These are the R&B artists you should be streaming in 2026
Brent Faiyaz, Ama, DESTIN CONRAD, and Nia Smith are just some of the artists leading the charge of the R&B renaissance. Here, we break down their best tracks and their rise through the genre’s ranks.
With Kehlani and Leon Thomas winning big at this year’s Grammys, one thing is for certain: R&B is back. But, while the names of the moment receive their well-deserved flowers, there’s a new cohort of artists giving the genre a fresh face. Musicians such as Odeal are putting Afro R&B on the contemporary map. Mariah The Scientist, and her syrupy vocals, are running a girls-only club, where the topic of conversation is toxic relationships and gut-wrenching heartbreak. DESTIN CONRAD, Sasha Keable, and Samm Henshaw join them in the reinvigoration of the genre. Established artists such as Grammy-nominee Brent Faiyaz and Ama are also back, debuting fresh R&B tracks in 2026.
Below, we break down all of the R&B artists that should be on your playlists this year and take a whistle-stop tour through their journeys to the helm of the genre…
@BRENTFAIYAZ
BRENT FAIYAZ
Breakout track: Crew – GoldLink feat Brent Faiyaz, Shy Glizzy
Song to stream: vanilla sky.
Arguably one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary R&B, Brent Fiayaz calls A$AP Rocky, Tems, and Tyler, The Creator his collaborators. His brand of toxic R&B sent tracks such as Dreams, Fairytales, Fantasies soaring. But, with his 2026 albumIcon, Brent has returned in a love-struck state. It’s a must-listen. You can also catch him on singer-songwriter and fellow R&B artist Ama’s new single Need it Bad; the artist is signed to Faiyaz’s independent label, ISO Supremacy.
@brentfaiyaz
@GIVEON
GIVEON
Breakout track: Heartbreak Anniversary
Song to stream: Chicago Freestyle, Drake and Giveon
Giveon won’t be a stranger to you. After Drake put the then-unknown LA-based singer on his track Chicago Freestyle, the world became besotted with Giveon’s commanding vocals. Following a chart-topping run, thanks to his feature on Justin Bieber’s Peaches, in 2026, the 31-year-old is touring his 2025 albumBELOVED across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
@giveon
AMA
Breakout track: TBC
Song to stream: Trust Nobody
North Londoner Ama – previously known as Ama Lou – is your favorite artist’s favorite artist. Blending alternative R&B with neo-soul, her music features irresistibly honest lyricism, layered over simmering production and angelic vocals, all of which are impossible to ignore. Drake confirmed that Ama was an inspiration to him during the creation of his 2018 albumScorpion. Last year, Brent Faiyaz signed the 27-year-old to his independent label.
ODEAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK MCKAIN
ODEAL
Breakout track: Soh-Soh
Song to stream: Blame U
Odeal is putting his signature blend of Afro Beats and R&B on the map in 2026. Bursting onto the scene with YouTube covers of Frank Ocean hits, the British-Nigerian artist now claims Nines and Headie One as collaborators, and Justin Bieber as a fan. He kicked off the year with single Holier (SHOWBIZ), and you can catch his serenade-like performances as he takes his 2025 album The Summer That Saved Me on the road.
@iamodeal
NIA SMITH
Breakout track: Give Up The Fear
Song to stream: Personal
Nia Smith’s commanding vocals and no-nonsense lyricism are the ultimate combination. After soulful tracks such as Little Red Car and Give Up The Fear painted her as one-to-watch, her growing fanbase has been eagerly awaiting a new release. With new EP Payback Is A Dog scheduled for a May release, the South-Londoner is set to bare her soul once again.
@niasmithy
DESTIN CONRAD
Breakout track: KISSING IN PUBLIC
Song to stream: MAKE IT UP
If slick jazz instrumentation with soothing vocals layered atop is what you’re after, DESTIN CONRAD is making the music for you. Suave and sexy, his soundscapes have attracted the likes of Kehlani and Lil Naz X, who have both collaborated with the Florida-native. Conrad is gearing up to release the deluxe edition of his aptly-named 2025 album wHIMSY.
@destinconrad
SASHA KEABLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY @RYD.DER
SASHA KEABLE
Breakout track: Voices, Disclosure and Sasha Keable
Song to stream: ceiling fan
Sasha Keable’s stirring production and sultry rasp have been the key to her success. The British artist has dedicated the last decade to producing simmering R&B hits, during which she’s joined fellow R&B artists DESTIN CONRAD and Leon Thomas in the studio. She’ll also be joining Giveon on his 2026 tour as the opening act, and hopefully performing tracks from her new EP Act II whilst there.
@sashakeable
ESSOSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SASKIA KOVANDZICH
ESSOSA
Breakout track: Waste My Time
Song to stream: Touch bby
Essosa’s hypnotic rasp is one you’ll want on repeat. After her break out with the track Waste My Time, the likes of Don Toliver sampled her sound, and Rochelle Jordan even brought her along on tour. You’ll be able to catch her next at London’s Jazz Cafe, where she’ll take to the stage with a headline performance on May 12th.
@essosajoy
SAMM HENSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARDHA KRASNIQI
SAMM HENSHAW
Breakout track: Broke
Song to stream: Hair Down
Samm’s soothing and soulful voice evokes the spirit of legends before him, such as Sam Cooke. If you’re looking for a sun-soaked listen, transportive in nature and feather-light in sound, Samm is the artist for you. He’ll be closing out his It Could Be Worse… global tour at the end of March which follows the release of his album of the same name, which dropped on January 19th.
@sammhenshaw
The R&B renaissance is underway The R&B renaissance is underway
The R&B renaissance is underway
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