Wesley Joseph proves he’s always worth the wait, Tems blesses us with a surprise, and Maisie Peters is as quietly engrossing as ever: it’s Wonderlist.
Wesley Joseph – “If Time Could Talk”
He may not have released music since 2023, but Wesley Joseph is still in a league of his own – visually, sonically, spiritually. His return is “If Time Could Talk”, a thrilling, cinematic audio and visual journey that immerses the audience into his unique world and showcases his flawless, technically adeptness.
Tems – “Big Daddy”
Fresh from collaborations with Dave and Justin Bieber, Tems surprise drops a dazzling new EP, “Love Is A Kingdom”. The lead single and video, “Big Daddy” is Tems at her very best – intentional, vibrant, introspective and enduring.
Maisie Peters – “Say My Name In Your Sleep”
Dazzlingly intimate and subtly impactful, Maisie Peters new sonic era is showcasing a mature and meditative songwriter finding new creative highs. This new track, a collaboration with Marcus Mumford, is a tender and tasteful folk-tinged gem, loosely inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic novel, Rebecca.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw – “Only Girl”
A standout in the excellent herd of new London bands flocking towards wider acclaim, Man/Woman/Chainsaw have announced their signing to Fiction Records and share a delightful new single. “Only Girl” is among the most straightforward of the art rockers’ releases to date, while still maintaining a vivacious unpredictability and idiosyncratic core.
gianna – “Hei Lover”
Emerging towards the backend of the year as one of watch for 2026, 23-year-old London-based singer-songwriter gianna further raises expectations with a seamless and soaring alt-pop cut. “Hei Lover”, originally concocted on acoustic guitar, transforms into a contemporary pop masterstroke, with an extremely earworm hook and glistening vocals.
Nemzzz – “From Me 2 U”
Manchester’s finest Nemzzz has had his biggest year to date, with huge collaborations, shows and plenty of new music. Finishing on a high, the rapper shares a slick six-track EP with personal musings and bouncy beatsmithery.
Odeal ft. Wizkid – “Nights In The Sun“
Finishing a huge breakthrough 2025 in style, Afro-R&B tour de force Odeal shares a gorgeously autumnal EP, “The Fall That Saved Us”. Growing his sound, meditative and rich vocally, the project is some of his strongest work to date – not least this standout collaborative effort with Wizkid.
PS Hitsquad – “Turtle”
One of drill’s cult favourite names, South London’s PS Hitsquad is sonically shapeshifting and sounds slicker than ever. On his latest, “Turtle”, he links up with UK rap stalwart producer M1onthebeat for a bouncy and brazen cut with booming 808s and savvy wordplay.
tendai – “SMN”
One of UK soul’s most impactful artists, East London’s tendai’s stunning range is on full show on “SMN”. The sparse, serene and sophisticated new single is the latest example of the talent and vision of the ever understated artist.
Bawo – “I’m So”
Following October’s “In My Palm”, Bawo continues the next era of his artistry with genre-bending new banger “I’m So”. Shared via his own label, Say Nothing Records, the track is melodic-driven and meticulously performed, self-described as a ‘happy-sad’ song.
Westside Cowboy – “Can’t See”
The UK’s next best band are going to be supporting the US’s next best band, Geese, on the British leg of their tour. Also, they’ll be sharing a new EP, “So Much Country ’Till We Get There”. For now, a new teaser single keeps us happy – the rousing, wonderful “Can’t See”.
Brian Nasty ft. Lord Apex– “You Thought!”
Two of London hip hop’s smoothest crooners, Brian Nasty and Lord Apex, link up for a wonderful new collaboration. “You Thought!” is light to the ear and rewarding to the spirit, with both artists sharing their very best. The track is plucked from Nasty’s forthcoming mixtape.
Ms Banks – “4C”
Announcing their long-awaited debut album, SOUTH LDN LOVER GIRL, is dropping 13th February 2026, South London rapper Ms Banks is back with “4C”. A track about confidence, femininity and strength, the song is emblematic of the wider album that tackles Banks’ experience growing up as a Black girl in South London.
