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Wordplay Magazine’s Ones To Watch in 2024
By Pirate Staff / March 21, 2024
A little over 20 years ago a group of friends formed an underground graffiti publication. Over time submissions and support grew, and the skeleton of the magazine we now know as Wordplay fell naturally into place.
Wordplay Magazine is an online publication covering Rap, Soul, Jazz and R&B music in the U.K.
We might be a little late to the party but we had to make sure Wordplay Magazine entered the chat. These artists we’ve covered a few times and some we have just discovered recently.
1. Ferge X Fisherman
Genre: Hip-hop/Rap
German hip-hop/rap duo Ferge X Fisherman are set to have an amazing year! Known for their warm and soulful production. Their latest track “What Have We Become” explores the search for love, the realisation of social responsibilities and acceptance of change are all part of the song. This offering comes with a music video available on our Youtube channel featuring the incredible Mick Jenkins.
'What Have We Become’ follows the introductory ‘Lace Up’, ‘Adults’ and ‘Racing’ in being issued as singles ahead of the album release. ‘Good Mother’, is a concept work about facing and embracing various life stages and sees them deploy gospel choirs, vintage strings, soulful Rhodes chords and wah-wah guitar pedals to give the entire record a distinctly ‘70s film soundtrack vibe.
2. Nectar Woode
Genre: R&B/Soul, Pop
East London based singer-songwriter Nectar Woode, a firecracker who is already set to have an amazing year. Her beautiful voice will calm your inner being and take you on a journey.
She has already sold out 3 nights at Omeara ahead of the release of her new EP “Nothing to Lose”. “Nothing To Lose” follows ‘God Talks Back’, which featured on the cover of Spotify’s RADAR: UK & IRELAND, and Fresh Finds UK upon its release, with support for Nectar continuing to pour in from BBC Radio 1 (Jack Saunders, Jess Izsatt), BBC 6 Music (Giles Peterson, Craig Charles), Apple Music 1 (Zane Lowe, Elton John), BBC 1Xtra, The Guardian, DIY, Clash and many more.
3. Karl Benjamin
Genre: Alt-R&B
Showmanship level is 100% with the next artist Karl Benjamin from West London. His Alt-R&B sound is sending ripples through the stratosphere. Last year he performed at Cross The Tracks as part of The Blues Project Soul Cypher. He also supported Grace Carter on tour.
Last year he dropped an EP called “There In 5” has elements of wanting more from a friend and navigating the feelings and actions this entails. He has had praise from Noctis Magazine, GUAP, Notion, The Fader and GRM Daily.
This year his headline show this year at the Omeara is set to be a stand out with Ella More supporting. He has recently joined The Silhouettes Project, Vol.2 and we cannot wait to see what he has in store for us this year.
4. Talulah Ruby
Genre: R&B/Soul
Talulah Ruby, a singer-songwriter hailing from Lanzarote but now based in London is flowing into the forefront. Her melodic range is otherworldly; her lyrics tend to be meditative, vulnerable, filled with self-expression.
Last year she dropped her first EP Hyperdrive and has received praise from Wonderland, Clash Magazine, House of Solo and Equate Magazine. Last year she also performed with Silhouettes Project at Cross The Tracks. Recently joining The Silhouettes Project, Vol.2 means more exciting times for the future for this promising artist.
5. NEONE the Wonderer
Genre: Nigerian Alté, Jazz, Hip-Hop/Rap
Next up is a Wolverhampton based artist NEONE the Wonderer. He is a musical alchemist, mixing genres to create unique, signature sounds switching up the Jazz Rap scene. Neone intertwines captivating stories between his instrumental environment and lyrical journey through myth, wonder and life experience.
He has already performed at Mobo Fringe this year which was hosted by Mobo Awards in Sheffield. International settings as he floats away to America for SXSW (South by South West) held in Austin Texas in March.
