There are so many amazing Black women artists that are on the market. Here are 10 that you should add to your playlist.
Each one of these artists brings something different to the table in regards to talent and vocal prowess. Being an independent artist comes with a lot of work and these ladies are truly working hard to leave their mark.
About Support Women Artists Now Day (SWAN) is an international initiative designed to showcase the power and diversity of women’s creativity. Every year since 2008 people around the world have created events that celebrate women artists during the months of March and April.
1. Nia Simone
Nia Simone is a native of Dallas, TX, and currently attends Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. She began performing at the tender age of five years old. Nia realized her talent at a very young age and put her all into developing her gift as a performer. She was accepted into one of the top-performing arts schools in the country, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she trained in a variety of music genres, including classical, gospel, and rhythm and blues.
Nia Simone is a sought out performer and has been the highlighted talent for events and shows throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and beyond. She was selected as one of five finalists to perform at the renowned Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California; she’s appeared on Good Morning Texas; sang the National Anthem at the Texas Rangers game, and was a regular ensemble performer at the Dallas House of Blues Gospel Sunday Brunch.
Nia Simone’s first single “Oh No, Not Me” was released on March 14, 2022, with an EP release date slated for the future.
Khalea Lynee’ is a singer, songwriter, and performer with a “spiritual connection” to music. Attributing her grassroots beginning in the church and the strict upbringing of her mother, a pastor, Khalea brilliantly showcases her soulful, jazzy vibe influenced by her gospel roots which have helped mold her into the artist she is today. After capturing the national stage on NBC’s Season 17 of “The Voice,” Khalea Lynee’ won all four chairs in her blind audition with her powerful and passionate rendition of “Best Part.” Representing Team Legend, led by singer-songwriter John Legend, throughout the competition, the judges described her talent as magical, polished, versatile and one of the more gifted talents of that season. Fulfilling her lifelong passion of inspiring others through the language of music, Khalea Lynee’ continues to write and perform her own original works with the 2020 debut release of her new single “This Love” and the curation of her band “The Fascinations”.
3. Agyakomah
Being described as an audacious artist with a voice that commands you to listen, NY-based artist, singer, songwriter, and performer Agyakomah is a young multi-faceted first-generation Ghanaian that creates music that fuses her love for RnB, Soul, and Afrobeats presented with an old school glam feel with a modern twist – a vibe she personally refers to as AfroClassic.
Agyakomah spent the latter part of 2021 performing songs from her 6-song debut EP, “A Diva’s Manifesto” at different events and universities in the Northeast and capped her year off by performing at the 6th Annual Black Women In Media Awards in New York City in front of legendary figures in the media and entertainment industry including Deborah Cox, Carole Simpson, Amber Ruffin, Kelley L. Carter, Dyana Williams and many more!
Her EP delves into her life’s aspirations, desires, and motivations for success, and the title is a play on what people perceive a “diva” to be and the intensity and thoughtfulness behind creating a manifesto for oneself, a statement/declaration of intent.
With a velvety yet powerful voice with a vivacious personality to match, the sultry entertainer is gearing up for an impactful 2022 with new music slated to drop this summer and a Northeast tour planned for later in the year!
4. Cristina Rae
Tennessee native Cristina Rae wowed the judges with Gimme Shelter on America Got Talent Season 15. Her jaw-dropping performance received a standing ovation and a guaranteed placement in the competition. With high praises from all judges, Heidi Klum chose to use her only Golden Buzzer pick on Cristina. The soulful rock-inspired singer continued to captivate the judges and America leading her to become one to beat stated judge Howie Mandel. She ultimately placed 3rd in the season. This mother of one is committed to being a role model for young women. She hopes that they will follow their dreams no matter the obstacle. Before becoming a contestant, Cristina experienced homelessness. But with persistence, Cristina found her way to the Big Apple and, before the pandemic, she entered into the Apollo Theater’s amateur night. She took home 1st place. The news of her winning caught the attention of America Got Talent.
