Dev Hynes, the creator behind Blood Orange, was born on December 23, 1985, in London, England. He initially gained attention as a member of the band Test Icicles before transitioning into his solo work and forming Blood Orange in 2010.His music is characterized by its rich textures and a fusion of styles, incorporating elements of funk, soul, R&B, and electronic music. Hynes often features guest artists, which adds depth to his albums. His lyrics frequently touch on themes of race, identity, and sexuality, reflecting his own experiences and observations.
Key albums include:"Coastal Grooves" (2011): This debut album set the tone for his sound, merging dreamy pop and experimental elements."Cupid Deluxe" (2013): This album received critical acclaim, with standout tracks like "Chamakay" and "You're Not Good Enough.""Freetown Sound" (2016): Inspired by his experiences as a Black man, this project explores themes of culture and identity, featuring a diverse range of collaborators."Negro Swan" (2018): This album delves into mental health and the complexities of Black identity, earning praise for its introspective and candid lyrics.
In addition to his solo work, Hynes has produced and collaborated with various artists, including Solange, Carly Rae Jepsen, and A$AP Rocky. He’s recognized not just for his music but also for his visual artistry, often incorporating striking visuals into his projects.Overall, Blood Orange is celebrated for its innovative approach to contemporary music and its exploration of personal and social themes.
Les Filles de Illighadad is a musical collective from the Tuareg community in Niger, led by guitarist and vocalist Fatou Seidi Ghali. Their sound blends traditional Tuareg music, often called Desert Blues, with modern elements. Known for their soulful, trance-like performances, they tell stories of desert life, love, and resistance.
Fatou Seidi Ghali, one of the few women to play electric guitar in this male-dominated genre, has become a symbol of empowerment within Tuareg music. Their 2016 album Eghass Malan received critical acclaim for its authenticity and raw energy, helping bring Tuareg music to a global audience.
Kelela Mizanekristos, known professionally as Kelela, is an Ethiopian-American singer and songwriter recognized for her innovative approach to R&B and electronic music. Her music often explores themes of love, desire, and identity, while her soulful vocals and inventive production continue to captivate audiences around the world. Kelela is coming off a scorching hot year after returning from a 5 year hiatus with her Album of the Year contender Raven.
The DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) native gained attention with her debut mixtape "Cut 4 Me" in 2013, which was released as a free download and featured collaborations with producers such as Kingdom, Bok Bok, and Jam City. The mixtape received critical acclaim for its forward-thinking production and Kelela's distinctive vocal style, blending elements of R&B, electronic, and experimental music.
Kelela has continued to push artistic boundaries with subsequent releases, including "Hallucinogen" (2015), "Take Me Apart" (2017), and collaborations with artists such as Solange and Gorillaz.
Beyond her music, Kelela is known for her bold fashion sense and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and Black empowerment. She remains a celebrated figure in contemporary music, praised for her creativity, authenticity, and willingness to challenge conventions within the industry.
The Kaytranada of UK Garage - For those who weren’t paying attention, UK garage has made its long awaited return...Izzy Cofie’s name is one that’s bounced across radio stations and club nights since 2019, now occupying his own space within dance music which sees a more versatile approach coming to the horizon. Last year’s ‘RISE’ EP is definitive and true to a sound the Hackney native has nurtured over the course of his adolescence, blending soulful garage and jungle production with more hard-hitting grime features from Novelist to Capo Lee.Now, the 22 year old takes over Rinse FM’s airwaves every Tuesday evening and forms the duo mastermind behind Pink Pantheress’ viral launchpad ‘Passion’. Clash sat down the IZCO to discuss his journey so far, the current state of the garage scene and the future of Brighter Days Family.
Miraa May is a British-Algerian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and eclectic production of R&B, soul, and pop music that are just all around fun. Born and raised in Tottenham, North London, Miraa May began her musical journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from her diverse cultural background and personal experiences.
Miraa May gained recognition with her early releases, including singles like "Nobody" and "Angles," which showcased her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Her music often explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and authenticity.
With each release, she continues to push artistic boundaries and connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, cementing her status as one of the UK's most promising talents in contemporary R&B and soul music.