We are thrilled to reveal the MOBO UnSung Class of 2023, featuring incredible emerging artists who made it as Top 10 finalists for this year’s MOBO UnSung competition and who we think are on the path to becoming some of the most exciting breakthrough acts in music.

With previous MOBO UnSung alumni including Tiana Major9, Tion Wayne, and Jacob Banks, we cannot wait to see their trajectory over the next 12 months.

Ace Clvrk

Who? Ace Clvrk captures a unique mix of soul, Alternative R&B, Afro and Pop! Influenced by a wide variety of genres, Ace’s writing style and delivery has earned him the title of "R&B's Indie Kid." Based in Reading & Manchester, Ace started his career as a songwriter, allowing his music to be used in film and production music worldwide. His success as a songwriter paired with his background in performing arts naturally led him to forge his own path as an artist with global potential. 

Listen to: ‘So Far Gone’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @aceclvrk, Instagram: @aceclvrk, Twitter: @Duvalw

Bea Anderson

Who? Hailing from London, singer and songwriter Bea Anderson has quickly gained traction as she combines effortless melodies and soulful lyrics with a timeless approach to songwriting. Drawing influence from artists such as Destiny’s Child, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan, Bea’s sound is fresh, uncompromising and a welcome addition to the UK R&B scene. 

Listen to: ‘Easy’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @itsbeaanderson, Instagram: @itsbeaanderson, Twitter: @itsbeaanderson

DEJA 

Who? DEJA’s Pop/Afro bangers are the ‘verbal eye-roll’ you never knew you needed. DEJA is sassy and unafraid. So is her music. She places fiery lyrics on sticky pop/afro/r&b production. DEJA brings with her a relentless work ethic that's noticed by industry and artists alike. She sings, she dances, she raps and all with a mesmerising energy that won't let your eye wonder from her. 

Listen to: ‘Gagged (Look Good)’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @dejadejadejaaa, Instagram: @dejadejadejaaa, Twitter: @dejadejaaaa

Josh Barry

Who? There are few people who can witness Josh’s emotive vocals and not feel some type of way. Josh’s unique, modern take on 70's old school soul, has been compared to the likes of Otis Redding meets Jimi Hendrix, with the energy of James Brown. Coming from a background of musical theatre, Josh started his journey in the world of performance as young Simba in London’s iconic ‘The Lion King’ musical’. His roots can be seen and heard through his current live performances. Over the past decade, Josh has featured on dance hits with the likes of Gorgon City, Sonny Fodera, The Martinez Brothers, Rudimental. 

Listen to: ‘All Add Up’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @joshbarrymusic, Instagram: @joshbarrymusic, Twitter: @joshbarrymusic

Kaniva

Who? South London’s Kaniva has been gaining momentum, with his hard-hitting punchlines, audacious attitude & ability to paint a vivid image with his storytelling in regards to issues with homelessness & mental health. Having released a string of incredible projects and shared the stage with French Montana and Snoop Dogg, Kaniva is destined for greatness. 

Listen to: ‘Mummy Says’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @kanivaoh, Instagram: @kanivaoh, Twitter: @KanivaOH

NEONE The Wonderer

Who? Hailing from Wolverhampton, NEONE The Wonderer is a dream wanderer, dedicated to self-exploration through an electric fusion of musical genres. He challenges your perception of normality, traversing through dreams, nightmares, myth, and reality. 

Listen to: ‘Nose Dive’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @neonewonderer, Instagram: @neone_wonderer, Twitter: @neone_wonderer 

Young Athena

Who? Young Athena is a gifted artist with a unique and soulful voice that effortlessly transports listeners to the golden era of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. Her ability to seamlessly blend various genres, such as Soul with Grime, jazzy vocals with Drill, and sweet R&B melodies with a touch of Dancehall and Hip Hop, creates a harmonious, diverse, and fresh sound that showcases her immense confidence and exceptional talent.

Listen to: ‘Like A Girl’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @young_athena, Instagram: @young_athena, Twitter: @young_athena_

Gabriel Sanches

Who? From the age of two years old, music became a second language of Soul and Gospel vocalist Gabriel Sanches. Gabriel wears his influences on his sleeves from the Church roots of Jekalyn Carr and Maverick City Music to the Soul bearing vocals of Donny Hathaway and the performance bravado of Samm Henshaw. It’s with this amalgamation that he brings a fusion of old school sensibilities with a modern sound. Gabriel also plans to explore the sounds and culture of his native Brazil in his future releases, in this he hopes to break down the barriers between western culture and Latin America.

Listen to: ‘Saved Me’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @thegabrielsanches, Instagram: @thegabrielsanches

Melica

Who? Melica, who came to the UK at just age 6 from the tiny island of St. Lucia, boasts a signature Pop/R&B sonance, yet her versatility as an artist shines brightly through her ability to tap into a cocktail of other sounds. Melica's musical scope ranges from up-tempo and tropical, island infused styles stemming from her Caribbean roots, to moody R&B vibes that showcase her rich vocals and slightly softer edge. Her musical influences range from Beyonce, Aaliyah, Rihanna and Sza to name a few. 

Listen to: ‘Don’t Say Sorry’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @iammelica_, Instagram: @iammelica_, Twitter: @iamMelica_

Shack Santima

Who? Mechac Santima-Loboko, also known as Shack Santima, is an upcoming gospel artist. Hailing from South East London, Shack draws inspiration from his life, his journey, from reading the Bible to hearing sermons and his personal experiences with friends, family, trials and tribulations, pain, trauma, and blessings all stemming from his personal relationship and faith in God.

Listen to: ‘Husband Material’ 

Connect Online: TikTok: @congomedian, Instagram: @sauceyshacks