With a new year comes promising new talent.  That’s right, the winner of BBC’s Sound of 2017 has been revealed. Drumroll please: Ray BLK is this year’s number one gal and has found success producing stunning R&B melodies, including her album Durt featuring big names such as Wretch 32 and Stormzy.

She beat the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man and Raye so let’s take a look at the new kid on the block.

Originally from Nigeria, Ray BLK (real name Rita Ekware) debuted her music in 2015; her Havisham EP was inspired by Dickens’ Great Expectations.It sings the story of a girl falling in love, only to be heartbroken and subsequently results in her hating men.

‘5050’ features a genius flow of lyrics presenting a great F*CK YOU song about an ex. Its chilled out beat combined with the simple lyrics resonates and creates a sort of humbled, innocent atmosphere. A personal favourite of mine.

Her staple tune features the likes of Stormzy. ‘My Hood’ was written about living in Catford, and she recently revealed in an interview that she wrote it at a time when she had just been robbed and felt the need to leave. This immensely catchy song is one to check out.
Determined to keep the rights to her music, Ray BLK remains unsigned – making her a unique artist, different to the likes of previous winners such as Adele, Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith. Now her fresh tunes are bursting onto the scene, Ray BLK is definitely one to watch this year.

Anika Vadukul

(Image: London In Stereo)

Catch Ray BLK at Secret Garden Party festival, 21st-23rd July