WOMEN TO WATCH (AND LISTEN TO) IN 2020.

By Saskia Capetti

Behold a handful of musical gems that we are about to put onto your radar, here at ZARE. Below, in no particular order, are six women we encourage you to keep your eyes and ears on this year!

SHAƉ UNIVERSE

ShaƩ Universe / Photography by Karis Beaumont [@karisbeau]

First up, we have ShaĆ© Universe! With a wide vocal range and magnetic personality to back it, the name ShaĆ© Universe is not to be taken lightly. It may sound like wordplay inspired by African-American radio personality, Sway Calloway, but really, is a reference to the alignment of things in her life, the importance of transparency, and allowing us all to feel the beauty of what she stands for. Her single Black Panther (In Due Time) (2018) in particular, embodies her stance on trusting the process, showing love, and leaving a legacy as a powerful black woman in music. Whether you have met her in the flesh, experienced a trance-like-state at one of her shows, or seen her face pop up on your timeline, a single note executed is enough for anyone to click on that follow button. Soon to make her mark with her lower register and mellow tone, ShaĆ©’s music is certain to nourish your soul and realign your chakras.  

“They say I’m from the intergalactic, the way my frequency static”

Age: 24
Star sign: Gemini
Ethnic background: Nigerian, living in London.
For fans of Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Lauryn Hill
Songs to search: Misunderstood, Black Panther, No Stallin', Melanin, Meant To Be
ShaĆ©'s latest music video found here.
ShaĆ©'s Spotify. 

MNELIA



Next, we have Mnelia. Bringing back a nostalgic nineties vibe with her debut music video, Say Yeah, the newbie has not only clarified that old school love still exists, but proven that real R&B does not solely stem from the many studios hidden on Melrose. The North-West London singer’s catchy hooks, silk-like sonics, and pleasing visuals feel like experiencing that early Jada and Will love (despite most of us not being old enough to remember it). If Destiny’s Child were to have a child, Mnelia would be their first and only born. Whether it be the magenta colour palette, choreographed car park dance routines, or parked up lowriders in the background, this one SCREAMS NINETIES ENERGY. After touching 100,000 streams on Spotify alone in the first five days of release, the 21-year-old is real-life proof that industry impact can be made, despite being independent. 
Age: 21
Star sign: Cancer
Ethnic background: Gambian, born in London.
For fans of Brandy, India Arie, TLC
Songs to search: Say Yeah, Lovecrimes, Mind Games, 24
Mnelia's latest music video found here. 
Mnelia's Spotify.



VIMBAI-ROSE


Vimbai-Rose / Photography by Saskia Capetti [@visualsbysaskia]
We could start this introduction with something along the lines of ‘If you like X, Y or Z, then make sure you listen to Vimbai-Rose’. The fact of the matter is that her music transcends genre. With influences ranging from the depths of neo-soul to the back-street corners of Indie Rock. She prides herself in catering to a wide demographic, and her ambiguous lyrics and willingness to be transparent are what makes her so unique. Vimbai’s debut EP Reality Awaits (2017) touches on the ugliness of the real world, translating her personal experiences into a blanket of reassurance, sonically nurturing her audience. Whereas recent releases, 20/20 Vision and Do You Ever (2019), have taken more of a chilled R&B route. With a blend of Trap instrumentation and layering of harmonies, they have reiterated the broadness of her artistry.

Age: 20
Star sign: Taurus
Ethnic background: Zimbabwean, born in London.
For fans of Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse, Ari Lennox
Songs to search: Heaven, Do You Ever, Isolated Beauty, 20/20 Vision
Vimbai-Rose's latest music video found here. 
Vimbai-Rose's Spotify.


PAYTON MOORE


Payton’s 320,000 Instagram followers began accumulating when she joined girl group, Charm, at the age of 13. However, after three years, all members, including Payton, chose to go solo with their musical careers. Since then, many have discovered Payton through her popular R&B covers posted on Twitter in 2016. This alone opened ears and brought her attention from thousands of social media users. The LA-born and Atlanta-raised singer believes longevity and the root of creating music is a main priority. Leaving the girl group enabled Payton to find her own unique sound, and her talent as a soloist was first showcased via the release of her single, Fallen (2017). Her five-track debut EP, Project 00 (2018), introduced the world to her individual artistry through a selection of self-written slow-jams. You can also vibe to her more recent EP, Selfless (2019), produced by Tre Trax. The timbre sonics and airy instrumentation further enforce her vocal control and extraordinary pen game. 

Age: 19
Star sign: Taurus
Ethnic background: Black American, living in Atlanta.
For fans of Summer Walker, Willow, The Internet
Songs to search: Intentions, Say It, Lost, Narcotics
Payton's Spotify.

TAMERA


Tamera / Photography by Saskia Capetti [@visualsbysaskia]

The world first discovered Tamera Foster in 2013, when she entered the UK’s X Factor at just 16. Since then, Tamera has spent the last few years quietly working and establishing herself as an artist. She made a much-anticipated return to the music scene in the summer of last year when she released her single, Romeo (2019). The song was accompanied by a soothingly sensual visual, directed by India Rose, and currently holds over 120,000 views on Tamera’s Official YouTube channel. If there is anyone who does lo-fi R&B in the UK the most justice, it is Tamera. Her recent single, Don’t Phone (2019), on the other hand, is yet to have a music video. However, I do not think it needs one. All you have to do is put on some headphones, turn the volume all the way up, and close your eyes. Tamera’s writing ability is descriptive enough to enable listeners to create their own interpretation visually.

Age: 23
Star sign: Aquarius
Ethnic background: Greek/English/St Lucian/Nigerian, living in London.
For fans of Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, Mahalia
Songs to search: Romeo, Don't Phone
Tamera's latest music video found here.
Tamera's Spotify.

ASYA


After gaining recognition from Instagram talent agencies, Banter_n_talent (who currently maintains engagement from 1.2 million followers) and Rising Talents (184,000 followers) towards the end of 2017, 20-year-old Asya has clarified that she has far more to offer than just a pretty face. Her music so far is an exploration of melodic rap, with debut single, Come Up (2020) speaking into existence multiple manifestations regarding where she sees both herself and family in the future. This goes from buying her mum a house overseas to grinding until all of her closest people are financially stable. Come Up, produced by Hot Money Studios, currently stands at over 40,000 streams on Spotify alone, and continues to increase as the days go on. The decade for Asya began with a debut single, and the years to come are destined to bring her come-up manifestations into fruition. 

Age: 20
Star sign: Aquarius
Ethnic background: Half Turkish/Half Scottish, born in Cambridge.
For fans of Jhene Aiko, Dej Loaf, IAMDDB
Songs to search: Come Up, Right One
Asya's Spotify.

Check out our curated playlist, with sounds from each of our Women To Watch (and more) here.

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