Is set to perform at the Brick Lane Jazz Festival in April he is booked and busy. Plenty of opportunities to go and see him live, we can't wait to see what else he has in store.
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6. Kwoli Black
Genre: Alternative hip hop
Kwoli Black an alternative Hip Hop artist has shaken things up and we love to see it. This artist is a nonconformist, showcasing artistic versatility who blends rap and R&B. His lyrics tend to be introspective and filled with emotion.
Recently released a song this year called “Pretty” along with a music video which features Karl Benjamin. It's an absolute bop by the way, seamlessly blends musicality with the synergistic creativity of two artists determined to ignite movement.
Last year Kwoli graced the stage at Clash Magazine's 'Next Wave' event and supported Kojey Radical and Mercys Cartel at London shows. He has also received praise from GRM Daily, New Wave Magazine, Mixtape Madness and featured on Romesh Ranganathan: For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2.
Kwoli is on a mission with his upcoming project to encourage men to embrace openness and self-expression.
7. Deyah
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Deyah is next up to make waves this year. Deyah is a standout MC, who's music combines Lo-fi Hip Hop with a dash of old school and a dash of new school sounds including neo-soul, and R&B.
She has had praise from Clash, Huck Mag, The Pit, GRM Daily and I am Hip Hop along with others.
Last year she was part of BET Cypher 2023 celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. ‘Socials’ is a mixture of bars and sung melodies filled with raw emotion.
She has dropped a single this year called ‘Socials’ which has already been picked for ‘The Long Song’ of the week by BBC Introducing - Adam Walton and Reprezent Radio.
8. Tahn Solo
Genre: Neo-soul
Tahn Solo is a neo-soul artist from South East London. Has already released two singles this year “Closer” and “Come Alive”. Both are sultry and laced with luscious harmonies and beautiful story telling.
He graced Sofar Sounds last year with his track “Joyride” taken from his EP “Tortoise Territory”.
If you would like to see him live he is performing at a Rhythm in Britain show. Which will be held at The Macbeth in London during March, so make sure you grab tickets. We are really enjoying #SoloSzn and he is about to show us what slow and ready wins the race really looks like.
9. Siobhan
Genre: Alt-Hip Hop
Siobhan is a fresh voice emerging from the eclectic combination of British and Nigerian musical influences a new take on Alt-Hip Hop with hints of Afro-Fusion.
Classically trained and contemporarily conditioned, her sound is a journey into a colourful world where the boundaries of lyricism and expression are extended.
Her debut hit single ‘Active’ tells the story of perseverance; a self fulfilling anecdote which speaks to the journey taken to realise the authenticity on display. With a range spanning over musical and visual artistry, she is set to leave her mark. Last year she got the cover UK & Ireland Fresh Finds on Spotify and provided additional vocals for Suté Iwar.
10. The Isle Of CC
Genre: Neo-Soul
Hailing from the land of Milk and Beans is The Isle Of CC. Set to soothe our souls this year with glorious vocals and emotionally charged lyrics a mixture of Neo-Soul and Electronica.
Someone with many hats last year we saw popping up at lots of different festivals interviewing artists.
Last year modelled for Adidas x GUAP campaign called Rebels To Revolutionise. The photos were taken by fast rising photographer Lauren A-Brown and exhibited under the name SKIN ED’s. This year the photos were featured on the DAZED site at their exhibition “No Turning Back”.
The EP ‘Void’ released in 2022 was a mixture of neo-soul and jazz. The lead single ‘Little Black Dress’ has been featured on Victoria Jane’s Future Soul BBC Radio 1 show. Has had support from BBC Introducing Beds, Herts and Bucks. So we are hoping to see some more new music this year.
Wordplay started 20 years ago in 2002. In this time we have built up a strong team of knowledgeable and professional writers, photographers, marketers and industry savvy individuals. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we hope you check out all the acts.
We’re always looking for new music. If you’ve got a project in the works why not give us a shout, here.
