AFRO-R&B IN THE UK
The UK Afro R&B movement is currently undergoing a remarkable surge, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In the last few years within this vibrant and diverse musical landscape, artists such as Gabzy, Odeal, and JayO have emerged as frontrunners, in that order.
Each of these artists, with a fair share of similarities albeit with their own distinct flair, is carving out paths for themselves, further propelling the genre. Their sounds not only reflect the cultural dynamism of the movement but also contribute to the evolving narrative of Afro-R&B in the UK, making them stand out as true flagbearers of the sound.Â
This sound reverberates within the underground scene, serving as inspiration for the emerging talents of the next generation. Amidst the buzz and excitement, one name stands out prominently – Aggy, who is quickly ascending the ranks as a rising star, positioning himself as the artist to closely watch in 2024.Â
BUBBLING UNDER
Aggy is undeniably one to watch in the underground music scene. He has been putting in work for some time now, skillfully blending R&B, Afrobeats, and Afro-Swing into a signature sound. Slowly, he is carving out a reputation for himself with his soulful vocals and emotive storytelling. With a rapidly growing fan base and high acclaim within the Reading music community, he is poised for a breakthrough in the music scene sooner or later.
WHO IS AGGY?
Aggy is a 19-year-old artist born in Slough, located in the South East of England, before moving to Reading at the age of 7, where he cultivated his love for music. Infused with the vibes of the late ’90s and early 2000s, his musical palette spans R&B, old-school soul, Afrobeats, and Hip-Hop/Rap. Demonstrating a versatile and expansive approach to his craft, Aggy is creating his own lane, paved by the surging R&B climate in the UK.
Hip-hop laid the foundation for Aggy’s journey. He kickstarted his career by penning down rap verses, which he shared with his friends before finding solace in soulful melodies. Since then, he has continued to hone his sound, blending his hip-hop influences with R&B, Afrobeats, and Afroswing into his signature style. As his artistic style continues to evolve, Aggy demonstrates a talent for effortlessly exploring and fusing different genres, and his added skill as a pianist points to a promising and dynamic path in the music industry.
THE ALICIA KEYS COSIGN
His mastery of black and white keys not only showcases his exceptional talent but also garnered a significant cosign from the legendary Alicia Keys. This recognition reached its pinnacle with a virtual duet on TikTok, where Aggy skillfully played the grand piano, accompanied by the Grammy-winning legend singing her award-winning song, “If I Ain’t Got You.”
AWAY FROM THE MUSIC
Aggy is an all-around artist. Aside from music, he is a solid actor who has made several on-camera appearances. Notably, he was part of the #DefytheNoise ad campaign by BeatsbyDre, sharing the screen with football/soccer stars like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry, and PSG’s Kingsley Coman. Additionally, he made a cameo in NSG’s recent music video for “Lonely,” featuring Sarkodie.
CATALOGUE
I Wanna Real Love
Aggy’s artistry goes beyond just music; it’s a brand that celebrates authenticity and individuality. With a debut single that captured the attention of many, he successfully launched his professional career as a musician and has maintained an upward trajectory ever since.
Desire
His second official single, “Desire,” released earlier this year, was accompanied by an emotionally charged performance video that has not only accumulated over 25,000 views on both Instagram and YouTube but also serves as a testament to the growing potential Aggy possesses. This substantial viewership underscores the widespread appeal of his work across these popular platforms, shedding light on the promising trajectory of Aggy’s burgeoning career.
Desire Acoustic Version
Following the warm reception received, Aggy is poised to release the acoustic version of the viral single “Desire,” which is a more soulful take on the Afro-R&B single. He showcases his exceptional vocal range and songwriting prowess. This version takes listeners on an emotional journey, as he sings about navigating through the complexities of desire and longing.
The video is directed by ESE Studios and Shot in the iconic National Opera Studio in London, UK. The video provides a visual feast that perfectly complements the soulful audio experience.
Watch trailer below
on the rise
As audiences continue to connect with his sound, the excitement builds with Aggy’s upcoming plans, including the release of the acoustic version of “Desire” and the promise of more singles in the coming year. With high hopes of possibly releasing a debut EP, Aggy is undoubtedly poised to make a huge mark soon.
His unquestionable talent positions him as one of the standout contenders for the second edition of On The Rise in 2024, solidifying his status as an artist to watch and anticipate in 2024.