Bino Bames – “Let You Go”
Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Bino Banes has shared his biggest artistic statement to date with his striking new EP, “Gathers No Moss”. Lead single “Let You Go” is a subtly frantic deep-feeler, a story of heartbreak and its resulting growth.
Samm Henshaw – “Float”
Boldly released only on vinyl, South London singer-songwriter makes quite the impression with his sophomore album, It Could Be Worse. New single “Float” features on the album, which is recorded entirely with live musicians, and is a rich and warming soul track that cuts deep emotionally.
Tommy Richman ft. Brent Faiyaz – “BOTHER ME”
Still riding high after his big breakthrough 2024 hit, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY”, Tommy Richman drops a silky smooth new tape, “WORLDS APART*”. It’s a groove-laden, charisma-filled body of music, with features from 03 Greedo and Brent Faiyaz – the latter of which provides the EP’s standout track.
Maya Randle – “redemption pt.2“
Already established as one of the hottest talents in the UK drum and bass landscape, Maya Randle continues to build momentum with the release of her five-track project redemption pt.2, featuring previously released singles “system” and “let you in”, the EP introduces three new tracks. Landing as her fourth project, Randle’s redemption pt.2 serves as another timely reminder of the multi-hyphenates innate ability in crafting some of the most forward-thinking dnb music emanating from these shores.
Janaway ft. MC Tchelinho & Arinola – “50/50 Vision”
The latest release on Nia Archives’ Up Ya Archives Records, British-Brazilian jungle aficionado Janaway announces a forthcoming EP in style, dropping a thrilling, pulsating single. “50/50 Vision” brings together MC Tchelinho’s unique vocals with Arinola’s glistening Ragga vocals atop a head-bopping banger of a beat.
Blanco – “Paradise on a Lifeboat”
With major moments already under his belt this year, teasing a highly-anticipated upcoming collaboration with global DJ-producer Fred again.., Blanco continues to build momentum serving up an enthralling, yet poignant, six-track EP, inspired by an arc from the anime Naruto. Its oxymoronic title encapsulates the coexistence of beauty and struggle, a duality that mirrors Blanco’s own life, shaped by hardship and fleeting moments of paradise.
Lil Macks – “Best Friend”
UK wave riser Lil Macks finishes the year strongly with the release of his eclectic and endearing debut mixtape, “Block Baby”. Lead single “Best Friend” is a romantic street anthem of growth, partnership and resilience.
Dan Whitlam ft. Rahpaella – “Strangers”
Announcing that his debut album with be shared via Needwant on 13th February, spoken word sensation Dan Whitlam delivers an emotionally dense and spiritually uplifting new single. “Strangers” is a gentle gem with vulnerable lyricism and a gorgeous hook from Raphaella.
Tanis – “Just some stories”
Building on the momentum of her breakout singles “Priority”, “Kid”, and “Turn Off The News”, breakout artist Tanis continues her evolution with the release of her debut EP “Just Some Stories”. This record showcases her distinctive voice and fearless songwriting, weaving together personal reflection, raw emotion, and bold energy.
Manga Saint Hilare – “U Get It”
Reuniting with longtime collaborator Lewi B, Manga Saint Hilare fires off raw honesty on “U Get It”. Over a core-Grime instrumental, the general trades verses with Kruz Leone and Scrufizzer in a reminder of OG Manga at his authentic best.
Deca OTA & Hunnid2Hebron – “Hallelujah”
An electric narration of faith and purpose, London rap star Deca OTA taps Hunnid2Hebron for his latest cut “Hallelujah”. The two trade spiritually charged bars carrying the perils and purities of their realities, signifying a state of growth and reflection in the endless pursuit of true enlightenment.
Jess Fitz – “Miss Romantic”
London pop riser Jess Fitz shares an uplifting, subtly groovy new EP, “Miss Romantic”. The title track is emblematic of the project’s wider appeal – both joyously affecting and gently anthemic.
Louis Oliver – “Time Can Really Run Away”
Actor turned musician Louis Oliver has been making waves on the live circuit, and now solidifies his acclaim with a new debut single, “Time Can Really Run Away”. Softly powerful vocals, dreamy instrumentation, sharp songwriting – there’s a lot to like about this introduction.
