NextGen Ones to Watch: 25 for 2025

This year...

"I've been really grinding on my craft and developing my sound which led to my first headline show supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund," BANJI says. "It was a really great turn out, with a live band and support acts, and I got to test out the music which went down really well. I am now preparing to release the tracks." BANJI also continued expanding his artistry into acting, which has seen him feature in several films, including two in BAFTA-qualifying film festivals.

On his latest project...

BANJI's latest project is a collection of singles which combine his grime roots as well as elements of jazz, orchestral and afro. "I feel its a really refreshing sound that brings the classic BANJI energy. It's definitely going to be one to watch when it drops in 2025!" he says.

Next year...

BANJI has a more live performances coming up, all while he's running workshops with young rappers across London. "It's really inspiring to be working as an artist at the same time as going into schools to support young people, giving them the support they need to also pursue their dreams," he shares.

This year...

Singer-songwriter Brodie played his first headline shows this year and was nominated for Best Live Acoustic act at the Scottish Live Music Awards. He also became a full time musician and released a few singles. Notably, his last song, "i apologise", featured on a few Spotify editorial playlists ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘New Music Friday UK'. 

On his latest project...

"i apologise" sees Brodie take responsibility for the breakdown of a relationship. "It felt like i needed to get those words off of my chest so I did it in the only way I know how - by making them into a wee song. I’ve had lots of messages from people saying how they can relate to being selfish in relationships when they’re not feeling their best and taking people for granted," he explains.

Next year...

Brodie is currently working on an EP that he hopes to release next year. He also plans to tour pretty intensely. 

This year...

R&B singer-songwriter Bruna kickstarted her solo journey this year, debuting her first single "Temperature" exclusively on BBC Radio Wales with Aleighcia Scott. She has opened up for the likes of Kojo Funds and performed at Tramshed multiple times in her city, Cardiff. Bruna has most recently made her first television appearance on ITV’s 'Backstage' programme, singing an acoustic rendition of "Temperature" and has given the song new life by releasing an energetic remix. 

On her latest project...

Bruna's upcoming single, which she has teased on her socials, is set to release in early 2025, accompanied with some entrancing visuals.

Next year...

After receiving the Youth Music NextGen Fund from Youth Music this year, Bruna is focusing on creating her debut EP, set to release in 2025. She plans to record her journey of self discovery and share the creative process, documenting it all.

This year...

Charlotte had a viral TikTok video reaching 2.4 million views, leading to press coverage and radio interviews, including BBC Newcastle/Tees and Hits Radio. Her music achieved international recognition, with "Follow Me Down to the River" reaching #1 on an Australian station and her sold-out EP launch at The Cluny highlighting her growing success. With social media followers doubling and glowing reviews from outlets like Kindline Magazine and A&R Factory, Charlotte continues to inspire fans and gain acclaim across platforms.

On her latest project...

Release in November and supported by the NextGen Fund, Charlotte's EP, 'Hear Me' explores deeply personal themes, including living with Asperger's, unrequited love, and the life experiences that have shaped her artistry. The EP blends soulful melodies with pop-rock elements, drawing comparisons to icons like Stevie Nicks and Adele. 

Next year...

Charlotte plans to release more music, including a special cover release, and aims to support artists at gigs across the UK, as well as her own busking tour. She will also be looking for a music manager with the hopes of signing to a label.

This year...

"I've dedicated myself to the craft of writing, creating, and performing my music to tell the story of the average South Asian woman - both the beautiful and challenging moments," Chandni says. In 2024, Chandni performed at the BBC Live Lounge and on stage at Latitude. Her recent singles have been added to Spotify playlists such as 'New Music Friday,' 'Just Dropped,' 'Lowkey,' and 'Soul Coffee.' 

On her latest project...

After signing to D2D Records last year (a South Asian woman-owned label), Chandni collaborated with with Grammy Award-winning producers Blue Lab Beats singles “Gone" and "The Upside”. The two connected songs tell the story of transition after big life events, and finding silver linings on the other side of your experiences. 

Next year...

Chandni is looking to fill the year with more collaborations, live performances and new music releases.

This year...

British-Nigerian rap artist DEELA was featured in The Recording Academy's Top 10 African Artists list this year, and landed an interview feature with Clash Magazine. She also performed at Recessland Festival.

On her latest project...

DEELA's EP, 'Good Girl No Dey Pay' featuring Teni and BXKS. The EP blends Afrobeats, hip-hop and experimental rhythms that showcase DEELA's distinct flow, bold lyricism and clear versatility. 

Next year...

