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Numerous R&B pop stars are now peppering the digital streams, so much so that it’s hard to pick a favourite. So when someone that looks (hints of #jellybelly body positivity are evident on her Instagram account) and sounds (imagine Janet Jackson-meets-Nicolette) as confident as Nao – say “neigh-oh” – comes along, we pay attention to her “wonky funk”. Yes, that’s a term she’s given to her own genre of funk, neo-soul and electronic pop music.

But it’s not her edgy, youthful style and cascade of ringlets that should draw your attention – she’s got both experience and talent in spades.

 

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Having studied vocal jazz at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the 29-year-old has gone on to teach singing in South London, and performed backup for the likes of Jarvis Cocker before launching her five-track debut EP, So Good, in 2014 on Little Tokyo, a label that she founded as a platform for independent-minded acts such as herself.

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Since then, it’s been a swift ascent. In 2015, Nao followed up with another EP, February 15 (II MMX); a performance at Glastonbury Festival; and earned a nomination for best newcomer at the 2015 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) awards. Just last year, she contributed to house music luminaries Disclosure’s track “Superego”, and achieved 3rd place on BBC’s Sound of 2016 list. To top it all off, her debut album For All We Know came in at number 17 on the UK charts.

Add to this list of achievements: Performing at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Jan 21, her first gig proper in Singapore. So before the South Londoner goes international (and before she performs at Coachella in April), catch Nao, well, now. From $185, buy tickets here

 

Like this? Check out Singapore’s music phenoms, find out who the local rule-breakers in music and fashion are and view our list of things music fiends would love.