5. Lima Roe
Coming from humble beginnings in St. Croix (US Virgin Islands) an island rich in cultural diversity, rapper Lima Roe has a fascinating history – much like her celebrated birthplace. Lima’s love of music began at 8 years old, where her superstar energy and on-stage presence was unmatched at such a young age. Over the years, Lima has been influenced by the unique style, work ethic, and stage presence of ground-breaking female artists such as Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj,and Big Latto. Inspired, Lima decided to expand her passion for music and take her career aspirations to the United States. By traveling to Atlanta, Georgia she was able to solidify industry relationships, network, and work with a number of talented producers and engineers who successfully took her sound to new heights. To start 2022 off with a bang, Lima dropped “Hush” in January, a hit single that has already begun catapulting her career as the talented artist she is, with major media coverage and her popularity growing quickly. Her second track “Big Roe” is now available on all streaming platforms, reaching over 20K views in the first day, with the single expected to hit millions. With the current state of the hip hop culture empowering more female artists like Lima, industry executives, producers and her fans are watching closely and ultimately anticipating the success of this young artist.
Emerging young R&B vocalist, entrepreneur, and plus-size model Elaine E’ssential, whose soaring voice and artistic vision has propelled her to the top of music charts on both sides of the Atlantic, is reaching new heights with her latest single, Dreamin’ which speaks once more to the undeniable power of love. This evocative composition brings the discovery that someone is your soulmate, to rapturous life, and the song’s widespread appeal is evidenced by its #6 position on the UK Independent Soul Chart. This is a stunning achievement for Elaine E’ssential, coming as it does on the heels of her earlier hits, the inspiring song Everyday Luv, from her popular LuvLifeLive EP, and Win-Win. Her first solo album, I’m Ready Now, confirmed this BMI-accredited artist as someone to watch.
Talent courses through E’ssential’s very blood, as she is a descendant of the timelessly iconic ragtime giant Scott Joplin. E’ssential’s journey to stardom includes opening for a constellation of luminaries, such as Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Mc Lyte, Fred Hammond, Karen Clarke-Sheard, LL Cool J, Mary Mary, Dawkins, and Dawkins, Trinitee 5:7. Building on her experiences with these marquee names, Elaine E’ssential also embarked on a fabulous plus-size modeling career, showcasing her natural beauty and alluring curves to fashion connoisseurs everywhere.
The new single, described as “an ode to that Ol’ Skool love”, features her colleague, Mistro, and was produced by Integrated Muzik. As autumn continues, Elaine E’ssential keeps the heat on at her upcoming Nov. 6 appearance as a presenter of the virtual Full Figured Industry Awards. You can discover the magic of Elaine E’ssential’s music by downloading or streaming Dreamin’ here.
8. Talasia
Talasia is an Atlantic City, New Jersey native, born into music. Talasia established her musicality from observing her mother at the studio where she frequently recorded original music. After years of singing in the Abundant Life Center choir, the singer was inspired to write her own music but feared that her music was unsuitable for gospel due to its unconventional lyrical and melodic style. Talasia held steadfast to writing music, continuously maturing in the Lord. The versatile singer is intentional about her wordplay, strategically utilizing thought-provoking messages.
9. Nia Dinero
Among the artists who have most resisted easy categorization is fresh to the scene recording artist Nia Dinero. The emcee, vocalist, and actress from Woodbridge, VA (DMV) has put out multiple remakes of quality and varying tones since the early portion of 2015. Receiving her start in the Hip-Pop Duo “Dreamz2Dinero”, Nia Dinero’s talent is one that reveals the uncovering of something special and long overdue. Nia’s raw talent has been expressed on many local and regional stages that gained the support of her peers and ultimately led to a college radio personality position on WNSB Hot 91.1 in Norfolk, VA. All of her preceding opportunities paved the way for Dinero to become more than a rapper and a true artist and entertainer. Posessing an articulate flow, with a laid back yet flirtatiously aggressive swagger; Nia Dinero brings a unique, cunning, and clever perspective in the art of rap that she calls Hip-Pop. Merging genres of Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B; preparing for impact, Nia Dinero is ready to leave the music industry thirsty for a female artist they’ve never experienced before. From metaphoric punch lines to an added comedy and sense of truth, Nia Dinero plans on taking Hip Pop to unprecedented heights with the fuel to land on top.
10. Yassie
Hailing from Nashville, TN – MultI-talented, emerging R&B artist, actress, and model Yassie. Making her mark with charity work and music that is trending. Check out this exclusive interview with her where we chat about her new single Prove It.
Follow these amazing independent artists today!
