Part of the ‘Is R&B live music an untapped gem for Abu Dhabi?‘ Series, this will focus on artists The Travel Consigliere believe are capable of attracting up to 1,000 attendees for their own standalone concert, and can be considered for a supporting act role for major Abu Dhabi events.
FLO
British group FLO and their throwback R&B style burst onto the scene in 2022 and have quickly become one of the hottest properties in R&B. Crowned the Sound of 2023 by BBC, big things are expected from this group and might be a relationship the UAE seeks to build from now.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 299k, Twitter: 105k , Spotify: 3.8 million
Notable Songs: Cardboard Box, Immature, Fly Girl
Chloe
Beyonce mentee and half of R&B duo Chloe x Halle, American singer and actress Chloe has now branched out on her own as a solo artist. Whilst previously attending the UAE in a celebrity engagement at the red carpet for the Atlantis The Royal Grand Reveal Weekend, potentially in the future it could be a performance that brings her back soon.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 6.1 million, Twitter: 1.8 million, Spotify: 4.9 million
Notable Songs: Have Mercy, Treat Me, Suprise
Cleo Sol
Critically acclaimed British songstress Cleo Soul not only an amazing artist in her own right, but also a member of the mysterious neo-soul collective SAULT. Live performances from Cleo are a rarity but in extreme demand by her dedicated fanbase.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 230k, Twitter: 35k, Spotify: 1.3 million
Notable Songs: When I’m in Your Arms, Why Don’t You, Promises
Sabrina Claudio
American Alternative R&B songstress Sabrina Claudio is known for her sensual and entrancing vocals. A brilliant songwriter as well as vocalist, she recently was part of the recent Grammy win for Beyonce’s Plastic Off The Sofa.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 1 million, Twitter: 113k, Spotify: 2.7 million
Notable Songs: Belong to You, Confidently Lost, Stand Still
Coco Jones
American singer and actress Coco Jones is making waves as a rising star in the R&B world but also in Hollywood as Hilary Banks in the Fresh Prince reboot ‘Bel-Air’. She rose to prominence starring in the Disney Channel film, Let It Shine and there’s clamours for her to play Princess Tiana in the live-action version of The Princess and the Frog. Definitely one for the UAE to keep an eye on as her stock continues to rise.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 2.6 million, Twitter: 644k, Spotify: 2.1 million
Notable Songs: ICU, Caliber, Simple
YEBBA
Grammy award winning American YEBBA is a truly gifted vocalist and penwoman. The singer-songwriter became prominent in 2016 when her captivating performance of the song My Mind went viral on YouTube. Since then, she’s gone on to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music and has been tipped to be breakout star.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): Mother of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Festival
Socials: IG: 928k, Twitter: N/A, Spotify: 5.1 million
Notable Songs: Yebba’s Heartbreak, Best Part of Me, My Mind
Kiana Ledé
American rising R&B singer Kiana Ledé is known for her buttery vocals and vulnerability in her songwriting. She’s also tried her hand at acting, in the Scream: The TV Series and Netflix’s All About The Washingtons.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 882k, Twitter: 213k, Spotify: 4.7 million
Notable Songs: Ex, I Choose You, Wicked Games
Alina Baraz
American singer-songwriter Alina Baraz is popular for her smooth and sultry voice over electronic instrumentals.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 478k, Twitter: 157k, Spotify: 5.1 million
Notable Songs: Electric, Fantasy, Floating
Alex Isley
Rising American R&B prodigy Alex Isley possesses silky vocals and harmonies that feel like velvet. Daughter of guitarist Ernie Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers, she has carved her own path despite the famous last name, doing so independently without major label backing.
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi
Socials: IG: 173k, Twitter: 25k, Spotify: 1.6 million
Notable Songs: Good & Plenty, Into Orbit, Mine
Blxst
American rapper-singer Blxst has made waves by injecting a fresh West Coast sound into hip-hop and R&B. He’s become the go-to hook man for hip-hop biggest names, such as Kendrick, Nas, and Rick Ross. His melodic hip-hop sound a great option for many events here in the UAE
Previous UAE Performance: N/A
Potential Venue(s): Culture Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, NYUAD Arts Center, Berklee Abu Dhabi, WHITE Abu Dhabi
Potential Event(s): BRED Abu Dhabi, Wireless Abu Dhabi
The Travel Consigliere 
One response to “Emerging R&B Artists We Want To See Perform In Abu Dhabi”
[…] Tier 4: Emerging R&B artists that are growing in popularity and may be able to attract up to 1,000 attendees for their own standalone concert, and can be considered for a supporting act role for major Abu Dhabi events. […]
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