’s annual “Sound of 2020” list highlighting promising newcomers.

Born in 1994, she began posting her original songs on YouTube in her teens, where her talent was discovered.

Her acclaim has grown—she even won the Critics’ Choice Award at the UK’s prestigious Brit Awards—and above all, her appeal lies in her soulful, gorgeous vocals.

With her debut album slated for release in 2020 now announced, we can also hope for a swift visit to Japan for live performances.

What You Did (feat. Ella Mai)Mahalia

Mahalia – What You Did (feat. Ella Mai)
What You Did (feat. Ella Mai)Mahalia

Mahalia, a young soul singer from the UK, is garnering high expectations.

She performed in Japan at Summer Sonic 2019, and her recognition and popularity here are skyrocketing.

In September 2019, she released her debut album, Love and Compromise, to critical acclaim.

If you like fellow UK artists Ella Mai or Jorja Smith, you’re sure to love her!

Over ItSummer Walker

Summer Walker – I’ll Kill You (Feat. Jhene Aiko) [Official Audio]
Over ItSummer Walker

She is a female singer-songwriter from the state of Georgia in the United States, whose debut album OVER IT, released in September 2019, became a hit, reaching No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

The album features contributions from many major artists, including Usher.

Her popular track Playing Games showcases her flair by referencing a classic Destiny’s Child song, and she stands out as one of the most notable talents in contemporary R&B.

PhysicalDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Physical (Official Video)
PhysicalDua Lipa

Dua Lipa, a new-generation pop icon born in 1995 and hailing from the UK.

With her striking looks as a model, undeniable songwriting talent, and the strength to speak out on social issues without hesitation, she’s garnered significant attention—and a large following here in Japan as well.

Her eagerly awaited second album, Future Nostalgia, set for release in April 2020, features a disco-influenced sound, as you can tell from the lead single, Don’t Start Now.

In 2020, you won’t want to take your eyes off what she does next!

La La Lost Youniki

NIKI – La La Lost You (Official Video)
La La Lost Youniki

88rising is one of the most important labels from Asia, known for launching standout artists like Joji and Rich Brian.

The R&B singer the label is pushing is NIKI, who hails from Jakarta.

Born in 1999 as Nicole Zefanya, she has been influenced by music—especially ’90s R&B—since childhood, and gained attention online by posting cover songs.

With her exotic appeal and assured vocal ability, NIKI is an artist you won’t want to miss—she’s poised for a major breakthrough.

ButterflyCleo Sol

Cleo Sol – Butterfly (Official Video)
ButterflyCleo Sol

A singer-songwriter from West London whose calming acoustic sound evokes elements of soul, jazz, and pop.

With a Serbian mother and a Jamaican father—both musicians—she grew up surrounded by music.

Her name began to gain recognition after she appeared on Little Simz’s 2019 album, GREY Area.

Her own songs are sure to attract attention going forward.

ChangesElaine

An R&B singer-songwriter from South Africa, she is a rare presence even within her home country.

Her self-released 2019 EP “Elements” reached No.

1 on the Apple Music Album Charts.

Influenced by Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé, she has been singing since childhood, and boasts an unusual background as a law student at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

As an intelligent singer-songwriter, she seems poised to gain global popularity in the future!