Nia Smith

No sooner had Nia Smith released her debut EP than renowned publications like Rolling Stone and BBC Radio 1 predicted a bright future for her and a defining role in the British neo-soul scene in the coming years. And anyone who listens closely to “Give Up The Fear (+3)” (2025) will quickly understand why. Hailing from the vibrant melting pot of South London, the singer blends the sensuality of the great R&B legends of the 1990s with contemporary production techniques, as well as delicate nuances of jazz, Nigerian alté, and other modern Afro-fusion styles. Her inspirations are clear: from Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill to Aretha Franklin and Adele, Nia Smith brings together the best of the past and present to craft contemporary soul with maximum emotional impact. But it’s also clear that the classically trained pianist draws her original songwriting from her own experiences as a Black artist and knows how to channel them brilliantly on her new EP, “Payback Is A Dog” (2026). So the predictions have held up well: with this woman, nothing stands in the way of a rejuvenation of the contemporary soul sound.