Under the radar - 5 artists to lstn. to this week.
ELI JAE
It’s time to round up the year 2025, with a brand new episode of our weekly Under The Radar series, which takes us once again around the world to find some of the best emerging artists that you should definitely pay close attention to in 2026.
Eli Jae (Nigeria).
Eli Jae is a Nigerian afro-fusion artist bringing a smooth, melodic approach to contemporary Afrobeats. Blending soulful vocals with laid-back rhythms and modern production, he crafts songs rooted in emotion, romance, and everyday storytelling. His sound balances warmth and accessibility while staying connected to Nigeria’s vibrant musical landscape. With a growing catalog and a clear artistic direction, Eli Jae continues to establish himself as a promising voice in the new wave of Afro-influenced music.
Temples (UK).
Temples are a British psychedelic rock band known for their lush soundscapes, swirling melodies, and unmistakable retro-modern aesthetic. Emerging from the UK indie scene in the early 2010s, they quickly stood out with their kaleidoscopic blend of psych-pop, baroque influences, and hypnotic grooves. Across their discography, Temples have refined a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Their music thrives on atmosphere and detail, cementing their status as one of the defining acts of contemporary psychedelic rock.
Leonie (France).
At just 20 years old, Leonie is emerging as a powerful new voice in French neo-soul, blending R&B and soul into a warm, mystical, and deeply personal universe. Her track Best Mistake, built around a subtle sample of Erykah Badu’s Didn’t Cha Know, highlights her ability to honor classic influences while shaping a modern sound. After the release of her debut single Swag Energy in 2022, she independently dropped her first EP Divine Energy in 2023, followed in 2025 by Divine Energy Deluxe, adding seven new tracks to the project. Having already performed on major Parisian stages like La Boule Noire, Leonie continues to assert her ambition to carve out a lasting place as a leading Black neo-soul artist in the French music scene.
The Cheaks (UK).
The Cheaks are an English rock band bringing raw energy and sharp songwriting to the modern indie-rock scene. Drawing from classic British rock influences while embracing a contemporary edge, the group blends gritty guitars, punchy rhythms, and emotionally driven vocals. Their sound balances urgency and melody, capturing the restless spirit of a new generation of rock acts. With a growing presence and a clear artistic identity, The Cheaks position themselves as a band to watch within the UK’s evolving rock landscape.
GR!DR (France).
When I met Brice back in 2019, he was nothing more than a (very) talented young producer with endless ambitions. Fast forward to 2025, and GR!DR, as he’s now known, has become one of the fastest rising electro artists in France. GR!DR put his name on the map with bangers like TAKETHAT (which was offered a wonderful remix with UK rapper Elcee The Alchimist), and Bleeding Out, a collaborative single with two other French producers in Theobuntu and Laust. An amazing journey that took him all the way to Tomorrowland that same year, in what already feels like a statement from a young man who seems to be destined for greatness.