Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
JAHZAE ROSE - Courtesy of Lovely Daze Photo
Let’s launch march the right way with five new artists to discover.
Jahzae Rose (USA).
Jahzae Rose is an American hip-hop and alternative rap artist from Elizabeth, New Jersey, known for his emotionally candid lyricism and genre-blending sound. Active across streaming platforms and social media, he’s released a steady string of singles in 2025 including White Rabbit, Love Jonez and I H8 mY Anxiety, showcasing his raw storytelling and versatile delivery. His work moves between introspective themes and more upbeat, energetic tracks, with a style that bridges rap, R&B and alternative influences. Jahzae Rose also shares music on SoundCloud and YouTube, engaging an audience drawn to his expressive voice and emotional honesty.
Lila Iké (Jamaica).
Lila Iké (born Alecia Tameka Grey) is a Jamaican singer and songwriter who has become one of the leading voices in the modern reggae and contemporary Caribbean scene. Hailing from Spanish Town, she first gained attention with singles like Biggest Fan and Where I’m Coming From, blending soulful vocals with conscious lyricism and roots-inspired rhythms. Signed to In.Digg.Nation Collective, she’s closely associated with producer Protoje and peers like Sevana and Chronixx, helping define a new wave of reggae that balances tradition with modern sensibility. Her debut album The ExPerience (2020) earned critical praise for its depth and musicality, and she’s continued to evolve with recent singles and collaborations. Performed at major festivals like Reggae Sumfest and Glow Festival, Lila Iké’s music resonates with themes of empowerment, love and self-reflection.
Santino Le Saint (UK).
Santino Le Saint is a London-based R&B and alternative soul artist known for his dark, cinematic sound that weaves together elements of rock, emo and contemporary R&B. Born Santino Bucknell and raised in Brixton, he grew up around music thanks to his father, hip-hop producer Charlie “Parker” Bucknell of 57th Dynasty, and began learning piano and guitar from a young age. His early work includes EPs like Cloud 304 and Xeno, and the mixtape A Girl Is a Gun, showcasing his haunting vocals, guitar-driven production and introspective lyricism. Tracks such as Maria Don’t Call Me, Bullet With My Name On It and I Know have helped build his cult following on streaming platforms. With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana to Frank Ocean and Post Malone, he blends alternative rock and soul into expressive, moody music.
Nyokabi Kariũki (Kenya).
Nyokabi Kariũki is a Kenyan composer, experimental sound artist and artistic researcher whose work spans from classical contemporary music to electronic, pop and East African musical traditions. Born and raised in Nairobi, she trained in piano from a young age and later studied composition at New York University, developing a genre-fluid approach that blends improvisation, field recordings and cultural heritage. Her debut EP peace places: kenyan memories was named one of The Guardian’s Best Contemporary Albums of 2022, and her critically acclaimed album FEELING BODY (2023) reflects on her experience with long Covid through immersive sound worlds. Kariũki performs with piano, voice, electronics and traditional African instruments like kalimba and mbira, creating deeply evocative compositions. Her music has been showcased internationally at festivals, concert halls and collaborations with ensembles, positioning her as a compelling new voice in contemporary composition and experimental music.
Geuice (UK).
Geuice is a British artist and producer known for his eclectic blend of alternative R&B, electronic textures and moody, introspective songwriting. His catalogue, which includes tracks like Big Iron, Sugar and Glory, showcases a wide emotional range and an ability to fuse soulful vocals with atmospheric production. He first gained attention on platforms like SoundCloud before expanding his reach with more polished releases and frequent features on collaborative projects. His music moves between introspective balladry and more upbeat, groove-oriented cuts, reflecting both vulnerability and stylistic versatility.