"My foot is on the gas pedal!" DEELA says. She has a range of singles to drop with a range of rising artists. "Visuals, visuals and more visuals!" she promises.

This year...

Eyve was nominated for a Scottish Alternative Music Award and played at Celtic Connections. She took part in BeUnited's Producing the Future Program and represented her city of Glasgow during DJ Target's BBC 1Xtra Touchdown Tour. This November, Eyve supported Moonchild Sanelly in Newcastle and performed at SoundHouse Festival in Edinburgh, just some of the 30+ shows she played in 2024.

On her latest project...

Eyve's latest release - 'Sista! Beyond the Sky Isn’t the Limit,' advocates for self-expression and empowerment, particularly for Black queer women.
The EP showcases her ability to blend genres while pushing boundaries, encouraging listeners to embrace their full selves.

Next year...

Eyve plans to explore her sound through the lense of band culture and club culture, integrating different eras and "Leaning further into my afro vocals while thinking what Afro/rock - Afro/techno or how my music would exist in the Ballroom Space." She has a few shows lined up that are yet to be announced, and two festivals in the summer, plus, new music sure to be released.

This year...

Rapper Hulton's single "Background", which he recorded at Metropolis Studios, landed BBC1Xtra and BBC Introducing Track of the Week in November, which led to spins by Remi Burgz, Nick Bright, DJ Day Day, Theo Johnson, Fee Mak and Joelah Noble on their shows throughout the week. The music video for another release, "Hustle Heavy Hulton," surpassed 50,000 views on YouTube. His visuals for "Busy" won the Best Music Video Award at Area Code magazine's 2024 Awards. He topped it all off by working with UK Rap icon, Isaiah Dreads.

On his last project...

"Background" emphasises the importance of standing out. "It also speaks on the dead hard truth of chasing your dreams, it is nothing more than cold hard hustle and hard work. The track was a throwaway, it was not going to be officially released, but following advice from my management we put it out," Hulton shares.

Next year...

Hulton has been offered several deals from independent labels, all of which have been turned down as he intends to stay independent next year. He's been working with one of Jack Harlow's producers and will be showcasing a new sound, distinct from UK Rap. "I have the skill set, I have built the network, I know what work needs to be done and I'm here to do it. For the fans, look out for a lot more music; I mean a lot. The car is rolling, there just isn't an option to slow it down," he says. 

This year...

Jamaican-Irish rapper JayaHadADream is known for her introspective and gritty style, heavily influenced by grime and a range of hip-hop. This year, she won Glastonbury's Emerging Talent Competition and performed on the Woodsies stage, as well as four other stages. She also played Boomtown and Reading & Leeds this summer, and released her debut EP, 'Redemption Songs', supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund. Jaya landed features in Rolling Stone UK, NME and BBC News, and freestyled on BBC 1XTra, Reprezent, Rinse FM, Red Bull and Complex UK, amongst others. She's had two Track of the Week slots on BBC 1XTra and a 'Dance Moment' on Jaguar's BBC Radio 1 show. Her music has been added to many Spotify playlists, such as 'Rap UK' and 'Fresh Finds UK & IE, as well as 'Adidas: Feeling Creative' and Apple Music. She has supported So Solid Crew, Skinnyman, Jelani Blackman, Jords, D Double E, Gardna, Lyvia this year on stage.

On her latest project...

'Redemption Songs' showcases Jaya’s willingness to be open and vulnerable on the mic, experimenting with a variety of sounds including UK Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz Drill, Jersey Club and UK Garage.

Next year...

Jaya has headline shows planned for Nottingham and Cambridge in the spring, as well as a 10-12 track project, featuring a range of artists in the works. Expect more festivals, radio sets and merch in 2025.

This year...

Leo was a Ticketmaster Rising Irish Artist of the Year nominee and Soultrane's first resident artist from 2025-2026 - Northern Ireland’s first ever Soul festival. They played the Belfast Telegraph building and received numerous offers to play abroad, as well as participating in the Belfast '24 Festival. BBC Radio 2's For the Love of Hip Hop show compared Leo's sound to that of Kendrick Lamar. 

On their latest project...

Leo has been working hard in the studio all year, both on their own projects and collaborations. Their main focus is a full studio album, supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund. 

Next year...

Expect more shows from Leo in 2025, as well as a UK and Ireland tour, some European festivals and an album rollout campaign.

This year...

Pop artist Livvy released her debut single, "Catching Feelings", in August, headlined a local festival, performed at venues across Manchester and London, and had her music featured on BBC Introducing. She has created music for campaigns with fashion brands Boohoo and Pretty Little Thing, and hosted the Youth Music Awards 2024. Most recently, Livvy opened for MORGAN at her Manchester show.

