The BBC's Sound of 2024 longlist has been announced, with artists who have already had success, such as Peggy Gou and Kenya Grace, joined by emerging talents.
Radio 1 audiences will be the first to hear who tastemakers decide is the name above all to be tipped for success next year, with girl group FLO having won in 2023.
The competition dates back 20 years to 2003, with Ellie Goulding, 50 Cent, and Sigrid among the success stories. However, some artists tipped for glory have not delivered on their promise, while there are times the BBC has got it wrong; for instance, when they predicted Little Boots, and not Lady Gaga, would be set for superstardom.
The winner and top five will be announced in early January on BBC Radio 1.
Who is on the BBC Sound of 2024 longlist?
The 10 artists are:
Ayra Starr
It’s very hard to not be grateful ! I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! Thank you too all my starrs , I see all your messages on me being your top artist , I’m so glad to be doing this life thing with you and that my music brings you peace and joy ! Ayra mob we just… pic.twitter.com/7N3TnyyNk7
— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) December 1, 2023
The Nigerian has been considered one of the hottest properties in African music and already has three number one singles in her homeland. Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, as she was born, fuses Afropop and RnB.
Caity Baser
Already named on the 2024 Brits Rising Star award, Baser said her reaction to being nominated was, “I literally screamed for five minutes and chucked everything around my room”. She describes her sound as "cheeky, British pop".
CMAT
Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, or CMAT, has already released two albums but could be set for mainstream success in the UK, having landed a number one in her native Ireland. Her latest LP – Crazymad, for Me – was released in October to critical acclaim.
Elmiene
The 22-year-old from Oxford is a soul and RnB phenomenon. Elmiene, who is said to be a Stevie Wonder fanatic, has also recently appeared on Later… with Jools Holland.
Kenya Grace
The South African has already had a number one single in the UK with her 2023 hit Strangers but success doesn’t stop the BBC recognising new talent in its list.
The Last Dinner Party
The London rockers have had a breakthrough 2023 with single Nothing Matters hitting nearly two million views on YouTube. The five-piece has toured with Florence + The Machine and Hozier.
Olivia Dean
The 24-year-old Londoner released debut album Messy in June and gained a hit with The Hardest Part, which was re-released with a verse from Leon Bridges.
Peggy Gou
The Berlin-based South Korean has been a deep house mainstay for years but had a mainstream breakthrough in 2023 with her hit It Goes Like (Nanananana). She is set to release her first album in 2024.
Sekou
“19 years old, just a kid who makes music,” is how the Leicester singer describes himself on Instagram. His debut EP, Out of Mind, was released earlier this year.
Tyla
The South African idol has found success in the UK first with her Kooldrink-produced single Getting Late and, earlier this year, Water, which reached number 4 in the British charts.
