Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
BINA.
It’s the penultimate edition of the Under the Radar 2025 series, and we’ve got five more artists to lstn. to to end the year in style.
BINA. (UK).
BINA. is a South-London singer-songwriter whose sound fuses alternative R&B, neo-soul and jazzy indie vibes into deeply atmospheric, soulful music. Since her 2019 debut EP Humble Abode, she’s stood out with silky vocals, introspective lyrics and a genre-bending approach that embraces soul, jazz and experimental beats. Songs like Dark Cloud, Boundaries or Dopamine reflect honest journeys of self-discovery, healing and vulnerability, often with a moody, nocturnal energy. Equal parts singer, producer and DJ, BINA. builds immersive soundscapes that highlight her identity as a Black British woman navigating love, identity and growth. Recognized as a “One To Watch” in 2025 by the Association of Independent Music, she’s shaping up to be one of the UK’s most exciting rising voices in neo-soul and alt-R&B.
Jeff Akoh (Nigeria).
Jeff Akoh is a Nigerian singer who first broke through in 2015 when he became the youngest winner ever of Project Fame West Africa. Since then, he’s built a versatile catalogue, from the romantic grooves of I Do to upbeat Afro-pop jams like Yawa, showcasing his smooth vocals and knack for melody. His debut album Lokoja and subsequent releases mix R&B, Afro-pop, and soul, reflecting both his emotional depth and his ability to craft accessible, feel-good tracks. Songs such as Bio (Calabar Girl) highlight his talent for romantic storytelling over lush, modern instrumentals. Jeff Akoh is a prominent example of Nigerian Afro/R&B’s evolution, a rising artist whose blend of soul, rhythm and sincerity is unique amongst his piers.
Äyanna (UK).
Äyanna is a London-born singer-songwriter whose fresh take on UK pop and R&B blends sweet vocals, dancehall and UKG-tinged production. Since signing with LVRN, she’s gained attention with singles like Girlfriend and Say You Love Me, and her 2023 debut EP In A Perfect World introduced her dreamy, soul-infused sound to a growing audience. Her 2024 follow-up EP About A Boy digs deeper: nine tracks that explore love, identity and life as a Black British artist with Jamaican roots. Äyanna’s music feels like a post-club midnight drive: warm, nostalgic, and emotionally honest.
The Hics (UK).
The Hics are a London-based alt-R&B/neo-soul duo whose delicate blend of jazzy atmospheres, soulful vocals, and electronic textures makes them a standout act in the UK scene. On On You, from their comeback EP HARMINE, they deliver a poignant track about change and vulnerability, warm chords, smooth harmonies, and that signature dream-like mood. With roots dating back to their 2013 debut EP, they re-emerged stronger, channeling their growth into mature songwriting and lush, emotional production. The Hics are all about subtlety, honesty and soul, a perfect fit for listeners craving depth and atmosphere in modern R&B.
Bōlají (USA).
Bōlají is a young Houston-based artist blending soulful R&B with jazzy textures and introspective lyricism. His self-titled debut project revealed a unique sound, smooth vocals over sax-tinged grooves and laid-back beats, with tracks like Lavish standing out as late-night gems. Part of the duo Palace Floor while building a solo career, Bōlají balances musical ambition with vulnerability and real-life storytelling. His songs capture moments of longing, growth and reflection, perfect for listeners in search of atmosphere and emotion.