On her latest project...

Livvy is dropping her next single, "Too Much" on 14th December, followed by her debut EP, 'Finally Free, Finally Me' at the end of January 2025. "This project dives deep into my experiences as a young woman navigating today’s world: exploring new relationships, healing from the past, and finding expression through music. It’s the perfect soundtrack for every emotion," Livvy shares.

Next year...

This January, following the release of her debut EP, Livvy is throwing a listening party and headlining her own show in Manchester, where she will perform of her newest tracks. She's set on opening for major artists, landing more shows, and bringing her songs to life with visuals.

This year...

Welsh language alt-pop artist Mali began the year by performing at Huw Stephens’ BBC Radio 6 party in Cardiff. Her music has received airplay across Wales and beyond, including BBC Radio 6. Mali has been performing throughout Wales while working on her debut album, which will be released gradually over the next year.

On her latest project...

Mali's debut album will be called 'Miwsli', which is “Muesli” in Welsh. "Just like the cereal, it’s going to be packed with a mix of textures, sounds, flavours, and languages," she shares. The first track on the album will be called "Muse."

Next year...

The album will be released next October, with four singles and music videos staggered over the months. Mali will be touring in UK with some potential Canadian dates. She's hoping for some artist collaborations, festival performances and conferences. Mali is also looking for a new manager and publicist to join her North America team.

This year...

Folk songwriter Marnie released her debut EP, 'Since I Was Small', from which her single "I Feel Better Now" was named BBC Radio 6 Music Introducing's Track Of The Week. She also saw support from BBC Introducing, Rock Radio, Amazing Radio and local stations across North and West Yorkshire. Marnie also played a headline show at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds and supported Sunflower Thieves on their UK tour.

On her latest project...

"It’s about almost giving up - but not quite". Marnie's debut EP explores feeling the lowest low with sharp wit and calm introspection. 'Since I Was Small' sets out to “be as comforting to hear as it was to write”. The EP centres around recovering from trauma and invites the listener on the bumpy ride. “The whole EP is hopeful! I wanted to make something good out of something horrible. I want people to know that there is an end to dark times, and to find comfort in knowing that it’s not just you feeling these intense things,” Marnie shares. 

Next year...

Having built up momentum with her first release, Marnie has no intention of slowing down. Her next project is already underway, with two singles to be released mid-2025.

This year...

naafi is an electronic artist, composer and DJ weaving aural landscapes that fuse shifting rhythms, ethereal melodies, and experimental textures. This year they have released their debut EP 'UVA' alongside collaborating with artists such as TAAHLIAH, Dev Hynes, Fred Macpherson, Alliyah Enyo and completed a year long commission with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra experimenting with classical and electronic sounds. They have recently been awarded the Help Musicians x DJ Mag Electronic Music Award and have been nominated for Best Electronic at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2024.

On their latest project...

The latest project naafi worked on was writing and singing vocals for several songs on TAAHLIAH's album, 'Grammarye'.

Next year...

naafi will be working on new music, collaborating and writing with other artists, DJing and developing their hybrid/live set in 2025.

This year...

Nat was nominated for the Rising Star Award at this year's Youth Music Awards, and played nearly 30 shows, including three headlines. She supported Manga St Hilare, Jelani Blackman and Rubii and played the main stage at Bristol Harbour Festival. Nat released her sophomore EP ‘Platforms’ and won the PRS Open Fund.

On her latest project...

Nat's sophomore EP 'Platforms' blends her love for hip-hop with soulful grooves. It explores the relationships between people on all levels - yourself, friends, and partners. "I grew up a lot over the two years I wrote it, and it’s a summary of how I felt in the world during those earlier days. 'Tightrope' is my favourite track, which I wrote at 1am during a writing camp in the Cotswolds. The EP gave me the space to explore the dimensions of sound I could take," Nat shares.

Next year...

More music is in the works for 2025.

This year...

Richard won the Rising Star Award (Artist) at the Youth Music Awards 2024, landed his latest single "Paid" in several top Spotify playlists. Richard also got his first manager, his own live band and headline show, made a song with Qveen Herby (soon to be released). Richard attended a Tileyard writers' camp in Marrakech courtesy of SoundCloud, performed at their offices, as well as at Meta's HQ at our NextGen Community event, and played his first ever Sofar Sounds show.

On his latest project...

Richard's latest single, "PAID", which he performed at the Youth Music Awards 2024, speaks on the struggles of being an independent artist with no team and the biggest song in the world, not being paid, relationship struggles and the pressure from everyone on what to do next. The song fuses hip-hop and rock elements with a smooth R&B groove.

