For far too long, Black female artists have been carelessly categorized as R&B, regardless of their sound or creative intent. While R&B is a sacred and respected genre with deep roots in Black culture, this pigeonholing has been detrimental to the many Black artists boldly pushing the boundaries of pop, alternative, electronic and indie music.
Luckily, there’s a new generation of Black pop stars redefining what pop sounds and looks like. They’re blending genres, challenging stereotypes, and innovating through music that’s an authentic expression of self. These 9 Black female pop singers are beyond “underrated.” They’re the future of pop.
Tyla
While many have categorized her as afrobeats, South African breakout star Tyla is nothing short of a popstar. She exploded globally with her hit “Water,” a sultry amapiano-infused pop track that became viral. While she blends in global rhythms, Tyla has been adamant about her music living in pop categories. “African music can be pop music, too.” she said while accepting the award for Best Afrobeats. “There’s a tendency to group all African artists under Afrobeats. Even though Afrobeats has opened so many doors for us, African music is so diverse.” Her rising stardom ignites a shift in what global pop representation looks like.
Coco & Clair Clair
All hot girls need a little Coco & Clair Clair on their playlist. The Atlanta-based duo are real life besties who mix witty lyrics and Y2K aesthetics over dreamy, hyperpop beats. They’ve even coined their own genre, dubbed “demon glam,” to honor the internet era that raised them. Their bedroom pop sound is playful and satirical, the perfect soundtrack for a girl who simply loves being a girl.
Chenayder
Chenayder has quietly become one of the coolest new voices in alt-pop. The young songstress perfectly encapsulates the potency of teenage vulnerability and self-discovery with her nostalgic, borderline haunting pop sounds. Her music is lush and introspective, living somewhere between indie pop and shoegaze. As if she’s publishing the bleeding pages of her diary, Chenayder mirrors the unstained goodness that lives within every young girl.
ivri
If you stumble into the woods and hear a siren song luring you home, it’s probably just ivri. This genre-blurring artist coined a sound that floats between electro-pop and moody synthscapes. It’s hypnotic and one of a kind. With soft-spoken vocals and surreal visuals, her work captures the haziness of finding yourself while being imprisoned within your own mind. She gives shape to a rising wave of Black alt-pop creatives crafting deeply experimental and emotionally complex music that defies categorization.
Nao
Though she’s often labeled as R&B, UK songstress Nao’s music has always pushed into pop and electronic territory. How could it not, with her ethereal voice, futuristic production, and cosmic aesthetic? A true pioneer in the alt-pop space, her emotionally vulnerable albums like “Saturn” and “And Then Life Was Beautiful” prove she’s sonically peerless, offering the world transcendent, genre-bending art.
Rachel Chinouriri
British-Zimbabwean artist Rachel Chinouriri blends indie rock with pop and dreamwave. The next up it girl’s sound feels similar to artists like Clairo and beabadoobee, though her unique essence brings a rich perspective that reflects both her cultural heritage and London roots. With a euphoric catalog that explores identity, heartbreak, and all the woes of girlhood, Chinouriri’s work is authentic and resonant.
PinkPantheress
There’s no one quite like PinkPantheress. A true internet-era phenomenon, she fuses jungle, drum & bass, and Y2K pop with short, addictive tracks that fly by far too quickly. Her nostalgic yet futuristic sound is unmistakable, reshaping the definition of pop stardom. She’s not just making music; she’s paving way for Black artists to outline their own mold.
Debbii Dawson
Debbii Dawson is unlike any other artist. She offers a refreshing new sound, blending classic pop songwriting with a cinematic flair. With hypnotizing layered harmonies and an emotional depth that will leave you feeling as deeply as you ever thought you could, she’s a true genre hybrid. Dawson sits somewhere between pop and folk, delivering it all with captivating vulnerability.
Infinity Song
Infinity Song is a sibling band fronted by two sisters and two brothers who are effortlessly redefining what pop and soft rock can sound like in the 2020s. With tight harmonies and art-driven spirits, the group creates music that feels timeless yet fresh. Whether covering viral hits or dropping originals like “Haters Anthem,” Infinity Song radiates warmth, depth, and artistry.