A fantastic voice and vocals take music to new heights, transporting you on celestial wings. Okay, that may have been a bit excessive, but amazing voices surely move us. Voices like Usher are well-known for this, but are there others you are unaware of?
Yes, there are many wonderful performers with amazing vocals who are not well-known and are vastly underestimated. Their talent is obvious, so give it a listen; you might just find the ideal complement to your playlist!
KWAYE
Next up is KWAYE, whose full name is Kwayedza Kureya. This Zimbabwean singer and composer are situated in Los Angeles, California, and his vocals are simply outstanding. I initially heard his voice in 2018 and haven’t been able to get enough of him since. He belongs to the R&B genre, but he adds his own spin by drawing on his Zimbabwean background as well as neo-soul.
His songs have appeared in Netflix’s “Top Boy” and “On My Block” series (one of my favourite shows, actually). But I’d want to call your attention to how his career began. His career took an unusual turn when he performed a demo for his Uber driver, who happened to have ties in the music industry. He was signed to Mind of a Genius a few weeks later! His first single, “Cool Kids,” was released in 2017. The takeaway here is to impress your Uber driver since you never know!
KWAYE has an incredible voice and creates truly beautiful sounds; give him a listen!
Yuna
Yuna, full name Yunalis binti Mat Zara’ai, does not receive the recognition she deserves in North America. This Malaysian singer/songwriter made her recorded debut in Malaysia in 2008 with a self-titled EP, which earned her four accolades at Anugerah Industri Muzik, Malaysia’s Grammy equivalent. She has begun to flourish amazing music since then, which appears to be a nice blend of R&B, pop, and some jazz strain.
Some of you may be familiar with her or have heard one of her songs before, as Usher appeared on her 2016 single “Crush.” “Crush” is a very beautiful song in which Usher and Yuna’s voices complement each other in ways that few duets have ever done before. I really advise everyone to listen to it!
DUCKWRTH
Jared Lee, better known as DUCKWRTH, is a South Los Angeles, California-based American rapper and composer. In 2016, DUCKWRTH released his first totally solo album, “I’M UUGLY.” Since then, he’s had some success, even working with Shaboozey on “Start A Riot” for the Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse track.
He exudes a more relaxed hip/hop attitude. Lack-back, however, does not imply that it should be slept on. His music will make you feel wonderful, lift your mood, and leave you eager to hear his next piece. His music is perfect for a vehicle ride, resting alone, or listening with your significant other, in my opinion.
Gallant
Gallant, Christopher Joseph Gallant III, is an American singer-songwriter from Columbia, Maryland, who is signed to Mind of a Genius Records (the same label as KWAYE) and Warner Bros. Records. In 2014, he self-released his debut EP, “Zebra,” and in 2016, he made his full-length debut with “Ology,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
Gallant combines R&B and Soul for some absolutely amazing (I dare to say, gallant) sounds, and his heavenly vocals never cease to amaze me.
Sody
This last entry is from an artist I only encountered last year, during the lockdown, and I’m glad I did! Sophie Dyson, better known as Sody, is a British singer/songwriter who was born and raised in London. Sody, who is only 15 years old, released her debut EP “Youth” in 2016. While she is the youngest artist on this list, she is far from inexperienced.
Sody has a unique musical style that will leave you wanting more. I’m looking forward to seeing how she develops and refines her technique as an artist. She is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the coming years.