Next year...

A big music project is in the works, as well as new music videos, more singles and, "Pushing my branding to a higher level in every aspect. More nostalgia, more fun, more personality, and just COOLER OUTFITS!"

This year...

Sarah released her debut EP ‘The Keeper’ - a project that she has worked on for the past two years. She secured press coverage from platforms like CLASH, Wonderland, and COLORS, along with radio support from BBC Radio 1’s Future Soul, Capital XTRA, and Kiss FM. Sarah performed live on BBC Radio London and won the Original Track Award (Solo) at this year's Youth Music Awards.

On her latest project...

Supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund, Sarah finished and released her debut EP. "This project is deeply personal—a journey back to my authentic self, where I gave myself permission to reveal every facet of who I am. From light to shadow, free to untamed, this EP embodies the courage to be unapologetically whole in any space. Creating 'The Keeper' felt like a reconnection with my instinctive, intuitive side, while also serving as a bridge toward the artist I’m becoming," Sarah shares.

Next year...

Sarah wants to bring her music to more audiences across the UK, with live performances that can capture the soul of her latest work. Alongside touring, she wants to start releasing the new music that she's been working on since ‘The Keeper’ and dive into creating her next project too. Her goal is to keep pushing boundaries, reach new creative heights, and connect with more audiences. "This year for me, is all about growth, discovery, and connecting with people in new ways."

This year...

Simon was longlisted for the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition, performed at All Points East in London and had his song "FERMI" played on BBC Introducing. He featured in Time Out, GuapMag and The Unsigned Guide and released a nine-song album with a launch event with a live band, supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund.

On his latest project...

Simon's latest release is his debut album, ‘The Show’. It’s a project about what it means to be seen and what it means to truly see others. He wrote it over the last three years. He recently released a music video for the song "THE MANTRA", the second single from the project, and is currently working on the next video for another song on the project, "TAXIDERMY".

Next year...

In 2025, Simon plans to release more music, potentially one or two more projects, collaborate with more artists, and perform at more festivals.

This year...

Susi released her debut EP ‘can u hear me now?’, alongside a music video and photoshoot to accompany the release. She's had a variety of exciting opportunities this year, from playing Mandela Hall twice to putting on her own headline gig to launch the project. This year also saw Susi's first major radio play, with one of her EP tracks, "Anything Like U" getting played on BBC Radio 1.

On her latest project...

‘can u hear me now?’ is an alt-pop EP based around feeling unseen, misunderstood and unheard. "The three tracks, in different ways, represent my feelings of not being taken seriously, being taken for granted and being undermined. The aim of the project is to reach people that have felt or are feeling the same way and allow them to relate and realise they’re not alone," Susi shares.

Next year...

Susi plans on keeping the ball rolling and releasing a follow up EP early next year. She wants to keep establishing who she is as an artist and build up a solid amount of music that represents her. She also plans to play more shows outside of Ireland, and already has some secret London dates lined up.

This year...

Philly DJ'd at Terminal V and Days Festival in Edinburgh alongside appearances supporting Iglooghost, I. Jordan, Uniiqu3 and Bimini. "These appearances helped me refine my signature cardio-heavy club sound across diverse dancefloors," Philly explains. As a co-organiser of Edinburgh's Femmergy, the event continued to sell out queer parties across Edinburgh, ensuring that there's a safe place for queer and femme folk to let loose. Through the Youth Music NextGen Fund, Philly released their debut EP 'STROBELIGHT SPECIMENS' on Paradise Palms Records. It received international support alongside play on BBC Radio 6. Entirely DIY, production, mixing, mastering, packaging and merch design and distribution were all handled by Philly. They've also been working on various short film and theatre projects as a composer and sound designer.

On their latest project...

'STROBELIGHT SPECIMENS' is an EP about the things we do on the dancefloor that synthesises the sounds of UK Clubbing with the signature elements of queer dance music. Across five tracks, Sweet Philly explores experimental production techniques, creating bright, brash and in-your-face club tunes that are both ear-wormy and heavy hitting. 

Next year...

Philly is keen to build on the momentum of their last release and continue developing their practice as a producer and DJ. Expect more music, more often. Expect more appearances at parties and festivals across Scotland, the wider UK and maybe even abroad. They are keen to collaborate, and are open to working with all kinds of artists, not just musicians.

This year...

Tee's music focuses on catchy and conscious rap. He released music with Donkeychote at the start of the year, a prolific German producer in making jazzy chill hip-hop beats. Tee also released an album called 'Vows and K Dramas' which was mostly self-produced by Tee after he got married. It also included an acoustic version that he produced with one of the members of his band - The Working Class Band. In the world of music education, Tee has given talks for Google, Sky News, and UK Music about AI and music for independent artists. He has also been developing at previous Youth Music funded partner, Wired4Music where he is the Programme Producer.

