Who will reign supreme?
July has long held the title of London’s hottest month, and 2025 is living up to the reputation. But this year, the real heat isn’t just from rising temperatures — it’s radiating from the city’s genre-bending Titans: Odeal and Gabzy.
London’s smoothest exports are turning up the heat this season, moving with precision and raising both the stakes and their stock in a silent battle for seasonal dominance. With each drop, each visual, and every calculated rollout, they’re not just releasing music — they’re shaping mood boards, influencing playlists, and staking their claim as the city’s rightful heir.
With the summer already shaping up, the season has narrowed into a two-man race to set the tone — and London is the battlefield. As the weather sizzles, so does the question: who will reign supreme?.
Both artists occupy that sweet spot between Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul — blending diaspora textures with emotional depth, and each boasting a strong female fanbase. So what happens when two of the city’s most melodic voices set their sights on the same throne?
The answer is simple. The fans get fire: sleek rollouts, amazing music, and visuals that linger. And neither artist can outrun the smoke. It trails behind every release, every visual drop, and with each milestone, the rivalry only intensifies.
The tension isn’t loud — just a quiet charge under the surface. This isn’t beef. It’s a cold war. Two fanbases. Two algorithms. One throne on the line.
Gabzy's Claim For The Throne
Nigerian-British artist Gabriel Akinyemi, better known as Gabzy, earned his stripes in 2019 with the breakout Summers alongside Melvitto. That laid the groundwork for Malone, his 2020 solo debut that gave fans early classics like As Friends and Toxic. Fusing smooth R&B with Afrobeats, Gabzy carved out his lane and built a cult-like following, amplified by his sold-out headline shows — from a UK tour in 2022, multiple nights at KOKO to a rain-soaked, career-defining performance at Somerset House in 2023, where Odeal appeared as a guest. His East African tour drew 8,000 fans in Nairobi and 3,000 in Kampala, a moment that cemented his status as one of London’s most important exports.
But after a less impactful 2024 that saw his counterpart take the spotlight, Gabzy’s 2025 return has been a masterclass in rollout strategy. The breezy 30 Degrees served as a low-key reset, teasing the beginning of a new chapter. Then came the After Summer tour announcement, and the spark caught fire.
Six major European cities sold out within hours. TikTok amplified the frenzy, and London’s 3,000-capacity Roundhouse sold out in minutes. A second date was added at the same venue and sold out just as quickly — 3,000 tickets gone in minutes. Then 3,000 more. Gabzy didn’t just sell out London — he sent a clear message to his competitor.
With a sold-out tour on the horizon, he then followed up with So Much Sense featuring Fireboy DML, a smooth, star-studded anthem that immediately set timelines ablaze and fueled speculation around his rumored upcoming project. With a feature that bridges Lagos and London, it’s a clear signal: he isn’t just back; he’s doubling down.
From the rollout to the reception, the message is clear: Gabzy’s outside, the fans are showing up, and the summer might just belong to him. After a year off the throne, Peckham’s finest is making his move and challenging Odeal, who currently sits at the top.
Odeal's Claim For The Throne
Odeal’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and dominance. After years of trailing behind Gabzy, 2023 saw the tide shift. What began as a guest appearance at Gabzy’s Somerset show turned into a fire that ignited one of the most impressive career arcs in UK alt-fusion.
Born in Germany and raised between Nigeria and Europe, Odeal blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and Afroswing into a genre-fluid identity. His 2023 EP Thoughts I Never Said signaled a quiet evolution, a more reflective turn in his artistry. Building on earlier tracks like Coffee (Don’t Read Signs) and Be Easy, the EP’s lead single, All That It Takes, premiered on COLORS, showcasing a minimalist and emotive performance that underscored his growth as both a songwriter and vocalist.
2024 marked his defining moment. While Gabzy had a less impactful year, The London vocalist engineered one of the most intentional and dynamic runs of his career. He released two sonically distinct projects within the same year — a bold move he framed as “the duality of a man,” proving his ability to thrive in multiple sonic spaces. Sunday at Zuri’s leaned into warm Afrobeats and soul textures, birthing the undeniable summer anthem “Soh‑Soh.” In contrast, Lustropolis offered a smooth, mood-heavy R&B soundscape, featuring none other than Summer Walker and producing the standout single “Blame U.”
Alongside these came a polished collaboration with Juls and the sun-soaked anthem Take Me with Nippa. Each release felt part of a larger vision — genre-spanning, audience-aware, and strategically timed. From fan devotion to critical acclaim, Odeal’s 2024 wasn’t just consistent — it was dominant. He raised the stakes and sent a very clear message: Odeal isn’t just emerging, he is reigning.
Backed by Atlanta-based imprint LVRN, his efforts led to a BET nomination, a historic MOBO double win for Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act, and a defining performance of “Soh Soh” at the Utilita Arena. It was the kind of moment that signaled a shift from underground icon to a global-facing artist.
Odeal has no plans of slowing in 2025. His latest single “London Summers” racked up over 1 million streams in ten days, paired with a cinematic short film for his upcoming album The Summer That Saved Me scheduled for release on July 11, Odeal looks poised to define the season — and perhaps, retain the crown he comfortably held last year.
So, Who Will Be Crowned King of London?
All roads lead to this summer — two counterparts squaring off with their highly anticipated projects. The competition may be quiet, but the stakes are clear: streaming numbers, playlist dominance, social media buzz, and ticket sales will decide who ultimately sits on the throne.
Odeal’s The Summer That Saved Me, set to drop July 11, aims to ride the wave of “London Summers,” ready to solidify his reign with a sun-soaked blend of R&B and Afrobeats. Meanwhile, fresh off his 2025 releases and a sold-out tour, Gabzy is locked in — wrapping up his next move: the bold and introspective project It’s Not You, It’s Summer, poised to reclaim his crown.
With both artists in peak form, the race feels less like a rivalry and more like a reflection of where the scene is headed. Gabzy brings legacy, a loyal fanbase, and a presence that moves with quiet authority. Odeal counters with momentum; rising streams, creative range, and a fearless streak of reinvention.
And with a female audience at the core, the message is clear: pretty girls love Gabzy. But they love Odeal too. In a season ruled by mood, melody, and memory, that love might just be the loudest metric of all.