On his latest project...

Tee is currently focusing on a project called 'Confidence'. He released the first single two months ago, but every song is about exploring the different ways people try to get confidence even if those things will never allow someone to have true confidence

Next year...

In 2025, Tee will be releasing a lot of music but also really trying to cultivate my far base with my new next GEN funded project which I call VIP-eters. For this project, I’m trying to find people that actually love my music so I can give them exclusive and special access to many of the amazing things that I do in my career

This year...

TEEDEMBA released his first single, "Tension", which reflected on his journey to becoming a father to his son this year, and striving through the challenges. He released a collaborative mixtape, 'Locks, Keys And Coasts' with friends G3NNA and Reuben from Fyah Kamp. They held a listening party and created a theatre show to conceptualise the meaning of the mixtape. A model too, TEEDEMBA featured in the new Cortiez and Nike Huarache collaboration and starred on the cover of iD magazine with his son, Zerai.

On his latest project...

He explains: "Locks: Feeling like you are locked in the cage. Keys: the realisation and the self belief. And finally, coasts: reaching your potential and believing that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to." 

Next year...

As for 2025, TEEDEMBA will be working on his Youth Music NextGen Fund supported project, 'ONLY ONE', which he plans to be a collaboration with members in the communities around him. He wants to grow his knowledge and experience and be challenged.

This year...

DJ and producer Tommy released two EPs with two independent labels, both of which charted. His 'Smokin' EP reached #1 in the House charts for a whole week. He toured South America tour and has been working with a booking agency for the first time, playing even more shows than usual. "Playing shows in South America is an incredible experience, they really have crazy energy. I certainly have a lot of love for the Argentina, they really know how to party," Tommy says. He's also now tutoring exclusively at Dojo Pro which is a new platform for people to learn mix down and production techniques. 

On his latest project...

Tommy's latest release was a three track EP full of really house-y beats. The EP is called 'Foolish Stuff' and its out now on Ben Rau’s imprint, Meta. The EP has seen support from the likes of Jamie Jones, Franky Rizardo and Max Dean, and has been played all over the world. "I've been playing all the tracks throughout my tour and the crowd always goes crazy when I drop them." His upcoming release on 9th December is with Max Dean's label, 'NeXup'. It's a house cut called "You Just Might".

Next year...

Tommy will be releasing his first official remix in spring. "I'm not going to say too much right now but its a very special one and has been doing the rounds on TikTok lately," he teases. There's also more international shows on the cards in 2025.

This year...

Releasing his sophomore EP, 'Our Shame', this year, Tsatsamis sold out London headlines at several venues in London earlier this year, and is currently on the way to a sold out tour across London, Manchester and Glasgow. He played a set at Glastonbury in the summer and did a BBC Radio 6 Music session at the start of November. He also worked with TAAHLIAH on her album release, singing on four of the tracks.

On his latest project...

Tsatsamis says that 'Our Shame' "felt like the first true representation of the sonics and themes I’ve been exploring over the past few years. Connecting the dots between sex, identity, self-doubt, lust, overconfidence, and fallacy; throwing sharp percussive sounds into warm reverb-soaked synths to reinforce narratives, metaphors and middle 8s. This project felt like the seed for what the next project and the album will become, and the reception to it has given me such a confidence to delve deeper and go further across all fronts...I feel like people have really connected with the music over the past year, and I feel like there’s a strong dialogue between me and the people that earnestly listen to my music and want to hear more of it."

Next year...

More singles, a few festivals, another project and a whole bunch of exciting things - all to be announced soon.

This year...

Y Shadey has released consistent singles and a EP, supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund. He hit 10 million streams on his latest EP 'Monday to Sunday’ and played multiple shows, even getting to tour in Australia. He currently has over 300k monthly listeners on Spotify and has been able to feature on several popular Christian Spotify playlists.

On his latest project...

‘Monday to Sunday’ saw Shadey pour his heart and show a deeper side. He was able to release music videos for two of the EP tracks and went viral on TikTok, with one of his videos featuring his song 'Keep My Faith' being played over 2 million times. Songs from the EP have been used on the app by over 100,000 people.

Next year...

Y Shadey has many plans for 2025, such as a headline show, collaborating with international artists, and shows overseas. He wants to be consistent in his releases and try new genres. Now he has a solid fan base, he wants to keep them satisfied with new music, new sounds and potentially an album.